Experimental Library Outpost Opens Saturday

It's not a new library branch -- it's a twig.

The Mighty Twig, a new experimental library outpost sponsored by the Evanston Public Library Friends, will open its doors Saturday at 10 a.m. The spot is opening in response to the loss of the south branch Evanston Public Library, which after its .

Prior to the closing of the south branch, the EPL board voted down a new interim south branch outpost which would have been supported by the EPL Friends group. when the board discussed allocating the $60,679 necessary to staff and rewire the proposed interim branch.

The Mighty Twig will be run and managed entirely by volunteers and book lending will be based on the honor system. Its hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with evening hours on Thursday beginning in mid April. It's located at 900 Chicago Avenue, Suite 102, near the former south branch library.

The EPL Friends said that the cost per day to run the Mighty Twig is $154 and the group is currently accepting donations to support the operation.

“We hope that all of Evanston will recognize The Mighty Twig for the wonderful opportunity that this can be, to realize a new way of thinking in writing the next chapter for the libraries of Evanston,” said EPLF Board Member Lori Keenan in a press statement.

Correction: Evening hours will be on Thursday nights in April, not Tuesday nights as previously stated.