Highland Park Public Library

Highland Park Public Library, nestled in the charming city of Highland Park, Illinois, is more than just a repository of books; it is a beacon of community, knowledge, and history. Established on April 7, 1888, this library has grown and evolved alongside the city, becoming an integral part of the community's fabric.

The Origins of Highland Park Public Library

The journey of Highland Park Public Library began with a petition from the city's residents, leading to the city council's decision on July 7, 1887, to establish a public library. By September 14, 1887, it was decided that the library would be funded through public means, with an annual budget of $260. The library initially opened its doors in 1888, housed in a space above a hardware store, with a modest collection of 400 books and a librarian earning an annual salary of $75.

Expansion and Growth

In July 1889, the library moved to the newly constructed City Building, occupying a larger space. By 1891, it had relocated to a former city jail space, and under the leadership of Mary Ann Jennings, the third librarian, the collection grew to 7,000 books. Jennings also introduced the first catalogues, making the library's resources more accessible to the public.

The turn of the century saw further expansion. In 1900, the library purchased the Young Men's Club House, known as the Atheneum, for $2,000. The Dewey Decimal Classification system was introduced in 1903, further modernizing the library. By 1905, with the aid of a $10,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie and contributions from the sale of the previous building and the city, a new library building was constructed by the architectural firm Patton and Miller from Chicago.

Modernization and Community Engagement

With the new building, the library extended its operating hours and began offering vacation time for the librarian, with a substitute to cover during absences. The city increased its funding to accommodate rising costs, which included hiring additional staff. By 1912, the library had implemented a system that allowed patrons to directly select books for borrowing.

Despite plans to expand further in 1914, World War I delayed these efforts. However, the library continued to grow, adding a telephone line in 1915 and hiring a part-time children's librarian in 1925. By 1927, the library was led by its first professionally trained librarian, Cora Hendee, and boasted a collection of 16,773 books.

A New Home

The population growth in Highland Park necessitated a larger space for the library. In 1928, the city council allocated $150,000 over seven years for a new building. By September 20, 1931, the new limestone building, designed in the Neo-Gothic style and constructed with Wisconsin limestone, was opened. By 1935, the library's collection had grown to 45,676 books and 122,087 items in total.

Challenges and Resilience

The library weathered the Great Depression with minimal issues but faced challenges during and after World War II. Oil rationing in 1942 and 1943 led to Monday closures, and staff numbers dwindled as employees found better-paying jobs in the wartime industry. Post-war, the library's staff and collection sizes continued to shrink until the Friends of the Library group was founded in 1947, helping to replenish and diversify the collection with new books, recordings, and art prints.

Continued Growth and Technological Advances

In 1960, a new wing dedicated to children's literature was added, designed to match the style of the main building. By 1971, the library's collection had grown to 104,346 books. Another expansion in 1976 added a southern wing to the original building to accommodate the growing collection and increasing usage.

Under the leadership of Jane W. Greenfield, who became the library director in 1987, the library embraced computer technology. By 1989, the transition to computerized systems was complete, and subsequent renovations in 1991, 1998, and 2000 ensured that the library remained up-to-date and functional.

A Community Hub

Today, the Highland Park Public Library stands as a testament to the city's commitment to knowledge, culture, and community. With its rich history, extensive collection, and modern amenities, it continues to serve as a vital resource for the residents of Highland Park. Whether you're a history buff, a book lover, or simply looking for a quiet place to read and reflect, the Highland Park Public Library offers something for everyone. Its storied past and ongoing dedication to serving the community make it a must-visit destination in Highland Park, Illinois.