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New Library

Tour the Galesburg Public Library from the Outside In

The new library will blend with 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. 

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Stepping Through the Doors

The library will feature bright, airy spaces that invite engaged learning, personal reflection, and community building. The interior will reflect Galesburg’s dynamic people and rich culture, emphasizing both history and present day.

The New Library will Feature:

  • Community Room

    A space equipped with a serving kitchen and the latest AV capabilities will be available after library hours and open to community members and groups to reserve for meetings, gatherings, and performances.

  • Children's Area

    This space will feature 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.

  • Teen Space

    A rich and welcoming environment to engage teens in fun and productive activities. It will include a gaming area, music listening station, and space for group study.

  • Skills Lab

    An 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.

  • Public Living Room

    A large and relaxing space for adults to read, study, and connect with neighbors. Outside, a patio will invite outdoor reading, while inside, patrons will find many places to comfortably browse, linger, and connect.

  • Professional Spaces

    A space to help individuals and businesses realize their professional goals. This area will feature a learning commons with plentiful computer access and charging stations, small meeting spaces, and a large conference room.

Library Floorplans:

See what’s happening with the new Galesburg Public Library.

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Blog

byHeather Sipes

Presidents’ Day reminds us that leadership often begins in a simple place: with a book. From Abraham Lincoln’s self-education by candlelight to today’s lifelong learners, this post explores how libraries turn curiosity into capability — and why access to reading remains one of the most powerful tools for shaping future leaders.

byHeather Sipes

During Black History Month, the Galesburg Public Library Foundation hosted a screening of Alice’s Ordinary People, a documentary highlighting Alice Tregay’s grassroots leadership and the power of civic education to drive lasting social change.

byHeather Sipes

Discover how voiceover artist Beverly Westergren uses Galesburg Public Library's professional Whisper Room recording booth to practice her craft while visiting home.

byAbby Colvin

This short thank-you video features Galesburg Public Library patrons, families, and community members sharing their gratitude for the donors who make our library’s programs, resources, and spaces possible. Their words—and smiles—reflect the impact of your generosity every day.

We hope this message reminds you just how much your support matters to our community. Thank you for helping the library continue to inspire curiosity, connection, and opportunity for all.

The Galesburg Public Library Foundation has announced a new partnership with the Galesburg Community Foundation to establish locally managed endowment funds that support the library’s long-term sustainability. This collaboration ensures that donor gifts are stewarded close to home and invested in the library’s future—advancing programs, maintaining the facility, and strengthening the Foundation’s ability to meet community needs for generations to come.

byHeather Sipes

Celebrate National Philanthropy Day with the Galesburg Public Library Foundation as we honor the generosity and compassion of our donors, supporters, and partners. This post reflects on the power of giving—how each contribution, large or small, helps expand access to learning, enrich community programs, and create inclusive spaces at the Galesburg Public Library. Discover how your support fuels innovation, connection, and lifelong learning in our community, and join us in building a brighter, more equitable future for all.

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