Honoring the Building's Centennial
One of the priorities in the 2024–27 Strategic Plan is "Preserving and enhancing a beloved community asset." To this end, as the centennial of the Lake Forest Library building approaches in 2031, the Library Staff and Board are asking, "How can we best position Lake Forest Library for the next 100 years?"
The restoration of the Library's dome in 2023 brought a fresh wave of interest in improving the building's condition and preserving its historic architectural features. Since then, work has addressed many infrastructure projects including replacement of pumps, installing HVAC controls, and upgrading the elevator. While important to providing the community with a safe and comfortable experience when visiting the Library, these projects are behind‑the‑scenes and therefore less noticeable to Library patrons.
Plans are currently underway to restore and update the two courtyards that flank the Library entrance. This project will improve accessibility, lighting, drainage, and landscaping with work anticipated to occur this summer. Wiss Janney Elsner Associates, architect of record for the recent dome restoration, is leading this project team.
The courtyards, together with the Foyer, Rotunda, Friends Reading Room, and Reference Room, embody the core of original architect Edwin Clark’s vision for the patron experience, and it is logical to revitalize them concurrently. Plans are now kicking off for updates and refurbishment of the interior 1931 historic spaces. The focus of this project will be on new furniture, fixtures, and equipment with improved flexibility of the spaces in mind. A Request for Qualifications was recently posted to begin forming a team of experts.
Stay tuned for special public Building Committee Meetings where we will ask the community to share their memories, how they currently use the Library, and thoughts about how future capital improvements could enhance the user experience for all.