Library Renovations Underway in Romeoville

Village officials, library staff, local business leaders and community members who supported a 2010 building referendum gathered Wednesday to celebrate the start of construction on a $6.3 million renovation project at the ’s Romeoville branch.

“The whole project is just going to be fabulous when it’s done,” Library Director Scott Pointon said. “The loud banging and clanking going on in the basement is music to our ears.”

The Romeoville renovation, which will allow the branch to occupy both the first and second floors of the 38-year-old facility, for the library district. The $23 million referendum will also fund a similar renovation at the Lockport branch, as well as a brand-new Crest Hill facility.

Trustee Dave Richards said the revamped library will be an asset to the village’s downtown corridor.

“It’s a great reinvention in this area and the start of great things in this part of town,” he said.

“It’s going to be a great addition to the downtown area,” added outgoing Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce President Tom Wilhelm.

Library Assistant Director and Romeoville Branch Manager Beverly Krakovec said work got under way two weeks ago as demolition began in the previously unoccupied basement — and staffers don’t mind the dust.

“We’re awesomely excited,” she said.

The library will remain open during renovations, Pointon said, except for the possibility of a temporary closure to allow staff to move operations downstairs as work begins on the first floor.

Last month, the library board of trustees awarded a $5.8 million contract to general contractor The Lombard Company. Architectural firm PSA-Dewberry designed the project.

Slated for completion in February 2012, the renovation will allow the library to make use of the entire 48,000-square-foot-building, which was purchased from the Fountaindale Public Library District last year.

“We’re doubling the square footage the library will utilize,” Pointon said. That will allow the library’s collection, including books and other materials, to grow significantly, he added.

It will also increase meeting space, allowing for more community programs to be offered at the branch.

“Our mission all along is to be the cultural center of the village,” Pointon said.