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St. Charles Library reports over 1 million circulations, ADA upgrades and a sensory garden grant
Summary
Mary Cruz, president of the St. Charles Public Library Board, told the State of the City audience the library circulated a little over one million items last year, completed first‑phase ADA upgrades, launched a community micro‑pantry, distributed more than 10,000 seed packets, and secured a grant via State Rep. Matt Hansen for a sensory garden to be completed by 2027.
Mary Cruz, president of the St. Charles Public Library Board, presented the library’s annual highlights and plans, emphasizing accessibility, preservation and community outreach.
Cruz said the library’s annual circulation topped "a little over a million items," with nearly 1,000 daily visitors and robust digital and physical borrowing. She described work completed in the first year of ADA accessibility upgrades, improvements to parking and roof preservation on the library’s historic Carnegie wing, and security and insulation measures intended to protect the building and reduce winter pipe risks.
The library expanded inclusion efforts through partnerships with District 303 transition students, Fox Valley Special Recreation and Rising Lights, and Fox Valley Literacy Volunteers. Cruz said Spanish‑language programming and staffing dedicated to Spanish‑speaking residents will expand this year. She also announced a community micro‑pantry launched in 2025 and highlighted a school district food drive that contributed over 15,000 donated items.
Cruz noted a grant obtained through State Representative Matt Hansen’s office to create a sensory garden on library grounds by the end of 2027. The sensory garden will include accessible paths, raised beds, seating and interpretive signage focusing on native plants and environmental education. Cruz closed by thanking city partners and reaffirming the library’s mission to provide welcoming spaces, robust collections and responsive services.
No formal funding ordinance or new city appropriation was announced during the presentation; the library referenced state grant support and community donations as primary resources for specific projects.
