Keynote speaker Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White presented a poster of the 'Jesse White Tumbling Team to the library. White, who attended the groundbreaking two years ago, emphasized that libraries are the cornerstone of the community. White presented the library with a copy of a book he wrote, I'm a Jesse White Tumbler. The new library provides a wide variety of expanded learning opportunities for the entire East St. Louis community, especially children. To create a welcoming yet functional facility, KAI used light and color as hallmarks of the design.
Natural light brightens the library's public spaces.
The children's area, designed for story telling, crafts and reading, features a distinguishing serpentine glass block wall dotted with playful colors and built-in, heated risers for seating. Clerestory windows encircle the main library areas and vivid carpet patterns add visual interest. The central circulation desk is prominently placed at the library's entrance, within a two-story atrium. Multi-purpose meeting rooms and computer stations provide additional resources for the community. The library also maintains a catalog of Metro East Journals from 1889 to 1936.