The Excitement is Building:
Eola Road Branch Renovations

• StudioGC began developing a design plan based off the feedback gathered and the building assessments
• Starting September 1, 2024, the Eola Road Branch no longer accepted donations of toys, games, and puzzles. 
• Starting October 1, 2024 all meeting rooms became unavailable for public reservations
• Starting November 6, 2024, eSports became unavailable at the Eola Road Branch

• A facility assessment was completed evaluating the condition of the building and its hardware to help plan future needs. 

From April - August:

• Focus group sessions were held with Studio GC. Groups included seniors, teens, families, Eola Road Branch constituents, new adults, business owners & entrepreneurs, and the general public (at each APLD location, available in english/spanish)
  
  
  
  
• A presentation and survey were conducted requesting for customer aspirations for what the new library may look like. The survey was available online and printed copies were available at all locations. 

• Studio GC selected as our Architect in the August 28, 2021 by the Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting. 
• Architectural Services Proposal was approved at the November 17, 2021 Board of Trustees Meeting agreeing for StudioGC to get community and staff input, assess demographics and space needs, and make a plan.

• Architect selection began 

What can we expect from the new space? 

Expect expanded programming spaces, an enhanced teen room, more study rooms, and outdoor spaces.  You will experience a unified branch with unimpeded access to every area of the library, as it will no longer be bisected by a hallway.  Expect more browsable shelving and user friendly stacks.  You can also look forward to an updated design aesthetic that maintains the familiar Eola comforts with playful features that spark creativity.   

What inspired the new design? 

Feedback from customers and staff generated from the 2022 listening sessions has guided the following design vision statement: 
The Aurora Public Library District aims to enhance the Eola Road Branch to meet the evolving needs of the community by designing new spaces with a purposeful mix of materials and an aesthetic unique to each program. Design elements will be dynamic, colorful, playful, and strive to maintain a level of comfort through thoughtful proportion and keeping the human scale in mind. 

Are we adding more study rooms? 

They are often full when I need one! 
Yes!  The current plan reflects several additional study rooms on the second floor, as well as group study for children, teens, and adults. 

Will the Eola Road Branch have a makerspace or other additional technology? 

Yes!  We will offer an expanded Makerspace with up-to-date equipment, including 3-D printers, a vinyl cutter, laser engraving, plotter printer, and so much more! In addition to the new Makerspace, the computer lab will include more public computers in an updated business center environment. 

It’s such a noisy library!  Will renovations help with that?  

Yes!  You can enjoy a more comfortable and quiet library experience on our newly renovated second floor, which will now include an outdoor terrace, large group study rooms, and an expanded teen space.  These additions are made possible by filling in most of the openings in the second floor that currently allow for unbridled sound travel from the joyful squeals of youngsters below.   

Also, special sound-dampening technology in the ceilings will act as a buffer to sound travel throughout the library. 

In addition, the children’s department will feature an updated Sensory Room, which includes special insulation to decrease sound stimulus and create a calming oasis for those who need a lower sensory option. 

Will you be open during renovation? 

While we intend to stay open in limited capacity throughout the renovation process, it is likely that some phases of construction will require a short temporary closure or adjustment to branch service hours.  We will communicate any closures or interruptions as soon as possible. Check back here for the latest updates and current information. 

Are you still going to offer programs during renovation? 

We will continue offering programs for all ages on a limited basis and as space permits.  Please check our online calendar for events throughout the community, including those at Santori, West Branch, and Bookmobile. 

Will I be able to get the materials I need during renovation? 

Eola will have a limited selection of materials on-site to offer the community throughout renovations.   
Please take this opportunity to explore:

Santori Library in Downtown Aurora, West Branch on the west-side, or the Bookmobile on one of its frequent stops throughout the community.  Check out the Bookmobile schedule here! 
Make your visit quick and easy with curbside holds pickup!  Place items on hold using the library website, or call 630-264-4117 and confirm your preferred pickup location.  We will notify you immediately when your holds are ready, and you can schedule a time that works for you! 
Did you know that APLD offers home delivery service to all Aurora residents?  To sign up, complete the form here or call 630-723-2705.  You can place holds on our website or by phone, and a library staff member will call you to schedule a no-contact delivery! 

Are there digital options I can explore?

Yes!  APLD has a wide variety of digital options, from eBooks and eAudiobooks to language-learning databases and online newspapers.  Check out our options here! 

Can I still book study rooms and meeting spaces? 

Expect temporary disruptions to study and meeting room availability during certain phases of renovation.  As of October 1 , 2025 meeting rooms are not available. As of January 8, 2025 study rooms are not available. Check back here for the latest updates and current information. 

Will the computer lab be available during renovation? 

We will make every effort to continue offering access to public computing throughout the renovation.  PCs or laptops, copiers, and faxing/scanning will be available for use inside the library during open hours, and any disruptions or closures to the lab will be communicated to the community as soon as possible. Check back here for the latest updates and current information. 

We welcome you to checkout our Chromebooks and hotpots, and to utilize our wireless printing. Don’t forget free Wi-Fi is available in our parking lot, 24/7 by using Network: APLDExterior and Password: yourlibrary! 

Can I still access the Eola Community Center and Fox Valley Park District spaces from the library and adjacent parking lot? 

Visitors to the Eola Community Center will still be able to walk through the library from the south entrance to the door on the north side of the library, during library open hours.  When the library is closed, you can use the north entrance to the Eola Community Center. Once construction begins for phase 1, visitors will not be able to walk through and access the Community Center.