Tinley Park Public Library is excited to announce the completion of its 2024–2025 renovation project, an effort designed to create welcoming, inclusive, and engaging spaces for visitors of all ages.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the community’s support and patience throughout this renovation project, and for the Library Board’s vision and commitment in making it possible,” said Library Director Zach Musil.
The heart of the project focused on revitalizing the Youth & Teen Services Department, a beloved space that has welcomed countless families since the building opened in 2004 but had not seen significant updates—until now! Enhancements include:
- New carpet and furniture across the second floor and redesigned, inviting spaces for children, teens, and families
- A cozy study space for teens
- Beautifully updated youth and teen program rooms
- A dual-purpose room for nursing mothers and children with sensory needs
- An interactive Lite-Brite wall
- A 180-gallon saltwater tank with new fish friends
- Modern, ADA-compliant restrooms on both floors, including the addition of a family/all-gender restroom on the first floor
- A drive-up window for convenient hold pickups (available in January 2026)
- Upgraded AV equipment and assistive hearing devices in the Meeting Room on the first floor
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- Youth & Teen Services Desk
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- Teen Study Lounge
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- Play Area
This renovation project marks the first phase of the library’s architectural master plan, developed in 2023 in collaboration with Product Architecture + Design to help guide improvements to the building in the coming years. The plan was shaped in part by community feedback gathered through the 2020 Library Survey.
The Board of Trustees and Library Administration wanted to maximize the benefits for the community by starting with updates to the most used and cherished parts of the library. Because the first floor received new finishes and furniture in 2017, the Youth & Teen Services Department on the second floor became the next logical focus.
Thanks to decades of prudent financial stewardship, the library completed the $5.8 million project using funds reserved specifically for capital improvement, without any additional cost to taxpayers.
Throughout construction, SMC Construction Services and Product Architecture + Design worked closely with the library and contractors to coordinate each phase of the project. Their expertise and communication kept the renovation on schedule and allowed the library to remain open and continue offering services with minimal disruption.
The refreshed spaces have already been embraced by the community and library staff.
Youth & Teen Services Manager Valerie Zulevic loves the bright, open play area and program rooms. “The combination of natural light, vibrant colors, and interactive toys makes our library an even greater social center for our community,” Zulevic said.
Library patron Aireen Arellano shared that the play area is an absolute hit with her daughter, “…especially the giant Lite Brite. What a bright, beautiful, and welcoming space. I’m so excited for this to continue being a happy and safe place for my daughter.”
“It’s amazing, 100x better! My young kids are 3 & 5 and they are begging to go back. They did a great job,” said a member of the Tinley Park Moms Facebook group.
Visitors have commented on how open and inviting the department feels, how much their children love the new play area, and how worth the wait the renovation was. Additionally, the library’s new resident axolotl, named Dewey, has quickly become a local celebrity.
With the renovation complete, Library Administration is turning its focus to the next major project: The Prairie Garden & StoryWalkⓇ. This outdoor space was designed by site design group, ltd. and will be constructed by Electric One, Inc. and HMR Construction Company this coming spring. Nestled within restored prairieland, the Prairie Garden will serve as a place for families to engage with the natural landscape.
“This new, inviting outdoor space will help families connect with nature, reading, and imagination, where community members can build fond memories together,” said Assistant Library Director Sarah Schroeder.
Visit tplibrary.me/prairiegarden for updates on the Prairie Garden & StoryWalkⓇ and be sure to stop by to enjoy the library’s newly renovated spaces this winter!
