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THE ENTIRE STAFF at Manteno Public Library helped to make the renovation and addition to the building a great successed. Pictured front row (l. to r.) are Sami Wise and Bridget Flores; middle row: Arlene Flint, Jeanne Mueller, Carolyn Farmer; back row: Jamie Lockwood, Cara Robinson, Sharon Guidera, Charmaine Morgan, Paulette Tovo, Jennifer Regan and Gloria Burke. Not picture are Bobbie Knezz, Bryan Sullivan and Dan Walsh. photo by Anita Eason
MPL celebrates completion of addition and renovation project  Share
If you've visited the Manteno Public Library recently, you've sees that the end result of the building's 15-month-long addition and renovation project - which began with a vision, a plan, and a ground breaking in May 12, 2008 - was certainly worth the wait. The library's new vision was transformed into reality with the construction expertise of Johnson-Downs Construction Company, with help from Barber Construction, which did additional work to complete remodeling of the existing building. With an innovative floor plan drawn up by architect Jeff Jarvis, the new 5500-square-foot addition and the renovation of the library include a new circulation desk, director and staff offices and workspace, a larger meeting/program room and a study room, as well as adult and general reference areas. Added features include: a 24-hour drop box - on the south side of the building - that accommodates all levels of media and an adult reading room, a quiet place where adults can read in a comfy chair while enjoying a cup of coffee (available for a nominal fee). Another addition to the library is an expanded computer lab. ''People are really enjoying the additional computers,'' said Jeannie Mueller, library director.
People also have commented about the openness of the stacks of books. Mueller said ''On a daily basis we're adding to all levels of our book collection; it's a continuous effort.'' The old section of the library is now the brand new children's department. It is bright, spacious and completely remodeled. To help with noise control, it was located somewhat apart from the adult area, and it offers comfortable seating throughout. Youth Service Coordinator Jamie Lockwood said, ''We have such a great space for every age. The first day we opened the youth side, kids and parents were very excited and amazed at how much room we have now. It truly is a great asset to our community.'' The new program room allows more space to host large programs, such as ''Building a Gingerbread House'' or hosting author visits. This summer, the Youth Services Department had fun breaking-in the room with exciting programs like ''Cold Blooded Creatures'' and ''Wild about Art.'' During an open house on Wednesday, August 26, Mueller thanked the builders, architect, library board, library staff and volunteers for helping them get through the building project. She also thanked the village for helping with the parking lot and for the donation of a bike rack. ''We've heard comments on how well decorated and how beautiful the new addition looks. People walk in and they're just amazed at the difference. Even in the old part, they're amazed that it's the same library,'' said Mueller. Beginning the second week of September, the Youth Services Department will host a variety of weekly programs and monthly programs. Programs include ''Baby Tots Rhyme Time'' for ages 6-24 months, beginning Thursday, September 10 at 10 a.m.; ''Story Time Romp'' for ages 2-5 on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. with an evening session on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.; and ''Story Explorers'' for ages 3-5 beginning on Monday, September 14, at 1:30-2:15. A Today's Girl Club is forming at the library and is open to girls in second through fifth grades. The first meeting is on Monday, September 21, from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration is required. October events include ''The Poe Shadow,'' ''Terrifying Art,'' ''Murder Mystery at the Library,'' and ''Halloween Night at the Library.'' A fun new adult program is Book Bingo. It was introduced during the summer reading program this summer. Book Bingo was such a hit with patrons that the library decided to keep the program going throughout the fall and winter months. The library invites visitors to bring their friends and neighbors and challenge them to a friendly game of bingo, in which the prize is a book! The library will host bingo on Thursday, September 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The program is open to anyone 18 and older. Registration is required. Manteno Public Library is at 10 South Walnut Street. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To register for programs or to find out about new programs offered by the library, call 815-468-3323. Anita Eason is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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