Lake Bluff Public Library is proud to announce it has been selected to receive a $45,000 “Remodeling for Accessibility” Public Library Construction Grant from Illinois State Library. Administered by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, the “Remodeling for Accessibility” Grant is one of the competitive grants offered to Illinois public libraries as part of the Public Library Construction Grant Program. This particular grant assists libraries with remodeling existing buildings for compliance with Illinois Accessibility Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

When asked about the importance of the work in this grant, Library Director Renee Grassi says, “Addressing these urgent and specific facility needs will allow the Library to better serve all patrons, with specific focus on better serving those with physical and intellectual disabilities and differences. At its core, a public library is a natural third place—after home and work—where community connects with literacy, information, and each other. Libraries are for everyone and so, their buildings need to be compliant and accessible in order to fully live out their mission.”

Scope of Grant Project

This grant will be used to support high-impact solutions for interior spaces and some of the exterior property to better serve patrons of different abilities. The architectural firm selected to help lead these projects is Engberg Anderson Architects, the same team supporting the Library’s current Strategic Facilities Plan project. 

Projects funded by this grant will include:

• Code-compliant wayfinding signage
• Concrete repair on sidewalks and curbs
• Installation of additional automatic door opening mechanisms
• Remodeling of one of the Library’s six non-compliant single-stall bathrooms

Library Board Trustee and longtime resident of Lake Bluff Janie Jerch says, “As Vice President of the Library Board and Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, I am thrilled and proud that our Library was awarded this grant. This funding from Illinois State Library will allow us to work towards fulfilling our responsibility to the Lake Bluff community to upgrade needed life safety and accessibility issues that we have been discussing in our recent communication. What an honor!” 

Addressing Future Building Needs

Grassi explains that although a significant amount of funding is still needed to address all issues in the building and its systems, Lake Bluff Public Library Board of Trustees have been overwhelmingly supportive of the planning needed to address infrastructure and improve experiences for those who visit the building.

In 2023, at the suggestion of Director Grassi, the Library embarked on a journey to learn more about its effectiveness in space and service to people of all abilities. The Library retained Engberg Anderson Architects to conduct a Universal Design Assessment and Report that included an accessibility code review of interior and exterior spaces. This report was presented to the Library Board and included in the Library’s grant application as evidence of the organization’s need for accessibility improvements. 

More recently, community members were invited to participate in the Library’s Planning for the Future of Lake Bluff Library events held in June to share their feedback about the effectiveness of the building. Accessibility and compliance of the building and property was a common theme brought up at Open House events, focus groups and in the online survey. 

Local Matching Funds Needed

One requirement of the grant is local matching funds. Given the Library’s lack of a Capital Reserves fund and limited revenue opportunities, Administration is hopeful the Library is able to partner with non-profits, businesses, or corporations in the area – or simply Lake Bluff residents who have a shared mission in community inclusion and accessibility – for additional funding opportunities. 

Stated in a support letter written for the Library’s grant application, Lake Bluff Village Administrator Drew Irvin wrote, “For this particular venture, the Village of Lake Bluff will be participating by funding the replacement of public sidewalk that provides access to the Library at the level of matching funds up to $5,000. This grant will help the Library meet the needs of the entire community.”

If you or your organization is interested in donating to Lake Bluff Public Library and supporting this project, contact Director Renee Grassi online or email her at rgrassi@lakeblufflibrary.org.

Library Board Trustee Jerch says, “We hope that the Lake Bluff community will step up with the matching funds required by this grant. We are proud of the fact that the Lake Bluff community has ranked the Library #1 with the highest positive esteem rating several Village surveys in a row. The staff work hard each and every day to earn that trust and support. Contributions, whether corporate, civic, or individual, whether large or small, will not only be greatly appreciated, but will send the message that our Star Library still has your support as we make our ‘little gem’ of a Library the best it can be.”