The Warren-Newport Public Library is undergoing a major transformation! We’re investing in significant improvements to create a more welcoming, functional, and engaging space for everyone in our community.
Our Library, Reimagined
This comprehensive project began with a space audit in May 2024. Our goal is to make the library more user-friendly and accessible by:
- Repositioning service desks for easier access to help.
- Creating better collection displays for easy discovery.
- Adding new seating and interactive spaces throughout the library.
- Completely renovating our youth areas to be more engaging and functional.
This initiative is a collaborative effort with ThirdWay Space (consultants) and Engberg Anderson Architects, guided by our dedicated staff’s Facilities Improvement Steering Committee and Core Task Force.
Project Costs
The Board has approved approximately $244,000 for initial implementations in August 2025, covering shelving, service desks, café furniture, and marketplace shelving. An additional $1.5 million is allocated for the major youth area renovation and adult/teen furniture upgrades in Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
Exciting Changes for Youth Areas
A significant focus of our plan is to transform our Youth and Middle School spaces, creating more engaging and functional environments for our younger patrons.
Reimagined Youth Services: The Youth Area will be divided into three distinct zones:
- An interactive play zone for toddlers through elementary age with museum-quality interactives.
- A dedicated collection area with all Youth collections conveniently located for easy Browse.
- A quieter focus zone behind the collection stacks for concentrated activities.
Refreshed “CoCos Cove”: This interactive play zone will receive new flooring, paint, and exciting interactives.
New Marketplace and Furnishings: The entry into Youth Services will feature a new marketplace and furnishings for a welcoming and organized feel.
Dedicated Middle School Zone: A new zone on the south edge of the Youth area will offer its own power, data, lighting, and finishes to support a variety of uses for older kids.
Other Near-Term Improvements (This Fiscal Year)
We’re implementing immediate improvements to enhance your library experience right away through new furnishings and minor interior adjustments.
New Café Seating Area: We’re creating a comfortable, hard-surface area for casual seating by removing some nonfiction stacks. This versatile space will be ideal for caregivers, seniors, and teens.
Improved Signage: A new system with clearer and more visible wayfinding will help you navigate the library with ease.
New Information Desk: A centrally located information desk, staffed by reference-trained employees, will offer easier access to assistance.
“Marketplace” for Collections: An engaging display pathway in the entrance corridor will lead to a full marketplace of displays, combining new and older items by genre or subject.
New Furniture: Enjoy a variety of modern seating options, including individual movable tables, “Workpods” (private work nooks), and comfortable booth seating.
Reduced Desktop Computers: We’ll decrease fixed desktop computers and offer circulating laptops and docking stations for more flexible in-library use.
Timeline & Service Impact
You can already enjoy our new privacy booths (Pillar Booths), relocated self-checkout stations, a new café area with seating, and collection shifts that have made room for upcoming improvements.
The first major transformations, including new service desks and marketplace areas will begin in August 2025. The complete youth area renovation and adult/teen furniture upgrades will follow in Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
We are committed to minimizing disruption. Staff will be available throughout the transition to help you navigate any temporary changes, and essential services like checking out books and using computers will continue. If you can’t find something, please ask any staff member for assistance!
Specific Area Details
Teen Collection: The teen collection has been moved out of The Vault to a more accessible location with new, shorter shelving units, creating more open space.
“Marketplace” Areas: We’re creating three marketplace areas—Adult, Juvenile, and Preschool—to make Browse and discovering new materials much easier. These are curated displays highlighting popular and new items.
Privacy Booths: Our new Pillar Booths are small, enclosed spaces perfect for phone calls, virtual meetings, or focused individual work. They are already installed and popular!
Future Plans & Feedback
The current plans will be implemented through Fiscal Year 2025/2026. We will continue to evaluate and make improvements based on community feedback and changing needs.
We welcome your input! You can share feedback with any staff member, contact Executive Director Ryan Livergood by email at rlivergood@wnpl.info or by phone at 847-244-5150 x3008, attend Board meetings where the project is discussed, or by using our quick online form.
Please view the Our Library, Reimagined FAQ page for more details.
We are incredibly excited about these changes and believe they will significantly enhance your library experience. We look forward to welcoming you to our improved spaces!