Joliet Public Library completes massive Project Burnham renovation

The Joliet Public Library recently completed the $10.5 million Project Burnham, the renovation of the interior of the downtown Joliet Ottawa Street Branch. It was the Library’s original architect, Daniel Burnham who famously said “Make no little plans, they have no power to stir men’s blood.”

The Library was originally built in 1903 and had not had any major renovations since 1991. Some of the renovations include:

First Level: 

• Five individual or group study spaces 
• Local History room dedicated to Joliet and surrounding area history
• Cafe stop and seating area
• Space for museum-like traveling exhibits 
• Large meeting room for events and public meetings

Second Level:

• Youth and Teen program rooms for educational programming, crafts, gaming and more
• Large meeting room for events and public meetings
• Interactive play spaces for kids and tweens including the light wall and play structure
• Mother’s room and updated restrooms (updated restrooms are on all levels)

Lower Level: 

• Art Studio space for local artists with exhibit gallery
• Industrial lab equipped with 3D printers, poster printer, t-shirt printer
• Digital Media Studio Common area with computers 
• Video Recording Studio 
• 3 Audio Recording booths

“I think people will be really excited about some of the new services we will be offering with our space,” said Millen. “The Digital Media Studio on the lower level of the library has doubled in size to include more  computers, recording booths and an impressive video recording studio. What started as a small office space on the second floor years ago now spans across our lower level and includes technology available to everyone with a Joliet library card.” 

The renovation changed the layout of the first and second levels, moving the Youth Department upstairs and adding interactive spaces to encourage learning and play. 

“What is impressive about this renovation is how much careful thought went into what our patrons need from their library,” said Millen. “We have features to attract teens in our gaming rooms and a cafe stop for college students in the area to grab a quick snack. We can accommodate families who need a Mother’s Room, or a safe space for their infants while the older children find crafts or books to read.”

While Project Burnham will give the Ottawa Street Branch the boost of a modern library, some of the simpler upgrades will even provide a big impact. Adding more outlets, study rooms and play areas, as well as updating the furniture, shelving  and lighting will all make for an improved library experience. 

“We are still proud to serve our community with traditional ways to use the library,” said Millen. “Patrons can still use our computers, make copies, print their resumes or documents and check out books. But because of Project Burnham, we have become a place that opens so many different doors to learning. A place to view local art, dive into new technology, discover local authors and even have a dedicated room for researching genealogy or local history.”

Project Burnham was funded through library reserves and a state grant. No new funding for the library renovation came from Joliet property taxes.