Sarah Meisels deftly led tours of the new and improved Wheaton Public Library Monday, pulling a stroller with a kicking toddler away from a display case and trying to wipe away dirt smudges from construction workers' boots along the elevator track. All without missing a beat.

During a lull in conversation, she proudly surveyed the hustle and bustle, hands on hips, and gave a sigh of satisfaction much like a mother whose children have reassembled for the holidays. Nothing makes her more content than a full parking lot.

Pigtailed heads, adorned with high-tech headphones, stared at flat-screen monitors with impressive and colorful graphics during educational games in the children's area.
Winter coats, newspapers and notebooks littered tables in the nonfiction study area.

And several people sat curled up in oversized armchairs reading and admiring the view of a picturesque snowy park from a spacious alcove.

"It's a relief that our people are finally back with us," Meisels said. "We hated to shut them out, but it had to be done."

In its final phase, the $21 million renovation and expansion project required the facility to close to the public in November. It unveiled its fresh look Monday replete with new equipment, furniture and layout.

Meisels said the old library, which was built in the mid-1960s, was a long, "rectangular shoebox ranch" without a lot of interesting architectural detail.

"Now it's wonderful -- just delightful," Meisels said. "Everything is revamped and looks different, and everyone has just been thrilled with the finished product."

But since library staffers wanted to reopen as soon as the building obtained an occupancy permit, a few finishing touches have to be added, so there still are traces of ongoing construction. Temporary printouts currently function as signage, and plywood cutouts soon will be replaced by decorative glass panels along the staircase baluster and various other locations. Unobtrusive partitions are erected to fence off areas that still need electrical work, and contractors can be spotted carrying ladders.

Wireless technology has been installed but not implemented, and vending machines have been ordered for the scenic Parkview Commons area. The outdoor plaza on the west side of the building also isn't finished, and landscaping will come in the spring.

The children's department also will get some quirky furniture additions in the way of a book sofa and pencil and eraser.

But for now, an influx of patrons marveled at the luminous lighting fixtures that appear to be flying saucers suspended from ceilings and the forest green and plum color scheme of the main floors. Curvy soffits and decorative detailwork on columns also add to the library's aesthetics.

Plush brushed suede and cloth chairs are upholstered in swanky patterns and situated in every corner. The effect is modern yet cozy and not at all sterile.

The seating in the children's area is noticeably different. Kids bounced animatedly on squishy "blob" chairs before peering into displays of miniature farms or rural homes set into the blue and green speckled checkout counter.

"We used to come regularly, so we've been waiting patiently," said Gretchen Parr, nanny to 5-year-old twins, Lauren and Sean, who pulled excitedly at her shirt. "It's definitely been a long winter."

Michelle Healy brought her son Danny and neighbor J.R., both 3, to check out the new facility on opening day. The boys clutched DVDs of "Scooby Doo" and "The Wizard of Oz" as they waited near the checkout line.

"We've been going to Glen Ellyn instead, and they've been keeping us abreast of how things were coming along here. When they gave us today's date, I said, 'We'll be there!'" Healy said. "During the construction, I couldn't visualize how everything would fit together, but it's beautiful. The decor is colorful and bright; the computers are awesome; and it smells so good -- the area is going to get utilized big time."

Ben Wagoner, a reference desk librarian, said he loved the new look and was happy to get back into a work routine after being on hiatus for so long.

"I have a mixture of excitement and nervousness since we've been closed for so long, I'm wondering 'Do I remember how to do this?'" he said. "I'm still taking it all in. I don't think I realized how important the library was to people, but then you're fielding a ton of calls asking when we're reopening and seeing such a surprising amount of patrons here today."