Peoria Public Library is about to reveal the stunning changes at McClure Branch and Lincoln Branch! Lincoln Branch closed on July 25 after the new addition was completed, but McClure Branch has been closed since Spring of 2011. The buildings are currently just waiting for furnishings, shelving and electronics.

Driving by, onlookers will see the wonderfully revamped look of McClure which now has doors and windows that duplicate the originals, restoring the looks of the Depression-Era building. The building is situated in a hundred year floodplain and so could not be expanded. Inside, new furniture and fixtures will provide attractive and comfortable spaces for users to read and select materials. A number of public computers and wifi will provide convenient access to the Internet. The branch will have the same amenities as the other Peoria Public Library locations including convenient self-check stations and new security gates. Hours for McClure Branch when it reopens will be Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Lincoln Branch, a historic landmark and Carnegie Library, will reopen with a restored Carnegie Building surrounded by garden walls that will frame the original building and hide the new 12, 000 square foot addition. Windows and the front door will now appear exactly as they did in the 1911 Grand Opening photo and inside the fireplace will have been restored. The new addition, joined to the original building with a glass hallway, will contain all the latest technology. Self-check stations, a computer lab, dedicated children’s storytime room, meeting room, public computers, security gates, spaces to read and study and more are all located in the beautiful new addition. After reopening, year round hours for Lincoln Branch will be:Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; closed Wednesdays; Friday and Saturday-10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday-noon to 5:00 p.m.