Waukegan Public Library
Renovation
Project Overview
The Waukegan Public Library project renovated the Youth & Teen Services Department, located on the lower level of the library. This vital space, which serves preschoolers through middle school students, had not been updated in over 25 years. The renovation brings a fresh, engaging environment tailored to the evolving needs of young learners and their families.
Project Location
Waukegan, IL
Project Scope
The renovation introduced a wide array of improvements designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and exploration:
- New open entryway and service desk to enhance visibility and accessibility
- Four-person group study rooms for collaborative learning
- Updated study furniture and flexible seating to support various learning styles
- Vibrant new carpeting to energize the space
- Additional computer stations to meet growing digital demands
- Exploration stations feature encouraging hands-on STEM learning, artistic expression, collaborative gaming, and cozy reading nooks
- Face-out shelving for picture books to promote easy browsing and selection by young children and families
- Book displays, fresh paint colors, and bilingual signage to reflect the community’s diversity and enhance visual appeal
The Boller team worked closely with the library and project architect to phase the construction, ensuring continued access to collections and essential equipment. During the remodel:
- The Youth Services Desk was temporarily relocated along with book and audio collections. Seating was moved to the Bradbury Room
- Programs were relocated to other areas of the library to maintain uninterrupted service
Approximately 16% of the project’s funding was provided by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of the Secretary of State, through Public Library Construction Grant Funds. During the early phase of construction, the library identified additional upgrades beyond the original scope, resulting in four change events that provided additional long-term improvements.
Stats
- Project Type: Municipal
- Location: Waukegan, IL
- Owner: Waukegan Public Library
- Architect: Product Architecture + Design
- Duration: 4 months
