Above / 95th Street Library $2.7 million project to tout new recording studio, green screen room and gaming center.
Renovations for 95th Street Library are expected to be in full swing by April, with improvements to include the installation of new furniture and flooring as well as a recording studio, green screen room and teen space with a gaming center.
Other improvements included in this $2.7-million project will feature more small rooms for studying, increased electrical outlets and dedicated quiet zones, with the first floor designated as a social zone and second floor being a quiet zone.
“The teen space will hopefully draw afterschool teens to that area and help to reduce the noise and commotion on the second floor,” said Karen Dunford, 95th Street Library’s manager.
The last time the 13-year-old building underwent improvements was in 2009.
“95th Street Library is very heavily used, especially during the school year. It’s also very busy on weekends,” Julie Rothenfluh, executive director, said. “Thanks to the available parking, many of our larger programs are planned for 95th Street Library. There is also heavy community use of the room rental spaces. While it is the newest of our buildings, the heavy use is evident in the condition of the carpeting, tables and chairs. We will be adding access to electricity, improving lighting and rearranging collections for optimal seating.”
Renovation project expected to run late March through fall 2017
At the end of March, electrical work is expected to begin and the computer lab will be temporarily relocated to the Idea Lab. As collections and shelving are being shifted, customers are encouraged to ask library staff members for assistance when locating material.
The 95th Street Library renovation project, which is expected to wrap up in the fall, is on the heels of last year’s extensive renovation project at Nichols Library and then Naper Blvd. Library’s renovations completed in 2015.
“The community has been very positive about the renovations at Naper Blvd. and Nichols,” Rothenfluh said. “They have been very understanding of the inconveniences and happy that we have been able to remain open as much as possible during our projects. They have been very appreciative of increased seating, better lighting and more convenient places to plug in.”
Story and photo submitted by Mary Rogers, Multimedia Associate, for the Naperville Public Library.
