What is Happening Now?
Renovations are essentially complete at 206 W. College! We are excited to share that our main location is now open. We are thrilled with the updates to the library building and excited to offer a safe, healthy, and refreshed library space to our community members.
Keep watching our social media platforms and subscribe to our email newsletter to keep updated on our reopening news and discover how NPL has something for every chapter.
It's now open during our regular hours!
Yes, we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce and a grand reopening celebration on September 16.
Our main building at 206 W. College will be opening to the public on Friday, July 25, at 9 am.
We will maintain our regular hours: Monday through Thursday 9 am–8 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am–5 pm, and Sunday 1–5 pm.
You can park in our main parking lot, the adjacent parking lot (entrance off of Fell avenue), or in the College Avenue parking deck. If you choose to use the parking deck, please stop at either of our service desks for a free parking voucher.
Yes, we will continue this service.
No, we will vacate the building and end our lease at Busey at the end of July.
Programming will begin inside the building at 206 W. College in August.
We will resume charging for printing at our previous rates due to the high cost of providing free printing.
The time limit for public computers will be set at 90 minutes, with the option to extend that time as long as no other patrons are waiting for a computer. We will have 6 desktop computers and 10 laptop computers for public use.
Yes, we have 2 public meeting pods and 1 public workspace that will be reservable beginning Friday, July 25.
Yes, but not right away. We anticipate that we will begin taking public reservations for these rooms starting in September.
Yes, and we’ve updated and enhanced it to include many new toys and features, while still maintaining some old favorites!
The used book sale will be returning, but not right away. We are still waiting on some shelving pieces to complete the book sale area.
We will resume taking book donations on Friday, July 25.
Further Information
- Conceptual Site Plan (2013)
This plan is not related to any specific site. - Minimum Site Requirements for a New Facility
Board of Trustees, July 2015 - Uptown 2.0 Plan
- Comparative Site Analysis (2014)
The need for asbestos abatement is driving this project. The library cannot update flooring, lighting, etc. until the asbestos is removed. Crucial network, wireless, and lighting systems require updates to continue serving the community. Such updates are prevented by the presence of the asbestos-containing materials. After the abatement is complete, additional renovations will update the facility.
This project will be funded from several community sources including library reserve funding, generous support from Normal Public Library Foundation, and potential state grants and debt service.
The library’s building at 206 W. College Ave. will be closed to the public beginning at 5 pm on Saturday, March 30, and will remain closed for the project's duration. Broeren Russo Builders, Inc. will begin work on the building as early as April 8, with an anticipated completion in 10–12 months. As with any construction project, the timeline may change as the work progresses.
To ensure uninterrupted access to library collections and services, a temporary branch library will begin operating on Monday, April 1, in the former Busey Bank location at 201 W. College Ave., directly across the street from the current building. Planned services at the temporary branch will include curbside hold pickup through the first drive-thru lane of the building, a browsing collection of materials available for checkout, public computing, printing, copying, and faxing services. Hold pickup will be available on April 1, and other services will be added throughout the first weeks of April as staff transition from our building to our temporary branch. Staff will be available to assist community members in accessing library services, and the vast majority of the library’s collection will remain available by request.
Library programs, including regular storytimes, book clubs, take and makes, and others will continue throughout the length of the project at various off-site locations. The library’s online calendar will list the location of each program and staff will be available by phone, email, and in person at 201 W. College to help direct community members to those locations.
Learn specifics about the project through notifications for project-related news. Stay informed on our website, social media, or via the Town of Normal Forum. As always, library staff welcomes in-person visits, emails, and phone calls.
Here are the renderings provided by Studio GC Architecture & Interiors:
Main Circulation Area
Café Area
Business Area
Outside the Teen Area
Teen Area
Teen Area
Kids' Area
Kids' Circulation Area
Maker Space
Discovery Room
Basement
Community Room
NPL Merch
You asked, we delivered! In celebration of our reopening, we now have t-shirts and tote bags available for purchase at our first floor service desk!
We have t-shirts in youth small and medium for $18, and t-shirts for adults in sizes small-3XL for $20. Tote bags are available for $15. If you buy a t-shirt and a tote, we'll give you our bundle price of $30!
Available while supplies last.
