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Library expansion proceeding amid construction; staff say programming held steady
Summary
Library leaders told council the 8,000 sq ft expansion will open to the public in January (ribbon cutting in February) with youth areas possibly available in December; programming attendance has remained robust despite construction.
Library Director Heidi Smith updated the council on the expansion and ongoing services, saying the main building work should be finished by January with a ribbon cutting anticipated in February and partial youth‑services access possible in December.
Smith highlighted that, despite construction inconveniences, the library has maintained strong usage: staff reported about a half‑million annual circulations and more than 12,000 program attendees through July (roughly 1,700 per month), an outcome Smith said exceeded internal expectations. She also described efforts to maintain services during construction by hosting programs with community partners and to prioritize physical and digital accessibility, including large‑print materials, audiobooks and contract access to braille through the Illinois State Library.
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