The O’Fallon Public Library is a cornerstone of our community, and like the city itself, it’s time for us to grow. In 2023, the library completed a Master Plan, a process that involved a public survey, community workshops, staff interviews, and a deep dive into how our current space is serving residents. The findings were clear: our building, while still beloved, is no longer meeting the needs of a modern, growing community. The children’s area is too small. There’s a lack of study rooms and seating. Acoustics are poor. There’s limited outdoor space. And perhaps most critically, the library’s current location doesn’t align with the city’s long-term growth plans.

Faced with these challenges, the Library Board weighed two paths—either expand the current building or start fresh with a new facility. Expanding would have cost around $12 million for only 6,000 more square feet and still wouldn’t solve key issues like location or layout. Instead, the Board made the bold but necessary decision to explore building a new library from the ground up. In August 2023, the Board formally approached the City about a potential site just north of the Public Safety Building on Seven Hills Road. The exact details and vision of this space are still being worked out, but the goal is to provide modern and updated facilities to meet the community’s needs for today and into the future. 

You may wonder: why now, and why so much? The answer is simple. The library isn’t just about books anymore—it’s a hub for education, community connection, and essential services. Last year, over 130,000 people visited the library. We hosted nearly 450 programs and saw almost 200,000 physical items checked out—alongside 80,000 digital ones. Our spaces are at capacity, with children’s programs turning families away and study rooms booked solid. Remote workers, students, job seekers—they all rely on these resources, and we’re running out of room to serve them well.

Technology has changed how libraries operate, but it hasn’t reduced their relevance. In fact, it’s helped us evolve. With tools like self-checkout and mobile apps handling routine tasks, staff can now focus on one-on-one assistance—helping with everything from resume writing and passport applications to legal aid clinics and digital literacy. Libraries have transformed, and ours is ready to do the same.

We invite you to imagine what this new library could be: a campus that includes museum space, a café, even essential services like banking or mailing—making it a one-stop destination for learning and connection. Most importantly, it’s a space that grows with us, reflecting our city’s values and vision. Keep an eye out for more updates this fall and spring, including Community Engagement Workshops where your voice will help shape the library’s next chapter.

If you have questions or concerns, or are just curious about this process and vision, reach out to the Library Director, Ryan Johnson. His email is ryan@ofpl.info. His direct line is 618-206-4342.