What started as a dream for many in 2019 took a step toward reality on Monday as shovels hit dirt outside the Highwood Public Library, marking the beginning of construction and renovation for the new Highwood Library and Community Center at 102 Highwood Avenue.
Those in attendance got to see through renderings and hear from staff what the new spaces will look like in the projected eight to 10 months, when the $4.3 million project is expected to be finished.
The signature fireplace by the entrance will remain, but almost everything else will be replaced.
In the early childhood section, double-sided book stacks will be accessible for little ones, replacing the tall stacks that previously made many books hard to reach, staff said.
A stage with a marquee will display the names of readers prominent. And to the left of that stage, kids will find costumes to help them make the characters in the books come to life.
An interactive area will be used like a small pop-up museum where themes change each year. And a reader nook and computer bank will be added.
One aspect staff is excited for is the removal of a closet in exchange for windows that will let in the natural light.
For every section of the building, the voices of patrons will be represented as they were asked to give their feedback during the design process.
“We told them, ‘This is your space. What do you want it to be?'” said library Director Carmen Patlan.
Teens spoke loud and clear when they shared their love for skateboarding. Staff explained that many of the teen patrons ride skateboards and scooters to the library.
A rack mounted on a back wall will be able to not only keep their skateboards safe in the building, but also be a cool decoration feature.
Computers and technological gadgets in a makerspace include 3D printers, sewing machines and Cricuts.
“It’s about equity,” Patlan said. “We know our residents deserve to have what other libraries have.”
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The main lobby and adult section is said to offer a computer lab, study rooms, a laptop bar, a state-of-the-art circulation desk and a self-serve cafe.
The staff joked they would have a trashing party of the very old, rundown and stain-filled carpet that is to be replaced with new earth-toned colors.
During Patlan’s speech, she shared that since she took on the job of director four years ago, she’s had a vision board on her wall with a quote from Mary Poppins that reads: “Everything is possible, even the impossible.”
A tiny library can become a place for all, she thought. And it’s been dubbed tiny but mighty.
She believes through her faith in God, the hard work of her staff and volunteers, along with the support of donors and elected officials, that the quote on her wall is an active deed everyday, for there have been many obstacles officials have had to overcome.
While fundraising for the first $2 million of the renovation project, COVID-19 hit and the library quickly turned a storage room into a food pantry. Patlan said they distributed 33,000 meals in almost two years.
Then more than 800 people got tested for the COVID-19 virus at their makeshift testing site.
Partnering with Walgreens, they also got needles in the arms of Highwood residents, which helped make Highwood go from the second-highest infected city in the county to what it is now, 87% vaccinated.
Most recently, the library’s newly rolled out health equity program shifted immediately to a triage center for those who suffered trauma from the Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park.
“During that first week, we saw more than 600 people in counseling, support groups, meditation and therapy,” Patlan said.
The groundbreaking ceremony included speeches from some of the officials who were integral to the process — Board of Trustees President Lucy Hospodarsky, Highwood Mayor Charlie Pecaro, Friends of the Highwood Library President Andy Hamilton, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, state Rep. Bob Morgan and Ginny Hotaling of state Sen. Julie Morrison’s office.
“We are absolutely thrilled to break ground today, and make the vision of this library and community center a reality for the residents of our growing town,” Patlan said.
Schneider reminded the crowd it was just recently that the library won the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ 2021 National Medal Award. The Highwood library was the only one in Illinois to be recognized with the prestigious award.
Morrison couldn’t be there in person, but sent a letter that was read out loud and in a news release she stated, “I am pleased that the $2 million dollar state grant I was able to secure for the Highwood Public Library will amplify the resources offered by the library.”
During the renovations, the library will continue to offer its services in a smaller space that will later be the community center, set to be the last phase of the project. Through partnerships with the North Shore School District 112, literacy classes will be held at Oak Terrace Elementary School and its health programming out of the Church of the Redeemer, which is across the street from the library.