Joliet library celebrates start of Project Burnham

The Joliet Public Library and local officials on Thursday celebrated the start of Project Burnham, a $10.5 million interior remodeling designed to preserve the history of the Ottawa Street Branch downtown while updating it for modern library use.

Speakers at the ceremony noted the library’s long past and looked forward to the future, including the estimated fall 2022 completion date for the remodeling.

“Here’s to all of those who loved this building for the last 118 years,” library Executive Director Megan Millen said in a toast. “Here’s to those of us who love it today. And, here’s to those who will love it for the next 118 years.”

The original section of the library designed by renowned architect Daniel Burnham was built in 1903.

Millen has been executive director since 2016 and made a presentation for Project Burnham when she interviewed for the job.

“From the moment I walked in the door, I could see the potential for the building, she said.

Some elements of the project include an expanded youth library with interactive learning features that library officials liken to a children’s museum. The youth library will be moved to the second floor while an expanded local history will be put into the original section of the library on the first floor.

The remodeling will devote space to an expanded digital media center, a community meeting room, and other features aimed at making the building a destination point.

Board Vice President Lynn Proper Samalea said the library will create “opportunities for social and cultural interaction” by providing new reasons to come to the downtown branch.

“A stronger Joliet Public Library makes for a stronger community,” Samalea said.

Also adding a historical note to the proceedings, Samalia said the Joliet Public Library was created in 1876 with 750 books. Today it has 200,000 books while going beyond the printed word to offer patrons online access, virtual children read-alongs, and access to 3D printing.

The project almost didn’t get started when the city of Joliet began to pull back on funding in anticipation of a budget crisis due to the economic impact of the COIVID-19 pandemic.

But former state Sen Pat McGuire delivered $6.5 million in state grants, which replaced the planned city funding. The library is contributing $4 million of its own funds for the project.

McGurire, among the speakers at the event, said, “Project Burnham, I believe, shows what can be achieved by cooperation.”