When you walk into the new Helen Plum Library building, you know you’re entering somewhere special. The original stained glass from the home of Colonel and Mrs. Plum, where the first library started in Lombard. We were invited to tour the new building on Main Street to give everyone a sneak peek of what you have to look forward to!
The rooms are spacious and bright with floor to ceiling windows. We love the clear signage, color scheme, and attention to details. And your kids are going to LOVE the youth services and teens areas. We can’t wait to show you.
Brief History: The Helen Plum Library moved from 110 W. Maple Street to 411 S. Main Street in Lombard. The groundbreaking ceremony was on June 15, 2021 and we are excited to announce that the grand opening is April 22, 2023. Lombard Park District purchased the Maple Street property an is planning on demolishing the old building and adding it to the district’s space, but further plans haven’t been announced. It sounds like the expansion of Lilacia Park is a possibility.
Tour of Helen Plum Library: First Floor
Let’s start with the kids open play area, called the Robin’s Nest, because it’s amazing. You’ll see a light wall to the right in the photo, behind the giant Connect Four game, puzzle tables, and active area in the middle.
There is also a dedicated area for babies to crawl.
Here’s another view that shows the imaginary play area, which will rotate out with new features. This time it’s a play kitchen!
All of the books are organized by category with big clear signs to make it easier to find topics you and your kids are interested in.
Check out these fun reading nooks! The colors are so fun and inviting.
The youth services programming room is located at the back of the first floor. It can be opened up into one big room or sectioned off into two smaller rooms depending on what is going on. There is also a garden area right outside the room where they will be growing greenery up trellises.
The Quiet Spot is a space near the programming room with a changing table and chair for nursing. Two family restrooms are also nearby.
And we don’t want to forget to mention that they have snacks! You can grab something from the vending machines and they will also have bean to coffee vending.
Helen Plum Library: Second Floor
Your teens are going to love The Hive. There are two video game setups with large screens and gaming chairs.
In the same room, there are also study tables against the gorgeous windows.
You can create to your heart’s content in Studio 411, the maker space, with sewing machines, Cricut machines, heat presses, button makers, 3D printer, and a recording lab for recording music and podcasts.
The second floor also has a conference room that you can reserve, large areas with computers as well as a computer room for workshops, and tons of books of course!
Interested in checking out more libraries? We have a list of the best libraries in the suburbs!
