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
Explore one of the new innovative spaces within the newly constructed Galesburg Public Library. The Skills Lab promises to redefine how the library engages with the community by creating a dynamic learning space that transcends traditional boundaries.
