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
When young Gerry Ingraham faced a difficult chapter in his life, he found refuge, inspiration, and self-education among the shelves of the Galesburg Public Library. This heartwarming story shares how the library became his safe haven, guiding him through hardship and shaping the curious, thoughtful man he would become. From the stacks to the sea, Gerry’s journey reminds us all of the life-changing power of libraries.
This heartfelt blog post by Zach Larson reflects on the artistic legacy of his father, Ric Larson—woodworker, sculptor, and creator of the beloved Mother Goose statue. From childhood memories at art fairs to the sculpture’s return to the Galesburg Public Library, Zach shares the story behind the artwork and the meaningful connection his family has to the library and community.
April is more than just a familiar face at the Galesburg Public Library—she’s a dedicated borrower, loyal volunteer, and proud champion of everything the library offers. In this story, discover how April’s deep connection to the library has shaped her days, built community, and brought unexpected joy in retirement.
Meet Bailey Hill, Galesburg Public Library’s archivist and recent MLIS graduate from the University of Illinois. With support from the Richardson Scholarship, Bailey balanced grad school, full-time work, and a passion for preserving local history. In this post, she shares her journey, her advice for aspiring archivists, and her hopes for the future of the GPL Archives.
Meet Rose Morris, a lifelong Galesburg resident who has woven service, creativity, and connection into every corner of her life. In this Bookmarked feature, discover how Rose spends her days knitting for those in need, advocating for her community, and finding friendship and purpose at the Galesburg Public Library.
In this first installment of Bookmarked: Stories from the Stacks, meet Faye—an adventurous spirit with a love for flying, family, and lifelong learning. After years of travel and caregiving, Faye found her next chapter at the Galesburg Public Library through a national workforce program. Discover how she’s bringing energy, curiosity, and joy to the library—and why she calls it a place where “every space feels special.”
