Rockford’s interim library is expected to be listed for sale in 2024
With the city’s new main library branch set to open next spring, plans to sell the Hart Interim Library are taking shape.
“With the Federal Reserve signaling that they expect to lower interest rates in 2024, I expect conditions for developers and businesses to heat up,” said Jamie Getchius, vice president of the Rockford Public Library Board of Trustees.
The Hart building, 214 N. Church St., already has potential suitors.
“People have toured it,” said Bridget Finn, the library’s director of marketing and communications. “But it’s not something that can be mentioned now because we have no idea if they’ll go there or not.”
The Rockford Public Library bought the Hart building in 2016 from the Winnebago County, which had most recently used it for probation services and a satellite jail. Officials believe that operating it as the main branch for the last several years has had a positive impact on the area.
“Hart is a solid building in a great location that will provide a lot of benefit to the next owner,” Getchius said. “The additional traffic at the new main library should make the Hart building a very attractive location for a wide variety of potential buyers.”
When the new library opens at 215 N. Wyman next year and the interim library is sold, the Rockford Public Library will operate three branches, a mobile library and the Nordlof Center.
Jim Hagerty covers business, growth and development and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.