Blog

image of "Building Committee Members in front of the Lake Forest Library building"

2023 Dome Work Updates

Thank you for your interest in the Lake Forest Library dome. This blog post will be updated as repair work on the dome progresses.

Dome repairs to begin at Lake Forest Library

March 8, 2023 – LAKE FOREST Ill – On August 10, 2022, the Lake Forest Library Board approved prioritizing repair and restoration work on the dome and interior rotunda as a first step of the Capital Improvement Project to enhance and revitalize the Library. Work on the dome begins in March 2023, and Lake Foresters can expect to see scaffolding as soon as March 9. Scaffolding and construction are expected to have minimal impact on Library services and building access. For updates, please stay tuned to www.lakeforestlibrary.org/dome.

Support the Library Endowment

Lake Forest Library was built on philanthropy. Mrs. Charles H. Schweppe and Mrs. Stanley Keith provided the funding for the construction of the 1931 building, which commemorates Mrs. Keith’s first husband, Kersey Coates Reed. The Reed Family has continued to give throughout the years, ensuring the b...

Building Committee Presentation Documents & Recording: May 10, 2022

Posted June 9, 2022. August 10, 2021
The Library Board authorized the prioritization of the repair and restoration of the Library dome and interior rotunda (the "dome project"). August 30
The Library Board Building Committee held a public meeting to gather public input on the dom...

Building Committee Meeting Documents & Recording: February 15, 2022

Posted February 15, 2022. The Lake Forest Library Board Building Committee was formed in July 2021 and is led by Bryan Bertola, Library Board Vice President, and Heather Strong, Library Board Trustee. The Building Committee serves to continue the work of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP). ...

Library Board approves contracting with WJE for dome work

Lake Forest Library Board approves contract for dome investigation, repair, and restoration services

December 15, 2021 – LAKE FOREST Ill – On Tuesday, December 14, the Lake Forest Library Board approved a Professional Services Agreement with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) for investigation and design services for the repair and restoration of the dome.

The Lake Forest Library Foundation creates an endowment

Posted November 15, 2021. A Generous Past and an Enduring Future for Lake Forest Library Lake Forest Library was built on philanthropy. By providing the funding for the construction of the 1931 building, Mrs. Charles H. Schweppe and Mrs. Stanley Keith gave generously in support of community lite...

Building Committee Meeting Documents & Recording: October 19, 2021

Updated November 9, 2021....

Building Committee Meeting Documents: August 30, 2021

Posted September 15, 2021. August 30 Building Committee Meeting Agenda August 30 Building Committee Meeting Minutes...

Lake Forest Library Board approves prioritizing the dome and rotunda as a first step of the Capital Improvement Project

Posted August 10, 2021. As a first step of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) to enhance and revitalize Lake Forest Library, on August 10 the Library Board approved prioritizing repair and restoration work on the dome and interior rotunda, and appointed the Library Board Building Committee to investigate next steps and solicit feedback and recommendations from the City of Lake Forest, qualified experts, Lake Forest Library patrons, and community organizations at future dates to be determined.

CIP Update: Summer 2021

Posted May 15, 2021. Thank you to everyone who attended the Capital Improvement Project Public Listening Sessions with Lake Forest Library and HGA Architects. We appreciated your open minds as we presented on the project work completed to date and your meaningful comments on your hopes and ...

CIP Further Reading

Posted April 19, 2021. The Lake Forest Library Board acknowledges its important role and responsibility in stewarding the historic 1931 Edwin Hill Clark building and ensuring it can flourish as a public library for generations to come. The historic building is a cherished civic asset in Lake F...

Community Listening Sessions: April 2021

Posted April 15, 2021. Thank you to everyone who attended CIP Public Listening Sessions with Lake Forest Library and HGA Architects. We appreciated your open minds as we presented on the project work completed to date and your meaningful comments on your hopes and dreams for the Library. We we...

What we know about the CIP to date

Posted February 19, 2021. The Library will remain at the 360 East Deerpath Road location based on community input. The Library will undergo a significant renovation, addressing the aging and obsolete infrastructure, as well as the significant ADA challenges, in the existing 1931 Edwin Clark build...

CIP Update: Spring 2021

Posted February 15, 2021. With the arrival of spring comes the promise of fresh growth and renewal. Likewise, the Capital Improvement Project seeks to revitalize and bring new life to Lake Forest Library. In large part, this revitalization is accomplished by restoring and creating flexible, mu...