Cafe, drive-up window, new youth services section: Algonquin library branch debuts new look

The Algonquin Area Public Library’s Eastgate Branch has reopened after being closed for five months while it underwent a $6 million renovation.

The renovations opened up the lower level entirely for public use, allowing the branch, located at 115 Eastgate Drive, to offer a separate adult section on the first floor and a youth area on the lower level.

[ See more photos of the Algonquin library branch's renovation ]

The work began last April but necessitated the closing of the library in July to complete the work. On the first floor, that included the addition of a cafe with a paperback exchange, seating and vending machines. The addition of a FlexSpace room with retractable doors, a sink, a TV and accessible electricity is intended for additional adult programs such as book clubs, AARP tax assistance and crafts.

Windows were added to the building’s once fully bricked west side, and the four windows on the building’s south side had the tint removed to allow more natural light throughout the entirety of the first floor. The study rooms were enlarged, and an additional room was added. The intent is to allow people to have more areas to sit and collaborate. Some of the chairs, tables, shelving and carpeting were maintained to help with costs.

A drive-up window for pickups and drop-offs also was added. The staff room was enlarged and equipped with personal workstations for all employees, and a break room with a full-sized fridge, sink and dishwasher are among the new amenities.

The lower level, previously closed to the public and used for meetings and friends of the library initiatives, was completely remodeled into an entirely usable space. Upon accessing the lower level, visitors are first met by The Space, equipped with comfortable seating and wireless charging stations. The meeting room was remodeled and includes sinks, a projector and storage.

A new circulation desk was added to support the youth services area now located on the lower level. The previous children/youth area was a shared space on the first floor that was about 750 square feet. The new area includes the children and youth reading collection, two new study rooms, a play area and a middle school study and gathering area. It’s almost five times larger than original, first floor location.

An enclosed patio also was added off of the south side of the lower level, another initiative to allow for more natural light, as well as an opportunity to offer more outdoor programming and a safe play space.

Bathrooms on both levels were remodeled, with a family restroom on the lower level and a water bottle refill station as new additions. The elevator was enlarged and relocated. Both renovations brought the building up to ADA compliance standards. The traditional HVAC was updated to an environmentally conscious geothermal heating and cooling system, and energy-efficient lighting was installed.

Additional staff was added to accommodate the new areas, including a full-time Youth Services librarian and four other part-time positions.

The Library’s Special Reserve Fund covered most of the costs of the renovations, with state and federal grants expected to cover about 10% of the project outlay. The renovation work was completed on time and within budget, officials said.

Several residents came out to see the results of the latest renovations, some particularly interested in the expanded youth services area. Algonquin resident David Seletos was a library patron before the renovations and was very excited to see what their local branch now had to offer.

“It’s great. It just feels really good in here,” Seletos said. “They’re using the space really well. We’re definitely going to spend a lot of time in their kids' section. We love this library system, and the updates they’ve made here are the cherry on top for our family.”

Liana Redshaw moved to Algonquin last summer and had not visited the location before. She said she watched the building work progress and anxiously awaited the reopening, since the Eastgate branch is much closer to her home than the main branch on Harnish Drive. Redshaw works from home and intends to take advantage of the option to book a study room and bring her 1-year-old daughter with her. While on location reopening day, Redshaw commented to another patron, “It’s so nice to see other kids in the neighborhood here. It’s a great place to come together!”

Algonquin’s original library was housed in what now is the Algonquin Historic Village Hall before a new location – now the Eastgate branch – was built in 1976. The official grand reopening for the newly renovated Eastgate Branch is March 1, 2025, 49 years to the month of its original opening.

“Everyone deserves a beautiful space to read, explore and connect,” said Sara Murray, Algonquin Area Public Library District’s executive director. “We are delighted that we had the resources to respond to the needs and wishes of our community and provide a completely refreshed library for everyone to enjoy. The awe and excitement as visitors saw the new spaces for the first time are worth all the time and effort put into the project.”