Welcoming Construction Workers at the Vernon Area Public Library

When a major construction project kicked off behind the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire, our staff saw more than just traffic cones and heavy machinery. We recognized an opportunity to live out one of our core values: "All Are Welcome Here."

Crews were expected to be in our neighborhood from December through March — months that any Illinois resident knows make for uncomfortable outdoor work. As the temperature dropped and the snow piled up, staff wondered: Do these workers know the library is open to them, even if all they need is a place to warm up? 

We quickly pulled together a flyer with an overview of some resources available at the library: 

• A place to escape the cold /wet or use the restroom
• Power outlets to recharge a phone and free public Wi-Fi
• Vending machines for snacks or coffee and a café area where they can sit and eat

The wording included a straightforward invitation to visit during a break or after the end of their day. It reminded them that they do not even need a library card to access most services. Libraries are for everyone.

Staff delivered the flyers along with a “gift bag” to the crew, stuffed with library-branded promotional items such as hand sanitizer and chip clips, plus vouchers for free coffee from the library vending machine. The delivery made a significant and positive impression; the workers were genuinely surprised and delighted by the tangible expression of appreciation and inclusion.

This small gesture reflects a larger principle: that the "public" in “public library” includes everyone in our physical community, not just cardholders or residents. Construction workers, service workers, delivery drivers, and others who work in our neighborhood are people with needs we can meet. By actively noticing and welcoming them, we're living out our commitment to serve our entire community. By directly telling them that this library welcomes them — as does every library — we are creating new library fans, who may then become lifelong library supporters.

Submitted by Catherine Savage, Head of Integrated Communications at Vernon Area Public Library District