VIDEO/PHOTO STORY: New Geneva Library Could Be Finished 'After Beginning of Year'

VIDEO/PHOTO STORY: New Geneva Library Could Be Finished ‘After Beginning of Year’

/ October 7, 2019 / Comments Off on VIDEO/PHOTO STORY: New Geneva Library Could Be Finished ‘After Beginning of Year’ / Communities, Consumers, Development, Education, Events, Government, Libraries in Kane County, Local Economy, Parks and Recreation, Property Values, Quality of Life, WK-Communities

Geneva library officials say the new $21.8 library could be completed “after the beginning of the year.”

While a formal opening day hasn’t been announced, construction is moving along well at the 227 S. Seventh St. site, according to a Sept. 27 photo story on the library’s website.

As of that week, crews were installing terracotta on the south side of the building, facing Franklin Street, and completed work on the north side of the building, along Campbell Street.

Funding for the project was made possible via an April 2017 referendum, when voters approved the project by a margin of 89 votes — 3,852 to 3,763.

What Will The New Library Feature?

According to the library’s website, the 57,000-square-foot building will include:

  • Enhanced collections and programs.
  • 76 off-street parking spaces.
  • Drive-up convenience to pick up and drop off books and materials.
  • A variety of meeting areas.
  • Exhibit space.
  • Outdoor reading spaces.
  • American with Disabilities Act compliance, making it accessible for all.

New Technology

The north side of the building as viewed from Campbell Street. Terracotta installation is complete. The long row of windows on the lower level looks into Kids Landing. The upper level consists of the technology area as well as bookable rooms the community can use for studying, work, group meetings, and more.

Library service will be expanded to include:

  • A technology area where you can use or check out equipment, take classes, and create digital works.
  • A craft room for classes and drop-in projects.
  • Lab spaces for experimenting.

Enhanced Children’s Area

A view of the upper level balcony as seen from Seventh Street; below that is Kids Landing. To the right is the main entrance off the parking lot (there is a pedestrian entrance off Campbell Street). 

The library will feature an enhanced children’s area that includes:

  • A program and craft room.
  • An outdoor program space.
  • Play areas for young children.
  • Learning space for elementary school-aged children.
  • Middle school lounge space.
  • Developmentally appropriate collections.
  • Learning opportunities for children from birth through eighth grade.

Teen Space

This view from Franklin Street shows the main meeting room on the right. Above that is the teen space (left) and craft room (right).

Teens will have their own space as well as access to more books and materials.

Variety of New Spaces

The view from Seventh and Campbell Streets. To the right on the upper level is the Quiet Reading Room, on the left are the bookable study/meeting rooms.

The Geneva community can enjoy using a variety of new spaces that offer:

  • Enhanced collections.
  • A quiet reading and study area.
  • An indoor/outdoor fireplace.
  • Two outdoor balconies.
  • Bookable study rooms.
  • Two meeting rooms that can hold a variety of program.
  • A demonstration kitchen.
  • A collaboration zone for group projects or solo work.

FAQs

WHAT ARE PLANS FOR THE PARK ON THE SITE? The Geneva Park District held a public meeting earlier in September to select the playground design. The playground will be located at Sixth and Franklin streets. The start date for installation will be determined later.

WILL THE LIBRARY BE CLOSED DURING THE MOVE TO THE NEW LIBRARY? The library will close, but dates are not yet set for our move or opening day. Library officials will post updates to gpld.org and the library’s Facebook Page as we know more.

WHERE CAN I KEEP UP WITH PROGRESS? Check gpldnewbuilding.org for a comprehensive overview of the plans for the new library and regular updates. For more information, contact the Geneva Library Board at Board@gpld.org.

  • FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: Crews install terracotta on the south/southwest side of the building (Seventh and Franklin streets). The upper level is the Quiet Reading Room; below that (behind the construction equipment) is the drive-up window where you’ll be able to pick up and drop off library materials.

SOURCE: Geneva Public Library website

Read More

Development Update: Geneva’s New Public Library Begins To Take Shape

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