Reimagine HPPL

Donation Options

A computer-generated image of the proposed library expansion shows a limestone brick building addition with a peaked roof with lawn and sidewalk in front. — North Elevation — Laurel Avenue

Computer generated image of the south side of the library expansion. — South Elevation

Computer generated image of the west side of the library expansion. — West Elevation — St. Johns Avenue

A computer generated image of a large meeting room with elaborate ceiling lighting and peaked ceiling. A group of computer-generated people are seated facing forward watching a program not in view. — View of the new Community Meeting Room

Computer generated image of a corridor lined with various shelves of books and media and a text collage of author names on the walls above. People sit in the center on benches. — View of the Laurel Gallery

Computer generated image of a large room with a peaked ceiling and hanging light fixtures and multicolored walls. Short shelves of books fill the room. A computer generated image of a child is in the middle of the aisle, crouched down, reading a book. — View of the Youth Services Discovery Room

Computer generated image of the library's proposed youth activity room. It shows an open area with desks and computer generated people. — First View of the Youth Services Activity Room

Computer generated image of a children's activity room with a group of children reading participating in story time in the background and desks and chairs in the foreground. — Second View of the Youth Services Activity Room

Computer generated image of an open seating area in the library with various people interacting with the environment. — View of open seating in Youth Services

Computer generated image of the Youth Services area featuring the main service desk and various people. — View of the new Youth Services area and service desk

Computer generated image of the Youth Services area.showing various people interacting in the space. — View of the Youth Services New Releases Center

Computer generated image of a reading room, showing sets of shelves and a few people reading by a window. — View of a Youth Services reading room

Computer generated image of a large workroom populated by computer generated people working or interacting with various devices and computers. — First view of the Innovation Studio

Computer generated image of a workroom feature people using computers and various devices. — Second View of the Innovation Studio

Computer generated image of an upstairs office with computer generated people at a meeting desk. The room is partitioned with a glass wall with doors. — View of the Highland Park Archives Office

Computer generated image of the proposed archives to be installed. It shows a series of shelves in a bright room and various computer generated people looking through the shelves. — View of the Highland Park Archives

Computer generated image of the library lobby showing the proposed staircase and elevator. — View of the lobby and Youth Services entrance with new stairs and elevator

Computer generated image of the proposed new hallway of the library's espansion, featuring computer generated people. — View of the new corridor of the expansion

Why We're Expanding

The Library is Highland Park’s most visited public building; over 700 people visit daily.
We have outgrown the space and have accessibility issues.
Our 94-year-old building cannot keep pace with modern library needs.

The Expansion Will Add 7,850 sq ft to the Library and Will:

Expand Youth Spaces: 25% more book collection space, 50% more room for early literacy, hands-on learning, and storytimes.
Build ADA-compliant restrooms and a three-stop elevator.
Launch the Innovation Studio: Dedicated makerspace with 3D printer, laser engraver, sewing and embroidery machines, Cricut heat press, and more.
Advance the Highland Park Archives: Climate-controlled, publicly accessible historical collection.
Double Community Meeting Space: Room for up to 175 attendees for programs and events.

$10,000 Gift From Carnegie Foundation Helps Fund Expansion

May 6, 2026 Highland Park Public Library received a recent $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York foundation, joining more than 1,000 libraries across the country as recipients. From 1886-1917, Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of more than 1600 public libraries including Highland Park Public Library. The $10,000 gifts to those libraries still […]

Architectural rendering showing the new archive space, office, and reading area.

A Sneak Peek

As construction progresses, we’re looking forward to debuting expanded and transformational spaces within the Library. Here’s a preview of one such space — the Highland Park Archives — and what you can expect to find. With a new elevator in place, a new Reading Room within the archives will be accessible for all. Community members […]

Rob And Terri Olian Donate $100,000 For Youth Activity Room

As fundraising for the Library’s expansion continues, the Library has announced a major gift of $100,000 from Rob and Terri Olian toward the Reimagine Your Library Capital Campaign. In recognition of the Olians’ generosity, a new space will be named the Rob and Terri Olian Youth Activity Room. When construction is complete, the new Rob […]

Project Snapshot

Expansion Specs

7,800 sq ft (est.) Addition

Existing Building sf — 47,050 sq ft

Project Length — 15 months, (est.)

Project Budget  — $10.815M (est.)

Funding Sources

Library Special Reserve Fund

Secured Grant — $125,000

General Obligation Bond

2025 & 2026 Capital Budgets

Unrestricted Gift Funds

Timeline

2022 — Architect Selection

2023 — Design & Community Input

2024 — Design Review

2025 – 2026 — Construction

2026 — Project Completion Fall (est.)

Reimagine Your Library