Rockford Public Library is currently planning expansion to accommodate the ever-increasing population growth on the east side of Rockford and to respond to the high usage demand at its present Northeast Branch location. The Library’s Board of Trustees is currently planning a new 23,000 sq. ft. East Branch.

The new East Branch will include a coffee shop; a large community meeting/cultural programming room; a large public computer area with quick e-mail, Wi-Fi, and high-speed Internet access; children, young adult and adult service areas; a drive-up book drop; and an expanded collection of books and media.

Rockford Public Library is working within its existing budget to expand services to residents without a property tax increase, a rate that remains unchanged since 1984. The Library provides vital services to the Rockford community through its collections of books, CDs, DVDs, periodicals; hundreds of educational and cultural programs; high-speed Internet and public computer access; digital and print reference information; computer classes; the Local History and Genealogy collection; Latino outreach programs; the Financial Opportunities Center, which provides financial, management and career education; and many other essential library services.