After $4.3 Million Renovation, Expanded Highwood Library Reopens

HIGHWOOD, IL — The Highwood Library & Community Center celebrated the completion of a yearlong $4.3 million renovation project with a reopening event Saturday. The expansion added more rooms, updates the library's infrastructure and brings more experiential learning into the new space.

Formerly known as the Highwood Public Library, the facility has served as a vital resource for the community, functioning as a vaccine center during the COVID-19 pandemic and focusing on providing mental health services to the community in the wake of last year's Highland Park parade shooting.

“We are absolutely thrilled to reopen to the public and allow community members to access their new library and community center," Executive Director Laura Ramirez said in a statement. "Although we have continued to serve the community through programming held at our partner sites, nothing compares to being able to host families here in our newly renovated space.”

Expanded services, including counseling, case management, education and coaching led to the need for renovations, according to library officials.

The new building has areas aimed at patrons of all ages, with a special events meeting room, collaborative meeting spaces, a children's department with a stage and an interactive exhibit sponsored by the Kohl Children's Museum and a computer lab.

Library Board President Lucy Hospodarsky referenced the library's recent win of one of the field's most prestigious awards.

“Winning the 2021 National Gold Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was so special and an affirmation of the wonderful way we are serving the patrons of our library," Hospodarsky said. "Our newly renovated building will surely attract new patrons with its special features like the laptop bar, coffee and tea station, and private meeting rooms.”

Highwood Mayor Charlie Pecaro thanked Ramirez, Hospodarsky and the rest of the library's board and staff.

“This is an exciting time for our city," Pecaro said. "The library has truly become an asset and welcoming space for countless families in our community."

Related:

• Highwood Library Wins Nation's Top Museum And Library Honor
• Highwood Public Library Receives $628,000 For Health Equity Program
• First $2.6 Million In Community Investment Fund Grants Revealed