Library Gets a $125,000 State Construction Grant

Thehas been awarded a $125,000 construction grant to help make the building more handicapped accessible.

The funds will support the library's upcoming improvement project. It is maximum amount awarded under the Live and Learn Construction Grant provided by the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, according to a news release. 

The funds will allow for fully handicapped accessible restrooms on all floors as well as fully compliant stairways and public fire safety routes, according to the release.

"We are extremely gratified that the State of Illinois has agreed to help fund our Library Improvement Project at the highest level of funding available through this grant. This reinforces all our efforts to create the Library Deerfield deserves in a way that is responsible to our taxpayers," Ken Abosch, the library board president, said in the statement.

of a $12 million referendum in 2010 provided funding for the project, but library officials were committed to finding outside sources of money to help fund the effort, said Mary , the library's director.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us," she said.

The remodel and expansion of the current facility includes installing new HVAC equipment, reconfiguring and expanding interior by 10,000 sq. ft. to provide for more meeting space, new technology, and expanded space for the library’s growing collection of books, periodicals and audio visual media.

Improved infrastructure will also include a new parking lot containing a revised traffic pattern, nearby off-site staff parking, and improved landscaping and exterior lighting.

Construction is expected to start this June and finished by early summer 2013.