Thanks to a generous $25,000 grant from the Northbrook Civic Foundation, we recently added new audiovisual equipment to the library’s Civic Room that makes it easier than ever to host hybrid meetings that seamlessly connect both in-person and remote participants.
The new setup includes:
• Four ceiling speakers for balanced audio throughout the room
• Two cameras on either side of the room for full video coverage
• Sound-damping audio to improve audio quality for all attendees
These enhancements allow virtual participants who join via Zoom or other platforms to enjoy a smoother, more immersive experience.
The Civic room also features an advanced listening system, compatible with loop devices, to ensure greater accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments.
Improved community connection and accessibility
This new technology will help expand engagement, increase participation in library programs, and foster a stronger sense of community involvement.
Kelly Durov, the library’s Assistant Director, states, “The community expressed a strong interest in more events that were accessible for remote participants, and we’re excited to offer a space that allows people to engage with our programs based on their preference.”
Like the library’s other meeting rooms, the Civic Room will be used for library programs and can also be reserved by Northbrook Library cardholders 18 years or older.
Celebrating our Partnership
In early 2025, we invited members of the Northbrook Civic Foundation to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the generous grant. During the event, Civic President Dan Westel emphasized the purpose of the donation, stating “We hope the community gets great use out of it. This is why we produce Northbrook Days—to be able to help the community in this way.”
We thank the Northbrook Civic Foundation for helping to strengthen community access and engagement.
A History of Partnership: Northbrook Library and the Northbrook Civic Foundation
The partnership between the Northbrook Public Library and the Northbrook Civic Foundation dates back more than 70 years. In 1951, Bertram Pollak, president of the Northbrook Civic Association, championed the effort to establish a public library, which led to a successful referendum that passed by just six votes. In 1953, the Civic Foundation dedicated funds from 16 years of Northbrook Days to construct the town’s first library at the corner of Shermer and Church Streets.
As Northbrook grew, the Civic Foundation supported the library’s growing collection by helping to fund the construction of a larger building at Cherry Lane and Cedar Avenue in 1969.
Today, thanks to the continued generosity of the Northbrook Civic Foundation and the community, the library continues to evolve, offering innovative resources and inclusive spaces that serve the needs of its residents.
