Reimagine HPPL

Donation Options

A computer-generated image of the proposed library expansion shows a limestone brick building addition with a peaked roof with lawn and sidewalk in front. — North Elevation — Laurel Avenue

Computer generated image of the south side of the library expansion. — South Elevation

Computer generated image of the west side of the library expansion. — West Elevation — St. Johns Avenue

A computer generated image of a large meeting room with elaborate ceiling lighting and peaked ceiling. A group of computer-generated people are seated facing forward watching a program not in view. — View of the new Community Meeting Room

Computer generated image of a corridor lined with various shelves of books and media and a text collage of author names on the walls above. People sit in the center on benches. — View of the Laurel Gallery

Computer generated image of a large room with a peaked ceiling and hanging light fixtures and multicolored walls. Short shelves of books fill the room. A computer generated image of a child is in the middle of the aisle, crouched down, reading a book. — View of the Youth Services Discovery Room

Computer generated image of the library's proposed youth activity room. It shows an open area with desks and computer generated people. — First View of the Youth Services Activity Room

Computer generated image of a children's activity room with a group of children reading participating in story time in the background and desks and chairs in the foreground. — Second View of the Youth Services Activity Room

Computer generated image of an open seating area in the library with various people interacting with the environment. — View of open seating in Youth Services

Computer generated image of the Youth Services area featuring the main service desk and various people. — View of the new Youth Services area and service desk

Computer generated image of the Youth Services area.showing various people interacting in the space. — View of the Youth Services New Releases Center

Computer generated image of a reading room, showing sets of shelves and a few people reading by a window. — View of a Youth Services reading room

Computer generated image of a large workroom populated by computer generated people working or interacting with various devices and computers. — First view of the Innovation Studio

Computer generated image of a workroom feature people using computers and various devices. — Second View of the Innovation Studio

Computer generated image of an upstairs office with computer generated people at a meeting desk. The room is partitioned with a glass wall with doors. — View of the Highland Park Archives Office

Computer generated image of the proposed archives to be installed. It shows a series of shelves in a bright room and various computer generated people looking through the shelves. — View of the Highland Park Archives

Computer generated image of the library lobby showing the proposed staircase and elevator. — View of the lobby and Youth Services entrance with new stairs and elevator

Computer generated image of the proposed new hallway of the library's espansion, featuring computer generated people. — View of the new corridor of the expansion

Why We're Expanding

The Library is Highland Park’s most visited public building; over 700 people visit daily.
We have outgrown the space and have accessibility issues.
Our 94-year-old building cannot keep pace with modern library needs.

The Expansion Will Add 7,850 sq ft to the Library and Will:

Expand Youth Spaces: 25% more book collection space, 50% more room for early literacy, hands-on learning, and storytimes.
Build ADA-compliant restrooms and a three-stop elevator.
Launch the Innovation Studio: Dedicated makerspace with 3D printer, laser engraver, sewing and embroidery machines, Cricut heat press, and more.
Advance the Highland Park Archives: Climate-controlled, publicly accessible historical collection.
Double Community Meeting Space: Room for up to 175 attendees for programs and events.

Rob And Terri Olian Donate $100,000 For Youth Activity Room

As fundraising for the Library’s expansion continues, the Library has announced a major gift of $100,000 from Rob and Terri Olian toward the Reimagine Your Library Capital Campaign. In recognition of the Olians’ generosity, a new space will be named the Rob and Terri Olian Youth Activity Room. When construction is complete, the new Rob […]

Alvin H. Baum Family Fund Donates $250,000 For New Community Meeting Room

Along with the start of construction for the Library’s 7,850 sq. ft. expansion, fundraising for the project is underway as well. The Reimagine Your Library Capital Campaign kicked off with a community-wide mailing in June with a goal of raising $1 million. The response has been heartfelt, reinforcing the importance of the Library to the […]

A hanging sign for Highland Park Public Library hangs from a pole from behind a construction fence. I sign on the fence says

Construction Has Started

July saw the start of construction for the Library’s expansion project! The crew fenced off and cleared the site along St. Johns and Laurel Avenues. The iconic sign for the Library that has stood at the corner of the two streets on and off since 1940 will be removed and reinstalled at another location upon […]

Project Snapshot

Expansion Specs

7,850 sq ft (est.) Addition

Existing Building sf — 47,050 sq ft

Project Length — 15 months, (est.)

Project Budget  — $10.065M (est.)

Funding Sources

Library Special Reserve Fund

Secured Grant — $125,000

General Obligation Bond

2025 & 2026 Capital Budgets

Unrestricted Gift Funds

Timeline

2022 — Architect Selection

2023 — Design & Community Input

2024 — Design Review

2025 – 2026 — Construction

2026 — Project Completion Fall (est.)

Reimagine Your Library