At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 the Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees and Administration will cut the ribbon and open the doors of the Peoria Public Library Main Library. While the building has remained partially open during construction, the public will be able to fully enjoy the services at the flagship facility, located at 107 N.E. Monroe, as well as a variety of special events to celebrate the reopening of Peoria’s Main Library.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Representative David Leitch and other dignitaries will be present as the Peoria Public Library Main Library at last opens all four floors and a new parking lot. The celebration will continue with a day of family storytelling and songs by Kay Price and visits by book characters Frog and Toad. Visitors will also have the opportunity to register to win a stack of books or one of three Nooks. All prizes and entertainment are paid for by Friends of Peoria Public Library, who will also be onsite at their new book store on Lower Level Two.
At 1:00 p.m. on Lower Level Two the Peoria Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will dedicate a display case to its former president Jack ( J.D.) Wheeler.
Speakers for the Wheeler dedication will include C. Paul Miller, Peoria ACLU Chapter President; Tom Pugh, Wheeler’s friend, Peoria ACLU Board member and former associate editor at Peoria Journal Star; and Mike Bailey, editor, Peoria Journal Star.
The Peoria County Genealogical Society will be on hand in the new Local History and Genealogy Room and will sponsor a prize drawing as well. An art show featuring works from a variety of Peoria-area artists will be on display in the new 2,000 square foot gallery.
Main Library will remain open until 6:00 p.m. It will reopen Monday with new regular hours. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. These hours are year-round. In addition, the Local History and Genealogy Room, which has been open a limited number of hours during construction, will be open the same hours as the rest of the building. Parking is free on Saturdays.
Ground was broken for Peoria Public Library Main Library on October 10, 2009 and the construction has finished on schedule and on budget. The more than 93,000 square foot building was remodeled for just over 8 million dollars, and includes a new skylight, themed storytime room, art gallery, auditorium, lounge with drink machines, quiet reading room with spectacular view, computer lab, study rooms, two large meeting rooms, 36 public computers, a variety of reading and study areas with power for laptops and other devices, wifi throughout the building, a Friends of Peoria Public Library Bookstore and much more. The remodeling made a former closed floor into an additional floor for public use. The art gallery and local history and genealogy are located on this floor.
Visitors who have used the library during the construction have been amazed at the changes made to the building and enthusiastic about the many functional changes as well as the attractive décor that make Main Library an exciting new destination.
Visitors who may not already have a library card are encouraged to apply for one by bringing a photo ID with correct address to the Grand Opening or applying at any open library location right now.
A library card will open the door to the Peoria Public Library 24/7 virtual branch at www.peoriapubliclibrary.org. The Peoria Public Library Main Branch can be reached at 309.497.2000.