A New Year Brings a New Library

Caila Anaya, Staff Writer

On June 19th, 2015, plans for renovating the Lemont Library began. The renovation ceremony was held on August 11, 2015 and phase one of the renovation commenced in late 2015.  

The new entrance opened January 9th, 2016.  Many visitors were very pleased with this new and improved entrance.

Phase one of the renovation has restricted some of the usual visiting possibilities. While library hours remain the same, the teen and child section have been temporarily moved to the adult section.

There will be only limited meeting/study rooms during the process. Computers, fax machines, and copiers will still be accessible in the adult section. Starting mid-February, the library will enter phase two. There will be no restrooms available, leaving visiting plans to “express services” only.

Express services include: picking up requested materials, 15 minute use at a computer, references, copying, faxing.

Phase two does not have an exact date, however, the library will estimate the date as soon as the progress of the construction is well known.

Paul Dobersztyn, a reference librarian, says it is a huge and difficult transition but they are “making the most of it”. He believes the new renovation will  bring more people who will be “quite amazed” by the improvements. He says “adjusting to the renovation and an issue because of planned and unplanned closings; but this place will turn out really cool.”

Constructors are aiming to commence phase three, which takes place in the adult section, towards the end of March 2016. The library will try to contain regular hours, however, there will be occasional closings due to the amount and location of the construction in the library.