What started as a dream for many in 2019 took a step toward reality on Monday as shovels hit dirt outside the Highwood Public Library, marking the beginning of construction and renovation for the new Highwood Library and Community Center at 102 Highwood Avenue.
Those in attendance got to see through renderings and hear from staff what the new spaces will look like in the projected eight to 10 months, when the $4.3 million project is expected to be finished.
The signature fireplace by the entrance will remain, but almost everything else will be replaced.
In the early childhood section, double-sided book stacks will be accessible for little ones, replacing the tall stacks that previously made many books hard to reach, staff said.
A stage with a marquee will display the names of readers prominent. And to the left of that stage, kids will find costumes to help them make the characters in the…
