The Niles-Maine District Library's $2.7 million renovation begins Tuesday, Sept. 1, with construction expected to reshape most areas of the building by the end of 2026.
The library at 6960 W. Oakton St. in Niles will stay open throughout the project, but patrons should expect rolling closures of individual sections as work progresses floor by floor.
Crews have already started preparing. As Journal & Topics reporter Tom Robb reported on Tuesday, Aug. 25, workers had already relocated the lower-level computer area to the third floor ahead of the Sept. 1 launch.
According to the library's construction updates page, several services shifted:
- Patron computers, Pay for Print & Copy and Scan Stations moved to the third floor.
- Study rooms closed; quiet study spaces remain available on the second and third floors.
- The Makerspace relocated to the third floor.
- The Digital Recording Studio (Studio A) can now be booked in person at the Technology Desk on the third floor; staff will accompany patrons to the studio.
The library serves cardholders in both Niles and Park Ridge. Library administration has not released a detailed schedule of which sections will close after Sept. 1, though the website says updates will be posted as construction advances.
The renovation comes as the library also received a $100,607 state grant announced in July by State Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). In a July 8 press release, Murphy called libraries essential community resources. "Strong libraries keep our communities vibrant, our minds open and provide essential opportunities for people to learn," she said, noting the grant was part of more than $520,000 directed to 28th District libraries through the state's Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program.
The library's fiscal year 2026–27 budget totals a tentative $13.5 million, adopted by trustees July 15. A public hearing was held Aug. 19; whether the board formally approved the final budget has not been confirmed.
Patrons can track closures and service relocations at nileslibrary.org/construction-updates or call 847-663-1234.
