The Library and bookdrops at 110 W. Maple Street are closed as we move to 411 S. Main. For updates on our move and Grand Opening, visit our Big Move webpage.
As of February 22, 2023
Feb 20: Interlibrary Loan suspended until we reopen in April
Feb 22: Extended due dates go into effect for most items
Feb 27: Passport services suspended until April 30
Mar 8: Last day to visit 110 West Maple Street! Library and bookdrops close at 9pm
Mar 13: Library material relocation begins
Apr 22-23: Grand Opening Weekend (dates subject to change)
You can borrow materials, use study rooms, and more by becoming a reciprocal borrower at other libraries in our area!
Some Illinois libraries belong to a network called SWAN (System Wide Automated Network). If you sign up for reciprocal borrowing at any SWAN library, you are automatically signed up to borrow items from the 100 Illinois libraries in the network! Nearby SWAN libraries include:
Other libraries are not part of SWAN but still offer reciprocal borrowing privileges with your Helen Plum Library card. Some nearby include:
If borrowing from SWAN, you can return items to any SWAN library (this does not include Helen Plum Library).
On 2/21, our Board will vote to approve closing the Library at 110 W Maple on or after March 9, 2023 and reopening the new Library at 411 S Main when the move is complete and public occupancy is permitted. We expect to be closed for 4-6 weeks. Be sure to check our website for updates.
All items currently checked out on the day of closure will receive an extended checkout and will not be due until we reopen at the new location in April. This includes items received through Interlibrary Loan. You will return items to the new building when it opens.
Interlibrary Loans are suspended as of Feb 20. If you would like an ILL item, you will have to go to the owning Library as a reciprocal borrower to pick it up.
We have created a list of nearby libraries that allow our cardholders to become reciprocal borrowers. Printed reciprocal borrower lists are also available at each service desk and on our website.
Placing holds is suspended while the Library is closed. The Library will reactivate holds when the collection is moved and we open the new building. If you already have a hold on an item, you will not lose your place in line.
You can continue to make purchase requests through our online form. Processing of these requests will be delayed as we open the new building.
The disposition of the current building and its contents is still being determined. Our Library Board of Trustees hopes to find a solution that is fiscally responsible, aligns with the Helen Plum Library mission, and best serves the community. Find more info at helenplum.org/maple-street-plans.
Staff responsibilities have shifted to preparing for the upcoming move, and storage needs are limiting our programming space. We look forward to offering programs again in the new space!
Some neighboring libraries may limit program attendance to their cardholders only. Each library will have its program attendance options indicated on its website.
The 411 print newsletter is on hold until we can more accurately communicate our new building moving and closure timeline. All remaining programs will be promoted via social media, email, and posters/hand-outs.
Passport processing is suspended from February 27–April 30.
We anticipate inviting the public to visit the new Library with a Grand Opening Weekend scheduled for April 21 & 22, 2023. (Dates subject to change)
Studio 411 is our brand-new makerspace! The space will feature equipment including a laser cutter, Cricut, a digital cutting machine, sewing machines, and a 3D printer. We will offer programs and open studio time for the community.
The new building includes multiple large program rooms and 11 study rooms divided among the adult, teen, and youth areas. Check them out in our early walkthrough video available on our YouTube channel:
youtube.com/helenplumlibrary
We’re excited to build onto our well-loved roster of programs in our new and expanded space. We’ll share it on our Library calendar, in our email newsletter, and on social media when we are able. We anticipate a more informal approach to our program schedule for spring as we settle into our new building, and for our summer calendar to look a bit more like our regular programming schedule.
Our collections develop and change in response to community interests and needs all the time. For example, during the pandemic, we reallocated material budgets to support online lending, like Hoopla, and increased hotspot lending. As we look forward to the new building, we will continue to assess usage patterns and add to the collection as needed.
Note: The new building will provide more accessible spaces for materials; however, we cannot run a direct square footage comparison due to the inaccessible height of shelving at the current building.