Wilmette Public Library

The library was founded in 1901, but traces its origins to private nonprofit lending libraries created as early as 1880. It has occupied several different buildings, including one opened in 1905 which was built with a grant from Andrew Carnegie. The current building includes an auditorium which is used for concerts, lectures, travelogues, workshops, plays, seminars and artist receptions.

Private nonprofit lending libraries predated the founding of the Wilmette library. In 1880, at a time when Wilmette had only 419 residents, approximately 50 of its residents formed a literary society. Using initiation fees and collections taken during lectures, the society bought books for a library collection which they housed in the back of what had been town's earliest store, Kinney's General Store.[1] In 1882 the society was incorporated into the "Wilmette Library Association".[1] Separately, a "Library and Social Club" formed in 1889 with donated books forming a collection at the Methodist Church.[1] This second organization was incorporated as the "Elmwood Library Association" in April 1892.[1] A In 1897 the Woman's Club of Wilmette began renting space at a grocery store and circulating books, with its club members acting as librarians.[1] At one point the village housed a small collection at Royal Arcanum Hall.[2]

In 1900, by a vote of 62 to 52, Wilmette taxpayers approved a referendum which would establish a free public library.[1] A $2 million dollar tax issue was approved.[1] In April 1901, the original six Wilmette Library Directors were elected.[1] The library space it rented in the rear of a lumber company.[1] The Elmwood Library Association loaned a thousand of its books to the village's new library.[1] The library formally opened in 1901.[1] In its first year, more than 500 borrowers registered with the library and more than 9,000 volumes were circulated.[1]

In 1902, in response to an inquiry from the Library Board, Andrew Carnegie (who had been a benefactor in the construction of many libraries) agreed to give $10,000 to build the library a building with the condition that the village would provide a suitable location for the library at no cost and would agree to support the library with at least $1,000 in funds annually.[1] In 1903, an advisory referendum was held presenting village voters with three possible locations for the library building.[1] In 1904 the village purchased a site for the library and accepted Carnegie's offer.[1] The new Carnegie library building was opened in 1905.[1]

The current building was constructed in 1951 on the site of the original 1901 Carnegie library. The new structure won an architectural award for design from the American Institute of Architects. It was expanded over the years to meet the needs of library patrons, with an expansion in 1988 essentially doubling the size of the building. The library has been an essential part of life in Wilmette, as shown by the fact that 94% of the residents have a library card, far above the national average, and per capita circulation is a high 23 items.

In another referendum in 1975, the library was converted into a district entity. Six months later, in 1976, a referendum to include Kenilworth in the district failed to pass. It wasn't until 1983 that a contract was established of Wilmette's library district providing services to Kenilworth, which still remains today.[3]

The library's innovative creation of online book discussion groups received favorable notice from the American Library Association.[4] The library was awarded the 2008 ALA Presidential Citation for the Game Maker Academy program established by librarian Brian Myers and offered at WPL as well as a number of other area libraries.[5]

In 2015, the library embarked on a renovation project that updated all restrooms to ensure full ADA compliance. It also included the installation of eco-friendly restroom fixtures and improvements to the changing areas for children.

• Wilmette Public Library
• Wilmette Public Library history
• Wilmette Public Library staff book reviews

42.0749°N 87.7094°W / 42.0749; -87.7094