CITY ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION INVESTMENT TO RENOVATE SOUTH SHORE LIBRARY

Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel, recently announced that $2.5 million will be invested in renovating the South Shore Branch Library. Photo Credit: Brooke Collins/City of Chicago
Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel, recently announced that $2.5 million will be invested in renovating the South Shore Branch Library. Photo Credit: Brooke Collins/City of Chicago

City Announces $2.5 Million Investment To Renovate South Shore Library

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

It was recently announced by the Mayor of Chicago and the Chicago Public Library that the South Shore Branch Library, located on 2505 E. 73rd St., will be one of the next neighborhood libraries in the city to receive a multi-million dollar investment for renovations and modernization.

The 18,000 square-foot space will receive repairs and upgrades to the building’s exterior walkways, roof, and windows along with interior renovations on the first and second floors that will include the addition of an Early Learning space and a dedicated area for young adults. The investment will also include significant technology upgrades for staff and patrons, a new Circulation Desk, and cosmetic improvements like new flooring and paint, according to a press release from the Office of the Mayor of Chicago.

This investment in South Shore is part of the Chicago Public Library’s Branching Out: Building Libraries, Building Communities campaign. In addition to renovating the South Shore Library, it was also announced that the Henry E. Legler Branch Library in Garfield Park will be transformed into a regional library.

“Modern library facilities at Legler and South Shore will give our patrons a place to search and apply for jobs, engage in book discussions, access the internet and connect with their neighbors,” said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon. “We are thrilled to work with the Mayor, city and state officials, and our communities to bring the innovative programming for children, teens, adults, and families to neighborhoods across Chicago.”

Through the Branching Out: Building Libraries, Building Communities campaign, nearly $300 million in new investments have been made for community libraries throughout the city since 2011, including the recent renovation of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Branch Library in Chatham.

The Branching Out campaign not only looks to improve the library’s physical features but also has a heightened focus on investing in modernization and developing high-quality programming.

“As alderman, I work tirelessly to advocate for investments in my ward,” said Alderman Greg Mitchell, 7th Ward. “It is my pleasure to bring this $2,500,000 investment to the South Shore Library as I continue my redevelopment efforts in this historic neighborhood.”

Construction on the new library is scheduled to begin in March and will be managed by the city’s Department of Fleet and Facilities Management.

Through Branching Out: Building Libraries, Building Communities, the Chicago Public Library will have 12 new library buildings and 18 additional locations with major renovations and expansions complete by the end of 2019, according to a press release from the Office of the Mayor of Chicago.

“Chicago libraries are community anchors, family gathering spots, places for students to get help with homework and job-seekers to connect with life-changing opportunities,” said Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel. “These renovations will bring Legler and South Shore into the 21st century, and strengthen the fabric of neighborhoods across Chicago for generations to come.”

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