SUGAR GROVE – The Sugar Grove Public Library’s front area will soon be transformed into the new flexible, mixed use NOWspace, after it was awarded a matching grant of almost $86,000 through the Illinois State Library’s Live and Learn construction grant.

According to a news release, the Aurora-based architecture firm, Cordogan and Clark, partnered with the library to develop the project and perform the extensive planning needed to apply for funding.

The grant, written by Library Director Shannon Halikias, will provide for updates that will provide more usable civic space, flexible mixed use space for programming, furniture refurbishments and updates for better ADA accessibility including bathroom door assists, stability rails in stalls and adaptable furniture, the release stated.

The new space will also have two studios, an AV studio with recording technology and green screen and an additional podcasting and audio recording studio, as well as group seating and a “hotel style” counter for coffee and laptop use.

“Creating spaces for informally gathering, working, creating content and performing maker activities is key to a fully functioning contemporary library,” Halikias stated. The studio spaces may be used for podcasting, recording and mixing, creating commercials for a business or social media, history projects, student media projects and more.

“The library is considered quite underfunded with an operating rate which leaves few dollars for updates, repairs to the facility or refurbishment,” Halikias stated in the release. “Without grant funding for projects it is difficult to be a steward to the facility and perform modifications or repairs. Through the Live and Learn Construction grant, we now have an opportunity to leap forward in our services.”

Cordogan and Clark will be managing the project, and request for bids for components of the project are expected to be launched in the fall, with award decisions made in November. Construction is expected to continue throughout the winter.

The Sugar Grove Library is a district library serving Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove Township and part of Montgomery and Aurora with approximately 16,000 residents. The current facility was built in 2009, while the district has been in operation since 1963, the release stated.

For more information, contact Library Director Shannon Halikias at shannon@sgpl.org or visit the library at 125 S. Municipal Dr.