The Joliet Public Library is excited to announce plans for an interior renovation for the Black Road Branch at 3395 Black Road. The project is still in planning stages and would focus on updating key areas to better serve the community, including new paint, carpeting, reconfiguring space and creating specialized areas for youth, adults and teens.
The goals and purpose of the project include:
Fresh Paint and New Carpeting: Paint and carpeting throughout the library will be updated to create a vibrant and welcoming environment for patrons.
Youth and Adult Space: In response to a recent community survey, the library will further separate the adult and youth areas, to offer a quieter space for study, reading or business. It will also allow for our younger patrons to have more of a deliberate and dedicated section for teens and youth.
Children’s Play Area: Recognizing the popularity of children’s programming, the renovation will include a play area for kids, providing an interactive space for children.
Private Study and Collaboration Rooms: In order to meet the growing demand for quiet workspace and group collaboration areas, several study rooms will be added to the floorplan.
Improved Circulation Area: Reconfigure the main circulation service desk to improve workflow, making it easier for visitors to find what they need and staff to assist them efficiently.
“We are thrilled with how heavily used the Black Road Branch is every single day,” said Executive Director of the Joliet Public Library, Megan Millen. “Now it’s time for us to keep up with the growing needs of families and patrons of all ages who fill our library.”
Library staff will work with Engberg Anderson Architects on the next steps of the project, including securing funding. Architects estimate the project to cost about $4 million.
“These modest, but much needed improvements will help us function as a modern public library that meets our community’s needs,” said Millen.
Construction could start as early as Summer 2025. The library is planning to keep their doors open during construction unless it becomes an issue of public/staff safety or access.
The current Black Road Branch opened in 2002, intended to be a quick stop for those living on the westside of Joliet. The branch has actually become the circulation hub of the library, seeing the most foot traffic of the two buildings since the population of the western part of the city has boomed.
In 2024, the Joliet Public Library provided over 900 free programs for adults, children and young adults at the Black Road Branch, welcoming over 54,000 attendees. The Black Road Branch circulates about 30,000 books per month and welcomed 192,205 visitors last year.
For more information, call 815-846-3124.