A former Aledo resident bought the library, and renovated it into a new work space for STEM employees at companies around the country. ALEDO, Ill. – The old Mercer County library in Aledo is getting state-wide attention, thanks to the work inside that has kept the entire building vital for the people of Aledo. Sitting in Aledo’s historic downtown district, the Carnegie library has always served its purpose. From March 2020 to May 2021, Albertson transformed the inside of the old library into a new space. Landmarks Illinois announced Tuesday the transformation was so special, the organization is awarding the old library with a state preservation award, with how it has been adapted to a new use. “We can take this building that maybe didn’t have any use going forward, we can breathe new life into it,” said Albertson. This transformation took a historic piece of downtown Aledo and matched its services to the needs of a 21st Century workforce.