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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

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.

byZach Larson

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.

byHeather Sipes

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.

byHeather Sipes

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.

byHeather Sipes

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.

byHeather Sipes

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.”

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