We Need Your Voice To Shape the Future of the Library
O’Fallon Public Library’s mission is to serve as a bridge connecting our diverse and ever-evolving community to learning opportunities, resources, and services that place people first. The Library’s recent master plan identified several challenges that limit our ability to live out this mission fully.
With more than 130,000 annual visits, 12,000 event attendees, and over 200,000 checkouts each year, the demand is clear. Our community depends on the library not just for books, but also for early literacy, STEM learning, digital access, and evolving services such as job help and legal aid. Yet space is insufficient across all areas; acoustics are poor; study rooms and seating are limited; events often fill up quickly; and outdoor space is lacking. In addition, the current location cannot adequately support the city’s growth.
To address these challenges, the Library Board has launched Together O’Fallon, a community-led effort designed to connect people, engage voices, and empower residents to help shape the future of the library.
Master Plan Findings
Current Challenges
- Insufficient space across all areas.
- Children’s Area Too Small: Overflowing storytimes, limited space for early literacy.
- Multi-Purpose Space Shortages: Events at capacity, no room for smaller programs.
- Study Room & Seating Limitations: Spaces fill quickly, leaving unmet demand.
- Poor Acoustics: Sound carries, affecting quiet study and focus.
- Location Concerns: Current site does not fit future population growth.
- Outdoor Space Demand: Families want more space for programs and gatherings.
The library’s master plan identified two possible approaches to address the significant space challenges:
- Option 1: Addition – While this would add approx 6,000 square feet of additional space, it is not considered cost-effective and would not resolve key challenges such as location, outdoor space or long-term growth.
- Option 2: New Library – Build a new facility with 40,000 square feet of additional space. This approach is designed to meet both current needs and future demand and addresses all of the identified issues.
Join Us for an Important Discussion
As part of Together O’Fallon: Be A Part Of What’s Next, the community will have the opportunity to review these findings, discuss the challenges, provide feedback on these options and propose additional options. This process ensures that the final plan reflects what residents want and need most in their library, whether that’s space for learning, gathering, or new services.
Together O’Fallon workshops are interactive, engaging, and designed to bring the community together. Learn more about our library’s needs, share your perspective, and help set priorities for the future.
Be part of Together O’Fallon by joining one of our workshops:
Nov. 6 | Feb. 5 | Mar. 19
Knights of Columbus
402 E Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269
6:00–8:00 p.m.
RSVP using the button below to let us know you plan to attend one or all of the workshops!
