ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A west suburban library has completed a more than $18-million renovation designed to take the community into the future.
The St. Charles Public Library was basically taken down to the studs, according to director Edith Craig. When it was done, she said, there was 9,000 square feet of more usable space, including a design area with 3-D printers, laser cutter, heat press, and a sound studio which could be used by people wanting to record podcasts.
“We’re a lucky library that sees almost a thousand people walk through our doors every day, a thousand people every day. So, when people say libraries are dying, libraries are not dying. We’re thriving," Craig said.
Craig said other new features include a drive-up window for picking up material and more natural light coming into the building.
The renovations of the St. Charles Public Library cost $18.6 million, but director Craig said they were completed without having to raise taxes.
She said the library gives people what they asked for in surveys and focus groups.
“They were pretty loud and clear. They wanted more space to stream, to read, to study, to just be," Craig said.
She said that outside new landscaping and more parking were also added.
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