Library Digitizes 50 Years of Newspapers; Eyes Restroom Renovations

Mokena Community Public Library District Meeting | Nov. 25, 2025

Article Summary:
The library has completed a massive project to digitize five decades of the Mokena News Bulletin for public access. Simultaneously, officials are beginning preliminary discussions with architects regarding potential renovations to the restrooms and children’s area.

Facility and History Key Points:

• Digital Archive: The library scanned 35,055 pages of the Mokena News Bulletin dating from 1919 to 1969.

• Renovation Talks: Officials met with Williams Architects to discuss updates to restrooms and the children’s area.

• Shade Replacement: The cost to replace a damaged shade structure is estimated at $11,625, prompting a search for competitive pricing.

The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, reviewed significant updates regarding both the preservation of local history and the future of the library facility.

Executive Director Cathy Palmer reported the successful completion of the Mokena News Bulletin scanning project. The initiative involved digitizing newspapers published between 1919 and 1969. In total, 35,055 pages—amounting to approximately 8 terabytes of data—were scanned. The library is currently developing a Local History section on its website where these archives will be accessible to the public.

Looking toward future improvements, Palmer reported that library administration met with Williams Architects on November 12. The discussion focused on potential options for updating existing restrooms, creating family restrooms, and remodeling the children’s area. Williams Architects is expected to collaborate with John Shales of SMC Construction Services to provide plans and estimated costs.

The board also discussed maintenance of the facility’s exterior shade structures. Replacing a shade would cost $11,625. Ken Schultz is currently investigating pricing from other companies. The board reviewed warranty details, noting that while the steel structure is warranted for ten years, the fabric carries a limited warranty that pro-rates replacement costs after six years.