September 16, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Ogden Rose Library gets a facelift

The Ogden Rose Library is getting a facelift.

The library is undergoing the first part of a remodel.
Currently, new flooring is being installed.

The library will re-open in four days.

Volunteers removed all of the books and shelving from the library in late August.  Books will be back on the shelves this week, said Library Director Allison Wakefield.

This is just the first stage of the remodel.

“The remodel of the library is going to take several years,” Wakefield said.  “Things that are part of the plan are flooring, painting, and new seating, and creating a space that people in town can rent out for small gatherings.”

Over the past four years, the library has taken part of its levy and set it aside at the end of the fiscal year. The money has been earning interest in a CD.  That money, along with fundraising the library plans to do will fund the remodel.

“We also hope to generate revenue through the ability to rent out the activity room to the community,” Wakefield said.

Wakefield said she and the library board have a clear vision for the library. They want it to become an updated, accessible and inviting space for the community to be in and use.

Dozens of volunteers helped move furniture, books and clean so the new flooring could be installed.

“Honestly, I am so proud to have so many wonderful patrons and businesses that want to support the library,” Wakefield said. “Our patrons are so amazing.”

Wakefield and the library are also implementing new programs to go with the new decor. Wednesdays are story hour and a craft. The last Saturday of the month sees the library host a sensory-friendly story hour. More details will be announced after the library reopens this week.

in Life, People
Banner
Related Posts

‘ B.J. was one who absolutely stood out’

September 10, 2021

September 10, 2021

We asked Matt Davidson, the former Legislative Director for the Illinois Municipal League for his thoughts on B.J. Hackler. Here...

‘He was one of a kind that can never be replaced’

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

Gerald McClendon always wanted to help people. His Facebook page even said, “I enjoy helping as many people as I...

Kids Say…. What do you think a farmer does?

December 23, 2019

December 23, 2019

We ask students to tell us what they think a farmer does each day. Here are their answers. What do...

Talk of the Town with Superintendent Todd Pence

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

Every week we ask a village mayor, trustee, school administrator or board of education member three questions. This week is...

Longview Bank helps area schools

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020

Longview Bank is helping local schools. The bank donated $2,500 to eight school districts. Shiloh, Villa Grove, Unity, Heritage, St....

5 things you don’t know about me… Deklan Quinn

August 7, 2019

August 7, 2019

Deklan is in the running for the title of Little Prince! He is six years old. We asked him to...

10 things you don’t know about me… Carrie Mattsey

September 27, 2019

September 27, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to tell us 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week we spoke to...

CU Feed the Need to distribute food this week

August 26, 2020

August 26, 2020

CU Feed the need has even more food to distribute this week thanks to the St. Joseph Food Pantry. The...

Maxey named to SJO Board of Education

June 23, 2020

June 23, 2020

The St. Joseph-Ogden School Board has a new member. The Board of Educated voted to fill a vacant position with...

10 things you don’t know about me… Joe Hackney

September 27, 2024

September 27, 2024

1. What is a tv or movie you could watch over and over and why? Lately, I’m really looking forward to...

‘Scouting has been such a wonderful experience for me’

January 19, 2023

January 19, 2023

Sara Steffens’ Gold Award project is personal. The Ogden Girl Scout was inspired by her sister. “I learned that the...

Dream come true: St. Joseph native earns veterinarian degree from University of Illinois

July 18, 2019

July 18, 2019

Suzanne Ford has always wanted to be a veterinarian. “My mom says I was two years old when I said...

5 things you don’t know about me… Aubree Vilven

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

Aubree is in the running for the title of Little Princess! She is six years old. We asked her to...

10 things you don’t know about me… Kelly Cooper

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

Ogden Village Trustee Kelly Cooper was elected in 2017. Since then she has worked diligently to make sure Ogden has...

St. Joseph resident Lewis to star in ‘Frozen Jr.’

September 21, 2019

September 21, 2019

Hayden Lewis loves to act. The St. Joseph Middle School student is participating in the The Champaign Urbana Theatre Company...

Comments
Leave a Reply