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Grayslake Library celebrates 20 years at 100 Library Lane

On Jan. 6, 1997, the Grayslake Area Public Library officially opened its doors on 100 Library Lane, Grayslake. The library's inception began in 1931 when the Grayslake Women's Club held a book shower and collected 100 books. Locations included various rented spaces and eventually a double storefront on Center Street. As the population of the library district continued to grow, planning began to secure a larger, permanent space that led to constructing a stand-alone, two-story building on 5.4 acres adjacent to Central Park.

Since the Library Lane location was opened 20 years ago, interior facility improvements have continued, including the recent renovation of the former lobby into a community gathering space named Kent's Place. Arthur Kent Rich, known as Kent, was a longtime volunteer whose service was vital to the construction of the library's permanent location.

"He was the point person for our construction project," Grayslake Library Director Roberta Thomas said. "He and his wife (Karen) were on-site every day, in the rain, mud, snow and heat. He knew the history of the library and always brought a sense of perspective."

In honor of 100 Library Lane's birthday, Grayslake Area Public Library District Trustees served cake in Kent's Place on Jan. 8, followed by a free jazz concert from Planet Flippo as part of the Friends of the Library Winter Concert Series. Photos depicting the ways the building interior has changed over the years are currently on display in Kent's Place.

For more information, go to www.grayslake.info, call (847) 223-5313, follow the library Twitter and Instagram or find them on Facebook.

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