Tour the Galesburg Public Library from the Outside In
The new library welcomes the unique character of the Galesburg historic district while providing extensive natural light indoors and outdoor green space to host library programs and feature public art and gardens.
Stepping Through the Doors
The library features bright, airy spaces that invite engaged learning, personal reflection, and community building. The interior reflects Galesburg’s dynamic people and rich culture, emphasizing both history and present day.
The New Library Features:
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Community RoomThe Community Room is funded by the Galesburg Community Foundation and members of the Galesburg community. With a seating capacity of 350 people, the community room provides meeting and event space for nonprofits, private entities, government institutions, families, commercial businesses, and the library itself. Up to date AV systems allow for high quality performances and presentations both virtually and in person. A hearing assistance device is available upon request. A serving kitchen, equipped with refrigerator, microwave, food prep and handwashing sinks, and basic utensils enables groups to serve food or cater large events. Easy access to the parking lot, restrooms, and lobby keep the community room accessible to all groups, and reservations may be made during and outside of library hours.
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Children's AreaThis space features a discovery space for creative play, a family center to provide comfortable places for parents and caregivers to read to and interact with their children, and an early literacy center and tutoring space for deeper study.
See the G.L. Vitale Family Foundation Children’s Discovery Area.
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Teen SpaceThe Teen Zone serves youth in grades 7 through 12. Designed with input from the library’s Teen Advisory Board, the Teen Zone is furnished with comfortable seating, accommodating students doing homework or classmates hanging out after school. The zone features fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novel collections, study tables and booths, a video game center, lounge furniture, and an art wall.
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Skills LabAn interactive classroom for adults and teens to use tools, equipment, and training simulators to develop skills that may equip them for the workforce or empower them to live and thrive independently.
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Public Living RoomA large and relaxing space for adults to read, study, and connect with neighbors. Outside, a patio invites outdoor reading, while inside, patrons find many places to comfortably browse, linger, and connect.
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Professional SpacesA space to help individuals and businesses realize their professional goals. This area features a learning commons with plentiful computer access and charging stations, small meeting spaces, and a large conference room.
Library Floorplans:
See what’s happening next at your Galesburg Public Library.
Blog
Thanks to the generosity of the 100 Extraordinary Women Campaign, the Galesburg Public Library’s Skills Lab is flourishing! From hydroponics and sewing to robotics and sublimation printing, the lab offers hands-on learning for all ages. Recently, Pam and Natalie joined us for the Chamber of Commerce’s Try It Tuesday to experience the creativity in action.
From a college band stage to the library curio case—discover Rob Budach's quirky owl necklace collection that began with a $1 Goodwill find in the 1980s. A heartwarming community story from Galesburg Public Library.
In this post, meet Margarita Patton—a Spanish teacher, former ESL student, and passionate library user. From her first days in Galesburg navigating a new language to now tutoring others on their own language journeys, Margarita’s story is one of learning, giving back, and finding joy in curiosity. Whether she’s checking out books on gardening or helping a student master Spanish vocabulary, she shows how the library supports growth at every stage of life.
When Dr. Reginald Ball arrived in Galesburg, he thought he’d only be passing through. But in the quiet corners of the library—between the shelves and the unexpected books—he found something more: a place that felt like home. Between Places, Between Pages tells the story of how a library became a steady presence in a season of transition.
In this Foundation Faces feature, we spotlight Ron Hunt—a lifelong learner, artist, and dedicated supporter of the Galesburg Public Library. From his years teaching poetry and watercolor to his continued advocacy for the library in retirement, Ron’s story is one of creativity, curiosity, and quiet impact.
This summer, over 450 children experienced the joy of reading, creativity, and connection through the Galesburg Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. In this post, we’re celebrating the impact of your support, sharing heartfelt notes from young participants, and highlighting how—together—we exceeded our fundraising goal.
