public is invited to join the Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees at a 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10 for a ribbon cutting ceremony as Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch is opened after being restored and expanded.
A day of festivities is planned with short remarks by dignitaries, performances by Garry Moore and the Peoria Public Library storytellers and appearances by Curious George. Visitors may enter a drawing to win one of three Nooks or a stack of books. Entertainment and prizes are paid for through the generosity of the Friends of Peoria Public Library.
A 12,000 foot addition contains the majority of materials, new computers and reading spaces, a dedicated children’s storytime room, youth area, computer lab, and the new entrance to the library branch. The original Carnegie library, joined to the new addition by a glass passageway, has been returned to its opening day appearance and will offer reading spaces, two study rooms and a space for some books. A “green” wall frames the original building, separating it from the addition.
Lincoln Branch closed in late July so that the original building could be renovated while furnishings and materials were moved into the new addition. This will be the first time full library service has been available at Lincoln Branch as extended hours will be put in place and take effect immediately.
Lincoln Branch will be open on weekends year round and open until 8:00 p.m. several evenings a week, providing much needed service for the many groups and students who desired library service in the southern portion of Peoria. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and closed on Wednesday; Open Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00. The branch is closed on Wednesday in order to be open evenings and weekends.
Visitors may apply for or renew library cards at the Grand Opening and check out materials. The branch will also feature the same amenities that have been installed at other library locations. Self-check offers speedy check out. Wifi throughout the building as well as tables with power outlets allow visitors to use their own devices to access the Internet and library databases.
Lincoln Branch is the third of the five building projects to be completed and opened in the $28 million Peoria Public Library building program. McClure Branch and Lakeview Branch are both still closed, with McClure Branch slated to open next.