When people visit the main entrance of the Sycamore Library in the future, they won’t be greeted by a wall, but a desk of smiling staff members ready to serve them.

The library, 103 E. State St., began construction Monday to make the facility more welcoming for patrons. The walls will be painted brighter colors, the book collections will have new locations and the floor will get new carpeting. The children’s department will undergo the biggest change, said Katherine Keyes, Sycamore Library assistant director.

The department is currently too small to hold the book collection for it, she said. The department will be expanded to include sections for preschool, elementary and middle school students. A computer lab will also be installed in the area for children to use.

The teen collection will be relocated near the historic section of the library that was built in 1905, she said.

“It’s going to be really fun for the kids,” Keyes said.

The construction is planned to last until early September and will be divided into four phases to ensure patrons can still use the library.

“Our staff is ready to hunt down books or DVDs for people who need them,” Keyes said.

The majority of the construction will be in the first two phases devoted to improving the children’s department. The library may be closed for a few days for new flooring, Keyes said.

The library secured a $125,000 grant from the Illinois State Library department to fund the construction. The “Live & Learn” grant from the state library helps fund capital improvement projects like renovations, said Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library communications manager. Another $200,000 from impact fees will also go toward the construction. The funding may not be enough and the library will have to seek loans, Keyes said.

Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy said the construction project seems to make more effective use of the space the library has. The library does a good job of attracting speakers, demonstrations and informational events, he said.

“The library serves as a focal point for educational projects,” Mundy said.