Sneak preview of new Galesburg Public Library
From bird-safe glass to new study rooms and noise-cancelling recording rooms, Galesburg’s new public library will have a little something for everyone. However, the history with Galesburg’s library has come a long way to where it is today.
The Galesburg Public Library will open April 24 after two years of construction, taking $22 million to build. Residents in Galesburg are excited after having to use other county libraries for the last couple of months while the old library was shut down.
“One of the first things that many people said to me when they met me was ‘I watched the old library burn,'” Jane Easterly, Adult Services Assistant Director with the library, said. “So many people do remember watching that moment when Galesburg lost their magnificent library.”
Carnegie Library in Galesburg burned down in 1958, which was replaced by a new library in 1961. That library has held up with upgrades and expansions over the years, but in 2021, Galesburg received a $15 million grant from the state to build their library for the future. “The really great thing about going from scratch is this was designed to be a library,” Easterly said. “Many buildings will have issues you have to inherit.”
Donations also helped the library start the construction process years ago. “It’s amazing,” Easterly said. “I have been here for 18 years and for me to see the community come together to make this happen, everyone gave at the level they could. All of it is appreciated. Every donation, every word of support, all appreciated.”
With finishing touches in place and more services to still come in the future, library workers are preparing to finally show Galesburg their new library. “I’m really excited to see people’s faces when they come in,” Anne Griffey, Cataloging Supervisor with the library, said. “I hope everyone is amazed at what we’ve accomplished in just a couple of years of building. But of course, many, many years of planning and fundraising.”
The Galesburg Library will open Wednesday, April 24 at 9:00 a.m.
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