Library Branch Could Become Historic Landmark

Making the 1910 Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch an historic landmark was given the green light Wednesday by the Peoria Historic Preservation Commission. The unanimous vote comes despite objections by the Peoria Library Board. Library board officials are afraid a landmark designation would slow down construction of a four and a half million dollar expansion to the library branch. The next step is for city council approval. If the council gives the go ahead, the project would go to the zoning commission in early July. If the library branch is eventually granted landmark designation, it would be the citys first library to be granted such a distinction. Some say the designation is needed because of the librarys architecture.