Youth Services Renovation 2021

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Read on for the renovation overview, timeline, renderings, floor plans, and more. Questions? Contact Pam Leffler, Executive Director, at pleffler@mgpl.org or 847-929-5130.

Check out our Facebook photo album to see the renovation progress.

August 2021

  • The Youth Services department is now open to the public! Stop by to check it out!
  • Adding new signage
  • Reshelving of youth items continues

July 2021

  • Installing new shelving and furniture
  • Returning boxes of Youth materials from storage for reshelving
  • Completing punch list of final touches

June 2021

May 2021

  • Painting walls and doors
  • Installing ceiling hardware for hanging acoustical baffles

April 2021

  • Framing and drywall begins
  • Woodwork staining

March 2021

  • Asbestos abatement continues
  • Complete demolition and begin drywalling
  • Installation of structural steel
  • Rerouting duct and pipe work to create more ceiling space
  • Shoring and masonry work

February 2021

  • Asbestos abatement
  • Setting up temporary Youth Services Info Desk and browsing collection of popular Youth materials in former Teen Space
  • Boxing up remainder of Youth collection for temporary storage
  • Beginning demolition and clearing out lower level

January 2021

  • Contractor bid process

December 2020

  • Moving Youth Services staff to temporary workspace
  • Clearing out lower-level storage areas
  • Preparing collection for moving

October-November 2020

  • Preliminary demolition of select areas of the ceiling and walls

Overview

When the Library's main floor and mezzanine level were significantly renovated in 2014 and 2015, no work was done to the lower level. (In fact, besides replacing carpet, some small furniture purchases, and the addition of computers, the Youth Services Department has not been redesigned or updated since 1969!)

Since then, the Library had been saving funds and making plans to undertake a long-overdue remodel of the lower level of the Library and the Youth Services Department, with no additional cost to Morton Grove residents.

 

Updating a Well-Loved Space

The Youth Services area has been well-loved for a long time by countless Morton Grove kids and families. The renovation makes better use of the space we have, while also modernizing the furnishings so we can continue offering our high standards of service to the community.

We're pleased to welcome you back into the Library with a newly renovated space for the families of Morton Grove!

 

Enhancements

  • Reconfiguration of the entire lower level for more space, seating, and services
  • New space for kids in grades 6-8
  • New room for picture books
  • New room for nursing mothers and those in need of a prayer or "calm down" space
  • New multipurpose activity room for storytimes, craft programs, and much more
  • New lighting, shelving, and furniture throughout the lower level

 

Details

Previous Public Space 4,945 sq. ft.
Current Public Space 6,720 sq. ft. 
Project Length February-August 2021
Total Budget $1.5 million
Funding Sources Library’s Special Reserve fund and regular budget lines for building improvements and maintenance
Architect Product Architecture + Design
Construction Manager

Shales McNutt Construction

 

Floor Plans

See below for the old and new layouts. The grey areas indicate non-public areas for staff or maintenance.

 

Old layout

ys floor plan current


New layout

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