Local

Park Forest Library Plans Major Remodeling Project


Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– The Park Forest Library is planning to remodel, and, if plans are approved, the new look will not require additional tax dollars.

The Library Board presented plans to the Park Forest Village Board last week for a complete renovation of the current Library’s interior. Offices will be moved to the area currently occupied by the Children’s Library, and the Children’s Library will be moved to the current Adult Fiction section. Plans also call to take down walls, allowing a complete line of sight to all public areas of the Library from the main check-in desk.

Bathroom facilities will also be expanded and made ADA compliant.

Proposed costs run between $1.3 million and $1.5 million. However, since administration and the Library Board have accumulated a reserve fund balance of $1,336,112, much of the monies for the project are already on-hand. The board will pursue grants and a contribution from Olympia Fields to assist in the project.

The project will leave the Library without a fund balance. If needed, plans call for the Library to seek monetary assistance from the Village of Park Forest, between $138,888 and $363,888. These funds will come from reserve funds from the Village keeps.

The Library plans to remain open throughout the renovation project.

The writer is a Trustee in Park Forest.


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