Children’s Renewal Project Update – January

The Cook Park Library Children’s Project is Underway!

The first month of work on the Cook Park Library Children’s Renewal Project has concluded, and the transformation is in full swing. The temporary Children’s Area is now open on the Lower Level, offering a curated selection of books and materials. Remaining items have been packed away until the project is complete. Movers dismantled the shelves and stored them, along with furniture, in two storage crates located in the Library parking lot.

Left: Looking east in the department. Middle: Overflow books packed away. Right: Framing new walls.

“Are you keeping the fish?!”

A notable January milestone was relocating the beloved fish tank — a favorite feature in the Children’s Area. One of the most frequent questions from children when we talk about the project is, “Are you keeping the fish?” The answer is, “Yes!” The fish are temporarily housed in the Courtyard Café, where visitors can stop by to see them until their permanent home is ready.

Left: New fish tank location in the Courtyard Café. Right: Close up of the fish in the tank.

Electrical Upgrades

By the time you read this, additional updates are underway, including installing new electrical outlets. The original Children’s wing, built in 2011, preceded the widespread use of smartphones. Today, with more than 90% of Americans owning a smartphone, the new design reflects modern connectivity needs and evolving ways children and families interact.

Left: Electrical troughs toward the new info desk location. Middle: New curved soffit at entrance of department. Right: Framing new walls.

Program Locations

To keep programs running, children’s staff have started offering activities in the United Methodist Church of Libertyville’s community rooms. When registering online, please double-check the location.

Play Spaces

Don’t forget, the Children’s Area at Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills is still open as usual! Drop by for a rich selection of materials, a variety of children’s programs, and a comfortable play area. If it’s your first visit to the Aspen Children’s Area, please let our Children’s staff know at the Information Desk; they will be happy to give you a tour!

Coming Up

We are excited to unveil these thoughtful, functional, and colorful updates with you! Look out for details about two Open Houses, tentatively scheduled in early May, to celebrate the completion of the project. We will know more as the project unfolds, so follow our social media, event calendar, and in-Library signage for updates.