WHEATON, IL — At a planning session on June 22, the Wheaton City Council expressed support for the Wheaton Public Library's implementation strategy for the second phase of its Vision Plan. The improvements, estimated at just over $2 million, include adding a makerspace, and making upgrades to the library's teen, youth and core ("heart") spaces.
During the meeting, Wheaton Public Library Executive Director Betsy Adamowski explained that the library has become a "third space" for residents. She cited statistics that show a dramatic uptick in participation in activities, such as mahjong and bridge over the past two years.
“It is quite amazing and the reason why, I believe, the parking lot is always full," she said.
Adamowski also shared data that showed the library's teen and tech spaces are being used more often. Usage of the teen space was up by more than 130 percent from Jan. 2024 through June 2026. In that time, average daily computer usage increased by more than 24 percent.
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