Building Project

Bloomington Public Library broke ground on an expansion and renovation project in April of 2022.

Information about the project is available below and by  viewing the library's building project fact sheet.

To contribute funds to this endeavor, contact Library Director Jeanne Hamilton at 309.590.6100.

We need more space!

In 1976, a 46,000-square-foot building was constructed to house Bloomington Public Library and meet the needs of the City’s population of 41,000 people. Since 1976, Bloomington’s population has grown by 92 percent while the library has had one expansion, increasing its space by only 24 percent.

The project will improve library services to the community and allow the library to meet the community’s current and emerging needs by incorporating flexible, forward-thinking designs which address population growth, update the aging facility, increase accessibility for individuals of all abilities, and implement unique solutions to facility needs.

Plans include adding 21,339 square feet to the library’s current footprint, renovating 57,394 square feet of existing space, and increasing parking by 90 spaces via the addition of an elevated level of parking on the far south edge of the library’s property.

Highlights

  • Drive-Up Window
  • 3 Large Meeting Spaces
  • 2 Large Children’s Programming Rooms
  • 9 Group Study Rooms (varying sizes)
  • Computer Lab
  • Innovation Lab
  • 2 Recording Studios
  • Discovery Zone
  • Sensory Friendly Room
  • Nursing Nook
  • Wider Aisles
  • More-Accessible Shelving

The $25.2 million project will be funded as follows:

  • $5.68 million grant from the State of Illinois;
  • $4.1 million in library reserve funds;
  • $14.2 million bond;
  • $1.25 million in donations from the community.

PHASE 1: June 2022 - Fall 2023

  • Renovate the West half of the building
  • Add 20,000+ square feet to the West side of the building

PHASE 2: Fall 2023 - Early 2024

  • Renovate the East half of the building.