The Excitement is Building: Eola Road Branch Renovations

Quick Overview

Existing Building Square Footage: approximately 34,000 square feet  

Increase Square Footage: approximately 9,000 square feet  

Project Length: October 2024 - January 2026 (estimated)   

Total Project Budget: approximately $8 million 

Funding Sources: Bonds and reserves  

 
Architect: Studio GC

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you renovating the Eola Road Branch? 

Through public input sessions, community engagement, and daily interactions at the library, we know that you need more study and meeting rooms, increased availability of quiet workspaces, better programming, teen, and play spaces, and an opportunity to connect as a community at a library that is responsive to your needs.  This renovation will enable us to improve your library experience by honoring how you use the library as individuals, groups, and families. 

Will there be a square footage increase? 

We are expecting that there will be an increase of approximately 9,000 SF.  

What is the timeline for renovation? 

Renovation is scheduled to start in October, 2024 and take approximately 18 months to complete. 

How are you paying for the renovation? 

The library will issue a bond and the rest will come from reserves. 

Will this affect my taxes? 

No!  There will be no impact on taxes. 

Design

What can we expect from the new space? 

Expect expanded programming spaces, an enhanced teen room, more study rooms, and outdoor spaces.  You will experience a unified branch with unimpeded access to every area of the library, as it will no longer be bisected by a hallway.  Expect more browsable shelving and user friendly stacks.  You can also look forward to an updated design aesthetic that maintains the familiar Eola comforts with playful features that spark creativity.   

What inspired the new design? 

Feedback from customers and staff generated from the 2022 listening sessions has guided the following design vision statement: 
The Aurora Public Library District aims to enhance the Eola Road Branch to meet the evolving needs of the community by designing new spaces with a purposeful mix of materials and an aesthetic unique to each program. Design elements will be dynamic, colorful, playful, and strive to maintain a level of comfort through thoughtful proportion and keeping the human scale in mind. 

Are we adding more study rooms?  They are often full when I need one! 

Yes!  The current plan reflects several additional study rooms on the second floor, as well as group study for children, teens, and adults. 

Will the Eola Road Branch have a makerspace or other additional technology? 

Yes!  We will offer an expanded Makerspace with up-to-date equipment, including 3-D printers, a vinyl cutter, laser engraving, plotter printer, and so much more! In addition to the new Makerspace, the computer lab will include more public computers in an updated business center environment. 

It’s such a noisy library!  Will renovations help with that?  

Yes!  You can enjoy a more comfortable and quiet library experience on our newly renovated second floor, which will now include an outdoor terrace, large group study rooms, and an expanded teen space.  These additions are made possible by filling in most of the openings in the second floor that currently allow for unbridled sound travel from the joyful squeals of youngsters below.   

Also, special sound-dampening technology in the ceilings will act as a buffer to sound travel throughout the library. 

In addition, the children’s department will feature an updated Sensory Room, which includes special insulation to decrease sound stimulus and create a calming oasis for those who need a lower sensory option. 

Disruptions

Will you be open during renovation? 

While we intend to stay open in limited capacity throughout the renovation process, it is likely that some phases of construction will require a short temporary closure or adjustment to branch service hours.  We will communicate any closures or interruptions as soon as possible. Check back here for the latest updates and current information. 

Are you still going to offer programs during renovation? 

We will continue offering programs for all ages on a limited basis and as space permits.  Please check our online calendar for events throughout the community, including those at Santori, West Branch, and Bookmobile. 

Will I be able to get the materials I need during renovation? 

Eola will have a limited selection of materials on-site to offer the community throughout renovations.   
Please take this opportunity to explore:

• Santori Library in Downtown Aurora, West Branch on the west-side, or the Bookmobile on one of its frequent stops throughout the community.  Check out the Bookmobile schedule here! 
• Make your visit quick and easy with curbside holds pickup!  Place items on hold using the library website, or call 630-264-4117 and confirm your preferred pickup location.  We will notify you immediately when your holds are ready, and you can schedule a time that works for you! 
• Did you know that APLD offers home delivery service to all Aurora residents?  To sign up, complete the form here or call 630-723-2705.  You can place holds on our website or by phone, and a library staff member will call you to schedule a no-contact delivery! 

Are there digital options I can explore? 

Yes!  APLD has a wide variety of digital options, from eBooks and eAudiobooks to language-learning databases and online newspapers.  Check out our options here! 

Can I still book study rooms and meeting spaces? 

Expect temporary disruptions to study and meeting room availability during certain phases of renovation.  We will communicate all study room and meeting room closures as soon as possible to the community. Check back here for the latest updates and current information. 

Will the computer lab be available during renovation? 

We will make every effort to continue offering access to public computing throughout the renovation.  PCs or laptops, copiers, and faxing/scanning will be available for use inside the library during open hours, and any disruptions or closures to the lab will be communicated to the community as soon as possible. Check back here for the latest updates and current information. 

We welcome you to checkout our Chromebooks and hotpots, and to utilize our wireless printing. Don’t forget free Wi-Fi is available in our parking lot, 24/7 by using Network: APLDExterior and Password: yourlibrary! 

Can I still access the Eola Community Center and Fox Valley Park District spaces from the library and adjacent parking lot? 

Visitors to the Eola Community Center will still be able to walk through the library from the south entrance to the door on the north side of the library, during library open hours.  When the library is closed, you can use the north entrance to the Eola Community Center. 

Who can I speak with directly about my concerns and questions? 

Contact Eola Road Branch Manager, Krista Danis, at kdanis@aurorapubliclibrary.org or 630-264-3410.