The Hinsdale Public Library at 20 East Maple St. reopens Thursday, July 16, after a three-day construction shutdown, with Summer Storytime returning that morning.
The closure ran Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 15, part of the library's $4 million Space Improvement Project. The renovation began in late February and is expected to finish this fall, according to the Chicago Tribune's February reporting on the project launch. It is funded entirely from the library's existing capital reserves.
Summer Storytime starts at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Community Meeting Room. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can drop in for stories, songs, and rhymes. No registration is required, but space is limited. Families should visit the Youth Services desk up to 30 minutes before the program to pick up tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.
Executive Director Karen Kleckner Keefe reported at the May 26 board meeting that work on the lower level was nearing completion, with the exception of the new teen area, while two major barricaded areas remained on the main level. The library has stayed open throughout construction, shifting programs as rooms go offline.
"We planned this project in phases so we could remain open and continue offering access to programs and collections, even if they move around a bit throughout the year," marketing and outreach manager John Kokoris told the Chicago Tribune in February when the renovation launched.
The project grew out of community conversations the Library Board conducted in 2022, which fed a 2023-25 strategic plan. Among the changes underway: a more flexible storytime space, a new teen area on the lower level, stairwell widening, carpet replacement and lighting upgrades. The furniture, fixtures and equipment budget was increased to $450,000 at the May board meeting, with $10,000 from a donation and $40,000 from the project's contingency fund.
The library's next board meeting is Tuesday, August 25.
Hinsdale week ahead
- Thursday, July 16, 10-10:30 a.m. — Summer Storytime, Hinsdale Public Library Community Meeting Room. Drop-in for babies, toddlers and preschoolers; pick up tickets at Youth Services desk 30 minutes before. Free.
- Saturday, July 25, 2-3 p.m. — Crochet with Me, Hinsdale Public Library Community Meeting Room. Children and adults crochet side by side. Free.
- Wednesday, July 29, 4-4:45 p.m. — Paper Airplane Competition, Hinsdale Public Library Community Meeting Room. Try different styles and see which flies the farthest. Free.
