Prospect Heights Public Library Celebrating 60 Years of Service
Celebrating 60 Years of Service to Our Community
In 2017 the Prospect Heights Public Library District will celebrate its 60th anniversary.
On March 28, 1956 the Woman's Club of Prospect Heights decided to start a Community
Library on an experimental basis. The determination of this Club began the process that brought the Library to the full service operation that patrons enjoy today.
The Library first opened at 8 E. Camp McDonald Road on June 1, 1956. The Library committee met with a representative of the Illinois State Library in Springfield and secured a promise for the loan of 2,000 books. To provide additional volumes, a drive took place on April 28th. Girl Scout troop 166 and Boy Scout troop 75 made door-to-door canvasses to collect books to benefit the community project. The drive provided an additional 3,500 books.
On Saturday May 25, 1957, with the help of 100 voters who had signed a petition to place the proposal to establish a library district on the ballot, the vote passed 213-160. This allowed Prospect Heights Public Library District to become a reality with continuing financial support from taxes.
In 1972 a permanent site was found at 12 N. Elm Street. The Woman's Club, through numerous fund raising projects, raised $15,000 which they donated toward the purchase of this land.
On April 4, 1989 a referendum was passed to double the size of the original building for a cost of $2.9 million.
On March 5, 1990 the Library moved to a temporary location in the Capital Commerce Center in Wheeling, spending a year in this location while the 12 N. Elm location was expanded. In 1991, the Library's expansion and renovation were completed. This is the Library that serves
you today.
Please join us on Sunday, September 17, 2017, 1:00 - 4:00 pm for live entertainment, makerspace activities and refreshments.