Park Forest Public Library Grant-Funded Drive-Up Window
Bringing Convenience to
the Community Library
Park Forest Public Library
Amount Awarded: $20,000 | Project Status: Completed July 2023
Will County allocated $20,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support drive-up services at the Park Forest Public Library, helping to expand resident access to library materials. The Park Forest Public Library underwent construction to add a drive-up window with the help of ARPA funds. The drive-up window allows patrons to check out materials or pick up program supplies like craft kits without leaving their cars. Anyone may use the drive-up window at any time the library is open.
Since the pandemic, many patrons stopped coming to the library because they didn’t feel safe. The drive-up window provides a way for patrons to continue to use the library using social distancing. Some of their patrons use the window exclusively because that is their comfort level. In the event of a large number of staff becoming sick, the drive-up window also provides a way for the library to maintain services with a minimum of staff.
Keeping Doors of Information Open
“The Park Forest Public Library is dedicated to opening doors of information, and in this case, a window! We are proud to offer this service to our patrons as a way of meeting everyone at their comfort level of social interaction.” – Barbara Byrne-Osuch, Library Director
The drive-up window project was approved by the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2022. Construction began in the spring of 2023 and was completed in July. In addition to the drive-up window, the construction project reorganized the parking lot to allow for a new flow of traffic. The grand opening on July 5, 2023, was attended by staff, board members, and the mayor.