Plainfield Area Public Library is undergoing a very exciting self-funded addition and renovation starting in the spring of 2024!
Move over, outdated furniture! Make way, well-worn carpet! We’re getting a new coat of paint and more! After 26 years, the time has come for an update. It’s a big project and we estimate it will take us about a year to complete. We are excited to bring new life into PAPL and can’t wait to turn the page to a new chapter for the Library and our community.
Throughout the renovation, our priority is to minimize disruptions to our service. So, while some things may look and work differently for a while, we will do our best to make our collections and services available to you. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for current updates and construction news. Questions? Contact us at info@papl.info or by phone at 815.436.6639.
Parking:
Parking at the Library will be very limited and challenging during the renovation.
The Library Parking Lot will only be accessible from Route 59. There will be two handicap spaces accessible from
the south entrance off Illinois Street. To view a map of parking options in and around the downtown area, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Budget
The total cost will be $10.5 million.
The project will paid for by issuing bonds for $7.55M and using savings from the capital reserve fund. The bonds will be paid back within twelve years.
No, they will not. The Library Board is committed to completing this project without a tax rate increase. See the question above.
The Library District made decisions in 2017 to reduce hours, eliminate positions and postpone building improvements in order to save money for a renovation.
Construction
The current Library building has not been renovated since the lower level was built out in 1997, when the population served was fewer than 15,000. Back then, our community came here to check out books and conduct research. Today, your library serves 80,000 residents and while patrons still check out books, they also use our computers and WiFi, attend programs, meet their friends, attend our events and much more. As the the Plainfield area community grows and evolves, the Library does as well.
The building will close beginning April 29 in order to move all services and staff to the upper level. Construction will begin with the lower level the week of May 13, 2024.
We are anticipating the project lasting about 12 months. Things can change, so be sure to check out our website and social media for updates.
Services
We will need to close for a short period at the beginning of the renovation in order to move from two floors to one floor. Then, we may need to be closed intermittently during the renovation for safety reasons for a day here and there. Once the lower level renovation and the addition are complete, we will close for a short period to move from the upper level to the lower level in order to renovate the upper level. We will do our best to stay open as much as we can. Closings will be posted on the website, social media and sent out through our eNewsletter.
Yes! While our space undergoes renovations, we have partnered with nearby venues to ensure uninterrupted access to your favorite programs starting in May 2024. Thank you to our community partners:
Plainfield Park District Recreation Administration Center
23729 W. Ottawa Street, Plainfield 60544
Plainfield United Methodist Church
15114 S. Illinois St, Plainfield 60544
Plainfield Township Building
22525 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield 60544
Plainfield Township Community Center
15014 S. Des Plaines Street, Plainfield 60544
Yes! Please note it may take longer to get items. You may pick up items in one of the following locations:
- Inside the building
- Curbside Pickup
- Either of our Grab & Go Locker locations
- One of our other libraries in the Pinnacle Library Cooperative
Yes! Your library card can be used at other libraries in the Pinnacle Library Cooperative. You can also borrow materials at most other Illinois libraries with your valid Plainfield Area Public Library card. Some libraries may limit the number and type of materials you can borrow.
- Pick-Up window
- Outdoor programing space
- New, expanded lobby
- Group study room(s)
- Updated children's learning area
- Dedicated teen space
- New, larger meeting room on the Upper Level
The Farmer's Market will run June 2 through September 22. The location will move to the parking lot of the Plainfield Township Administration Building (22525 W. Lockport St). Updates can be found on the Historic Plainfield Farmers Market Facebook Page.