What is the Courtyards Rehabilitation Project?
We are excited to announce that we have begun work to rehabilitate the Library's historic Courtyards and improve their accessibility and functionality. The masonry walls of the Library's exterior Courtyards are in poor condition due to exposure to the elements. Highlights of the project include:- Reconstructing the Courtyard masonry walls, reusing the original brick and adding new only as needed
- Repainting and remounting the original wrought iron gates
- Replacing the wood doors leading from the Foyer into the Courtyards
- Raising the pavement by 6 inches and installing new mortar-set stone pavers
- Refurbishing the existing wall-mounted lighting and adding new pathway lighting
- Adding new foundation waterproofing and drainage infrastructure
- Adding new furnishings and attractive landscaping
- When is the work likely to start and how long will it last?
Work began on Monday, July 28, 2025, and will be completed by the end of 2025. The completely renovated Courtyards will be ready for patrons to enjoy for the 2026 season.
- Will the Library be closed during the Courtyards Rehabilitation Project?
While the Library will remain open throughout the duration of the project, public/staff access to the Courtyards will be closed beginning July 28 until further notice. The contractor will erect construction fencing and take other precautions to ensure that patrons, staff and vegetation are protected and that access to the Library is maintained at all times.
- Will the project have any impact on the availability of parking spaces in the Library?
There may be times when the parking spots nearest to the library entrance are not available for residents to facilitate delivery of construction materials and removal of excavated material. The contractor will also use certain areas on the northeast corner of the Library's parking lot for staging and storage of construction materials. We are in the process of identifying additional parking options for public, staff and contractor use during the project and will update you as soon as we have more information.
- Can we call the Library to pick up or return library materials?
Our staff will be happy to deliver materials to you or pick up materials from your car. Please call our Circulation Desk at 847-234-0636 and let staff know you are in the parking lot for curbside service. They will ask for your library card number if you are picking up library materials. Library staff will checkout your materials to you and bring them to you in your vehicle. They can also take any materials you wish to return at that time.
- Will Library programs or services be affected by construction?
No scheduled programs will be canceled due to the Courtyards rehabilitation. Some outdoor programs typically held in Courtyards may be relocated indoors or offsite. Updates will be provided on the Library's website and event calendar.
- Will construction be noisy or disruptive?
There may be periods of noise or vibration during certain phases of the project, particularly during demolition or masonry work. Work will take place before and during normal business hours, and every effort will be made to minimize noise and disruption inside the Library.
- Why is the Library carrying out this rehabilitation work?
As we approach the centennial of the Library building in 2031, one of our key strategic priorities is to diligently pursue opportunities to preserve and enhance the building that is a source of great joy and pride to community residents. In August 2023, we completed the repair and restoration of its dome and in March 2024, we completed the repair, restoration, and cleaning of the Nicolai Remisoff murals that grace the Rotunda. Our next step in this process is to rehabilitate the exterior Courtyards that are currently in poor condition.
- Has the Library received approval from the City's Historic Preservation Commission for this project?
Yes, the Historic Preservation Commission approved the Library's Courtyards project at its meeting on May 28, 2025. For additional information and drawings of the original proposal, please see pages 13-89 in the May 28, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission Packet.
Our consultants are continuing to update these plans and drawings, which we will present at the Library Building Committee Meeting at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 7. Interested residents and staff are welcome to attend this meeting.
- Which firms will be working on this project?
The lead contractor is Berglund Construction and the architects are Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE). Both firms have significant experience in working with historic structures and also have extensive knowledge of the building and the Library's operations gained during their earlier work on the Dome Restoration project. The landscape will be designed by Gardens in Progress who have worked extensively on gardens design & project management in the North Shore of Chicago for over two decades.
- Where can we see plans for the Courtyards?
Current Courtyards Pavement Drawings
Current Courtyards Garden Drawings
- What will happen to the existing landscaping in the Courtyards?
Several of the perennial plantings have already been replanted within the grounds of the Library in our efforts to preserve the existing landscape. Some of the established trees will be preserved while some others will have to be removed to facilitate the construction work. We are working with Gardens in Progress to present an attractive landscaping plan for the Courtyards.
- How will the Library fund this project?
The Library will use its reserves and private contributions to fund the Courtyards Rehabilitation Project. Interested organizations and residents wishing to contribute to the project may contact the Library's Executive Director.
What is the next building project that the Library will be embarking on?
The Library next plans to revitalize and enhance the interior areas of the 1931 historic rooms of the Library (Foyer, Rotunda, Friends Reading Room, Reference Room, and Reference Annex). We envision more flexible and multipurpose spaces that can easily be adapted for a variety of needs and serve the diverse needs of our residents. Highlights include:- New paint, carpet/flooring, and lighting
- Appropriate furniture, shelving, and furnishings
- Acoustic treatments, additional electrical outlets, and improved wayfinding signage
- ADA accessibility improvements
Please stay tuned for more updates to come!
- Who do we contact for more information on these projects?
Please contact the Library Executive Director Ishwar Laxminarayan by calling 847-810-4602 or sending an email.