5 Major Updates: Why Downers Grove Public Library Is Illinois' Must-Visit Hub In 2025

The Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL) is not just a repository of books; it’s a dynamic, evolving community center, and as of December 15, 2025, it is undergoing significant positive transformations. These changes, spanning from leadership recognition to major infrastructure upgrades, cement DGPL's status as a premier institution in Illinois. The library continues its mission to be a place for everyone to discover, grow, play, and learn, driven by a commitment to modern services and a revitalized physical space.

The latest updates—including a prestigious award for its Director and a focused Capital Needs Assessment for 2025—demonstrate a forward-thinking approach. From new art exhibitions to essential structural improvements, the Library Board of Trustees is overseeing a period of strategic growth designed to better serve the Downers Grove community for years to come. This article breaks down the five most crucial and up-to-date developments you need to know about the DGPL right now.

1. Leadership Excellence: Director Julie Milavec's 2025 Librarian of the Year Award

The Downers Grove Public Library has received top-tier recognition for its leadership this year. Director Julie Milavec was proudly announced as the 2025 Librarian of the Year.

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This prestigious award, given by an Illinois organization, highlights her innovative work and dedication to advancing library services and community engagement. Her leadership is instrumental in guiding the library through its current phase of growth and modernization.

Changes to the Board of Library Trustees

In other governance news, the Library Board of Trustees recently saw a change in its composition. Trustee Marti Sladek resigned from her position.

The library is now working closely with the Village Council to appoint a new Trustee to fill the vacancy. This process ensures the Board maintains its full capacity to oversee the library's operations, finances, and long-term strategic plans.

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The Board of Library Trustees holds its regular meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., which are open to the public. Recent meeting dates, including those in November 2025 and December 2025, show the Board is actively engaged in policy updates and strategic discussions, such as clarifying costs related to Personnel Policy updates.

2. Major Infrastructure: The 2025 Capital Needs Assessment and Renovations

The DGPL building is undergoing a focused renewal, as detailed in the 2025 Update to the Capital Needs Assessment Report. This comprehensive plan ensures the physical infrastructure remains modern, safe, and efficient for the community.

Several key projects are slated for the 2025 calendar year and beyond, building on previous work like the 2014 renovations and the major 1999 remodel and addition project.

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Key 2025 Capital Projects Include:

• Lighting and Ceiling Level 2: Upgrades to the lighting and ceiling on the second level, particularly in the North section.
• Restrooms and Staff Renovation: Essential updates to public restrooms and staff workroom areas, including a renovation for Youth Services.
• Exterior Architectural Brick Masonry: A significant project is the Exterior Architectural Brick Masonry work, estimated to cost \$280,000, addressing the building's facade.
• IT and Access Improvements: Work related to IT infrastructure and improved building access points are also part of the ongoing assessment.

These capital projects are vital for improving the user experience, ensuring energy efficiency, and maintaining the structural integrity of the library building. The library has historically managed to remain open during construction, a testament to careful coordination and planning.

3. Dynamic Programming: The Hub and New Community Events

Beyond the physical updates, the Downers Grove Public Library continues to offer a rich array of programs and services designed for every age group, with a strong focus on community skill-building and cultural enrichment.

The Hub: A Center for Adult & Teen Services

A key service area is "The Hub," which serves as the central point for Adult & Teen Services. Patrons can contact this desk to place holds on new materials and find information about upcoming programs.

The library ensures it constantly updates its collection, providing access to new fiction and nonfiction titles to satisfy the diverse interests of its cardholders.

Current and Upcoming Community Programs

The DGPL's events calendar is filled with dynamic, accessible programming. These events are crucial for fostering a sense of community and providing lifelong learning opportunities:

• Art Exhibitions: The North & Café Galleries are currently hosting the popular "DGPL Staff & Family Art Show." This exhibition showcases the creative talents within the library's own community and will run through October 28, 2025.
• Language and Conversation Groups: The library hosts an essential ESL Conversation Group, providing a supportive environment for non-native speakers to practice their English skills. Additionally, Spanish Storytime is offered for families looking to introduce their children to a new language.
• Writers Workshop: Aspiring and established authors can benefit from the Writers Workshop, a program designed to hone writing skills and provide constructive feedback.
• Contemporary Board Games: For recreational and social engagement, the library hosts a drop-in Contemporary Board Games session. This is a perfect way for residents to learn a new game or bring their own to play with others.

These programs, held in spaces like Conference Room B, highlight the library's commitment to being a place where people can truly "discover, grow, play, and learn."

4. Transparency and Public Engagement

The library maintains a high level of transparency regarding its operations and future plans. All Board meetings are open to the public, and agendas and minutes are readily available online.

The joint meeting between the Village of Downers Grove and the Library Board of Trustees is a testament to the collaborative effort to manage community assets effectively. Public Comments are a standard part of the meeting structure, ensuring residents' voices are heard on matters like the Capital Needs Assessment and Personnel Policy updates.

5. Staying Connected: Newsletters and Online Resources

To ensure the community is always informed about the latest materials, programs, and services, the DGPL strongly encourages patrons to sign up for its newsletter.

The library's website is the primary source for a full list of upcoming programs, event registration, and detailed updates on ongoing projects. Whether you are interested in the next Writers Workshop or the progress of the Exterior Architectural Brick Masonry, the information is continuously updated for public access.

The Downers Grove Public Library, under the award-winning direction of Julie Milavec, is clearly thriving in 2025. With significant capital investments in its building and a dynamic calendar of community-focused programs, the DGPL is reaffirming its role as the intellectual and social heart of Downers Grove. Its dedication to modernization and public service makes it a true model for libraries across Illinois.