Photo by News Bulletin Staff.

PEORIA — One day prior to the 75th anniversary of its original opening, the Peoria Public Library McClure Branch facility reopened January 7, after being closed for nearly a year for renovations.

Originally known as the “East Bluff Branch,” McClure Branch looks more like the facility that opened in 1937, than the aging facility that closed for renovations in late February of last year, said Trisha Noack, public relations supervisor for the Peoria Public Library.
“It was restored to its original look from 1937,” said Noack. “Everything looks fresh and welcoming.
“It was emptied, had new ceilings and floors put in. (It) was repainted, has lovely new window shades and a new front door. Three trees that were in poor condition were removed and the exterior brick was cleaned and tuck-pointed, while wooden vents were repaired or replaced. The old boiler and radiators were removed.”
The removal of the radiators allowed the library to install padded reading benches at the base of every window in the main floor of the facility.
“What people may notice most are the window seats,” said Noack. “While some windows had window seats, all the old radiators were removed and new window seats were created. Along with the new reading chairs, they create cozy places to look at books or use a laptop.”
Also part of the $593,342 renovation project, new windows, sidewalks, railings, a 20-car parking lot, shelving, six public computer stations, wireless Internet connection throughout the building and two self-check stations, including one on the main floor wall and one in the basement children’s area, were installed at McClure Branch, 315 W. McClure Ave., Peoria.
Because PPL was unable to expand the facility that sits in a 100-year flood plain, McClure Branch remains the smallest of the library’s five facilities.
Originally, PPL wanted to eliminate the 4,270-square-foot McClure Branch facility, as part of an overhaul its five facilities. However, the public disputed the proposed closing of McClure Branch, influencing PPL to renovate the facility, instead of closing it.
“Many Peorians have fond memories of going there as children or young adults,” said Noack. “Although it made sense to eliminate it because we can not provide as much service or as many materials, users enjoy the proximity to the park and the feel of the building. It is small and can’t offer what other branches offer, yet Peorians love its cozy feel and intimate space.”
In addition to the McClure Branch renovations, renovations to the Main Library and Lakeview Branch facilities as well as a 12,000 square-foot addition to the Lincoln Branch facility and the construction of the $11 million North Branch facility, 3001 W. Grand Parkway, Peoria, that opened in May of 2011, were a part of the $28 million PPL building program.
PPL completed a $10 million renovation of Main Library, 107 N.E. Monroe, Peoria, in June of 2011 and the $5 million addition to the Lincoln Branch, 1312 W. Lincoln Ave., Peoria, in December of 2011.
A glass passageway connects the addition of the Lincoln Branch to the Carnegie building that was restored. The Lincoln Branch addition created space for new computers and reading spaces, and includes a dedicated children’s storytime room, youth area, self-check station, meeting room, computer lab and a new entrance to the facility.
The children’s storytime room in Lincoln Branch was built in the shape of a hot air balloon with a “basket for the floor and portion of the wall, bright fabric and a round light for the balloon and flame and a mural of rolling hills,” said Noack.
Lakeview Branch, 1137 W. Lake Ave., Peoria, is expected to reopen in the spring.
“Finishing details of construction are almost done, but it will take several months for the furniture to arrive yet,” said Noack. “The staff will begin moving books back in, within the next few weeks.”
When it reopens, the interior of the Lakeview Branch will include renovated restrooms, a dedicated storytime room, new study rooms and a staff-only sorting room.
The exterior of the Lakeview Branch will include new windows.
“The original skylight has been reopened and new windows added,” said Noack.