Standing tall on Kedzie Avenue, the Markham Public Library is a beacon of knowledge in the heart of Markham, Illinois. Built on a rich history, this place has witnessed the evolution of the community’s reading habits, their thirst for information, and their desire to learn.
Back in the early 1960s, it all began as a small village library. Ruth Anderson and Mary E. Oglesby, two dedicated women, played a crucial role in its creation. They worked tirelessly, gathering over 5,000 books and persuading the Markham Park Commission to provide space for the library. This determination culminated in the Markham Public Library’s establishment in 1967.
This wasn’t the library’s final destination though. It was initially located in the Roesner Park Field House, which is now the Harold Murphy Recreational Center, before moving to the Canterbury Shopping Center. In 1980, the library found a new home in a former church building on the northwest corner of Kedzie and 167th Street. It was purchased by the library in 1979 and became the new Markham Public Library.
In 2001, the Markham Public Library’s name was changed to Bradford Anderson Oglesby Public Library, honoring Dorothy Bradford, a former Library Board President, and the two original volunteers. The library’s commitment to the community continued to grow, and in 2006, ground was broken for a brand-new building. While construction took place, the library operated in a section of the old McClurg School Building. Just a few years later, in 2008, the new Markham Public Library was opened with much fanfare, attended by dignitaries and the Mayor of Markham.
This is a story of growth, resilience, and the unwavering dedication to providing the community with access to information and knowledge. Today, the Markham Public Library continues to thrive, offering an array of resources, events, and a welcoming space for all.