River Forest library debuts new community space 

Smartphones. E-readers. Home streaming services. The rise of artificial intelligence search engines.  

In this ever-growing digital era, many people may assume that libraries are obsolete places as information and entertainment are seemingly right at our fingertips at home and on the go.  

Yet each year, public libraries across the U.S. are hard at work reinventing themselves as more than just quiet places filled with books, but as vibrant neighborhood hubs filled with free digital resources and entertainment, maker spaces, workshops and more, providing patrons of all ages countless opportunities for social interaction and community empowerment.  

And that’s why this winter, the River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave., has been excited to showcase its latest capital improvement project — a new community space, ADA-compliant bathrooms near the children’s area and updated Children’s Services staff workspaces — with the intention that the significant building project will further support modern needs of the public and encourage both longtime and new visitors to stop by. 

Emily Compton, who has served as the library’s director since January 2021, says a project of this scale is something the library had wanted to do ever since she came on board.  

But while the library was eager to modernize building equipment and add a new space, creating room in the historic, landlocked building was a challenge. 

“When I met with the operations manager, the first thing she asked me was, ‘Do you know what an air handler is?’ Compton said. “Before I started, the board and staff knew they had to replace the air handler — 400 square feet of mechanical equipment — and had wondered if it was possible to capture more public space by replacing it outside.” 

Funds for the project came from a combination of a generous $100,000 patron bequest, Illinois State Library Grant and support from the library’s Foundation — $100,000 toward Phase 1 and $300,000 toward Phase 2, with additional funding from the library’s Capital Fund.  

According to Compton, Phase 1 of construction began in 2023, with village approval to build an exterior enclosure, renegotiation of the library’s lease with the River Forest Park District, review of room occupancy codes and craning in new equipment.  

During Phase 2, the library worked with Engberg Anderson Architects to create the final design for the new community room, staff office spaces and a new bathroom, with construction beginning in 2024 and concluding this past September.  

“We went from discussions about how to reroute ductwork to selecting paint, tile and furniture, which was much more fun,” she said.  

And, at the beginning of February, renovations were complete and debuted to the public.  

The new community room, which features modern lighting, a presentation screen, cabinetry and a sink, provides seating and accommodations for up to 26 people, offering locals a fresh, flexible space for programs, meetings and other public gatherings. When not in use by reservation, the room is available as a flexible walk-in space for studying and reading.  

While the library knew it was working within the limitations of an older building and square footage, Compton says “the wonderful problem” was the building’s popularity within the community, meaning excitement was buzzing for years around the project.  

“From the beginning, we had dreams of the new Community Room being a flex space — a spillover play space for kids when the Children’s Room is busy, a second room in the building for library programs, and an alternative when our study rooms are full,” she said. “The new room is serving that purpose, and we are now better equipped to serve those who need a meeting space — from Scout troops and tutors to the work-from-home crowd who need to make a Zoom call. The new bathroom is perfect for families visiting Children’s, and the staff office space is an attractive, collaborative space for our wonderful Children’s team. This renovation helped solve many problems that come with being a well-loved, smaller space.” 

While existing patrons were excited for the project, Compton says the renovations also add to the library’s greater efforts in encouraging more locals to utilize the library.  

“We knew from River Forest’s Comprehensive Plan that meeting space is limited in the village, and we were thrilled to have a rare opportunity to better address that need,” she said. “Research from our own Strategic Plan said the same thing, that there is a desire for all-ages meeting space for small and large groups at the library.” 

Compton adds that the library is continuing to work with Engberg Anderson Architects on a space needs analysis of the entire building, with the understanding that though the building is a traditional library for books, it is also a community space for gathering and enrichment.  

“So far, so good — feedback has been very positive,” she said. “The Community Room is being used, and the comfortable furniture, AV setup and convenient sink are getting a great response. Our Children’s staff, who were incredibly patient being displaced during construction, are happy and collaborating in their new space. I’m excited to see what future improvements we can make to even better serve River Forest.”