We’re excited to begin the next phase of improvements at River Forest Public Library! These updates will enhance our Community Room and Children’s Services areas, making them more functional and welcoming for all.
Starting at 9:00 AM on Monday, September 29, construction will begin on three key improvements:
Finalizing the Community Room
Renovating the Children’s Services office
Adding a new bathroom to the Children’s Room
The project is expected to last 4–5 months, with completion anticipated in February 2026. Please note: the Community Room will be unavailable during this time.
Scope of Work
1. Finishing the Community Room
Adding cabinetry, technology, furniture, paint, and a sink
Replacing the mechanical door with a wood-and-glass door
Installing windows between the Community Room and Children’s Room
Why? The Community Room is currently in a “vanilla box” state—safe but unfinished. This upgrade will maximize its use for meetings, programs, and play.
2. Adding a Bathroom to the Children’s Room
Required by building code due to increased square footage
Improves convenience for families, staff, and Community Room users
3. Renovating the Children’s Services Office
Reconfiguring space to accommodate the new bathroom
Enhancing storage and workspace for three staff members
FAQs
Are you removing collection from Children’s temporarily or permanently?
No. Some picture book shelving will be unavailable during construction. Those books will be moved to temporary locations throughout the library.
Will the Library close?
There may be two late-open days for extremely noisy work, and we may need to close for a day or two if the plumbing needs to be turned off during the bathroom installation. We will have advanced notice and will announce closures ahead of time.
How loud will construction be?
There is always some noise during construction, though we are planning to close during extremely loud work, including cement cutting and floor grinding.
Is it safe to be in the building during construction?
Yes. There will be a thick plastic partition wall between the construction zone and Children’s Room. Shelving walls will be placed behind the plastic as an additional barrier. There will be no zip or door access, and workers will get to the work zone through an emergency exit door within the construction zone.
Who is doing the work? When will they be here?
Our contractor is Midwest Services and Development, and we have a contract with Henricksen & Company to provide furniture. Contractors generally begin work before the Library opens and stay until midafternoon on weekdays.
Can I see the construction area?
No. For safety reasons, only the contractor team can be in the construction zone. Library staff cannot enter the construction zone without permission from the project manager. If someone wishes to see the construction zone, please contact Emily Compton, Library Director, 708-366-5205 x319, ecompton@rflib.org
How much does this project cost?
This project will cost about $385,000. The RFPL Foundation has committed $300,000 in grant funding to the project, and the Library received an Illinois State Library grant for $50,000 to help with the bathroom. The Library will pay for the remainder out of the Capital Fund.
Who should I contact with more questions?
Emily Compton, Library Director
708-366-5205 x319, ecompton@rflib.org
