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New And Improved Broadview Library Reopens As Board Seeks New Executive Director


Wednesday, September 16, 2020 || Photos by Shanel Romain || @maywoodnews 

The Broadview Public Library, 2226 16th Ave. in Broadview, debuted a new look in late July, when it reopened to the public for the first time after the pandemic-related shut down in March and two years after breaking ground on the $5.4 million renovation project. The reopening also comes after Keisha Hester, the library’s former executive director, left for personal reasons.

The project — which included renovating the library’s 17,000-square-foot facility, constructing a new 3,000-square-foot building built on an empty lot adjacent the older facility, and installing a new facade — were originally scheduled to finish by June 2019, but a series of setbacks delayed the completion date. The most notable setback happened last May, when Poulos Construction Company, the general contractor for the project, defaulted. In June 2019, the library board voted on a takeover agreement that allowed the library’s surety to hire another another company to do the actual day-to-day construction and renovation work.

During a Sept. 17 interview, Joe Bondi, the library’s instruction and research manager, said that the new building is a substantial improvement on the old one, which was in critical need of a makeover.

“I got here in 1988 and the paint on the walls and the carpet on the floors had been put in a month after I got here,” Bondi said. “We had some complications [during the remodeling process], but the I think who are coming in now are very pleased. It’s a vast improvement.”

Bondi said that patrons will find comfortable furniture throughout the remodeled building and a “newer, cleaner and more attractive” facility, which features colored ceiling lights. He said that some administrative offices, the mechanical room and the processing area were moved to the lower level. Staffers also got new offices.

The exterior of the newly renovated Broadview Public Library, which reopened in July. | Michael Romain 

The new library space gives patrons more room to breathe and move about. | Shanel Romain 

Library hours are limited due to the pandemic, said Joe Bondi. But patrons who request a tour will find the remodeled facility neater, handsome and more inviting, he said. | Shanel Romain 

Due to the pandemic, the library has been short-staffed and its hours have changed. The library is open by appointment only, Monday through Friday, at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., for on hour sessions only. Patrons can call (708) 345-1325 (Ext. 7 or Ext. 10) to schedule an appointment. Bondi said that this upcoming Saturday, the library will start to open on Saturdays, instead of Fridays.

“We switched from Friday to Saturday, because we wanted to make the library available for people who work during the day, so we’ll be opening on Saturdays starting this coming Saturday,” Bondi said, adding that patrons can still utilize the computers. The library is even offering free printing and faxing.

“We’re allowing people to print up to a certain number of pages free,” Bondi said. “If you need to print or fax a few pages, that’s fine.”

Bright colors on the walls and inviting light fixtures overhead give the remodeled library’s children’s space a warm and welcoming vibe for patrons. | Shanel Romain 

Bondi said that since Keisha Hester, the library’s former executive director, left in August, Bob Lafferty, the library’s assistant director, has been serving as interim until the board finds a permanent replacement.

“We’re sad to see her go, but she left very happily,” Bondi said, adding that Hester had recently gotten married. “I’ve been here for 31 years and she was the best director I’ve had. I’ll miss her.”

In her last Executive Director’s Address in the library’s fall 2020 newsletter, Hester said that the library now “has study rooms, a makerspace, more computers, self-checkout kiosks, and has been decorated to be modern and inviting. Indeed, you will not recognize the place!”

Once the library starts operating back at full capacity, teen patrons can expect to take advantage of a dedicated study room with young adult titles neatly on the shelves and all patrons will be able to use the library’s meeting room and makerspace. | Shanel Romain 

Due to the pandemic, some of those features haven’t yet been launched, Hester said, before praising her coworkers.

“I have worked with an awesome, dedicated staff, and supportive board members, who always carried the best interest of the community in their hearts,” she said. “And though new life adventures await me, I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to our paths crossing again.”

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