I was lucky enough to go on a sneak peak tour of the brand new Helen Plum Library located at 411 S. Main St. in Lombard before its Grand Opening weekend. The former location at 110 West Maple Street will be demolished and the land will be turned over to the Lombard Park District.
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When you enter the library from one of two entrances, you'll notice the open, bright architecture, unique lighting, and floor to second story windows that create an inviting but modern atmosphere. This library has been 3 years in the making, and it's very clear that there was an incredible team dedicated to making every detail just right, down to the antique stained glass window from the original house of Colonel and Helen Plum.
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On the first floor, you'll find an inviting and helpful front desk, a passport office for passport services, a meeting room, "The Hub" with movies and music, but it is almost entirely dedicated to youth services.
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The children's open play area, named "The Robin's Nest" is separate, making it easy to keep an eye on multiple little ones. They have a large light board on one wall, connect four, dome tent, small tables and stools, obstacle course stones, puzzle tables, and a rotating imaginative play area (currently set up as a kitchen this month).
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There is one side of the Children's Play area dedicated to crawlers, adorably named the "Baby Garden" which features low, soft seating areas, age appropriate toys, and a bench, perfect for early walkers to hold onto while they explore. More updates and beautiful murals will be added soon!
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The youth library also features reservable study rooms, a small program room, a large program room that features an attached outdoor space that will eventually include greenery, puzzles and play kits, small pods built into the wall for reading and relaxing, multiple computer areas, tablets for checkout, and dedicated early childhood computers pre-loaded with age appropriate games. There is a small quiet room for nursing mothers or a little one who needs a sensory break. This floor also features two large private family bathrooms that each have a changing table.
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The picture books are all organized by an incredibly wide range of topics, making it easy to browse and find specific categories that your little ones enjoy.
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Once you head upstairs, you'll find adult library services, reservable breakout rooms and conference rooms, computer lab, and endless rows of books.
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If you have to get some work done, there are plenty of comfy chairs and private desks you can escape to.
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Studio 411, an amazing new makerspace which will house creative classes and open hours to use all the tools and materials to make endless creations using the Cricut, sewing machine, heatpress, and more. Connected to Studio 411 will be a recording lab (coming soon!) where you can reserve the studio space to record music, podcast, voiceovers, etc.
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One of my favorite spaces in the building is the teen corner, with shelves of just teen interest books. Additionally, a space called "The Hive" is the perfect hang out spot. With a gaming wall and chairs, tables and chairs, and a private space, this is a great and inviting safe spot for teens to gather.
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Last but of course not least, you know we wouldn't leave out the caffeine and snacks situation -- there is a cafe area on the first floor with vending machines and a coffee machine coming soon!
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We hope you loved Macaroni Kid Wheaton's detailed tour of the amazing new Helen Plum Library in Lombard, IL - please let us know if you check it out and tell us what you think!
Want to visit more fun library play areas with your kids?
Check out our Local Children's Library Guide HERE
