Opened in 1913 the Park Ridge Public Library stands as a testament to community spirit. It all began with the Tuesday Literary Club a group of determined women. They envisioned a public library for their growing town. They learned about Andrew Carnegie’s generous library endowments. Laura Root a prominent club member led the charge. The women successfully convinced the village to support their vision. They secured a lot and a significant portion of the funding.
The Carnegie Foundation granted $7500. This was boosted later to $7500. The initial building opened its doors on December 6 1913. It was a momentous occasion. It marked the start of a vital community resource. The library initially only offered 10 hours of service weekly. A thousand books donated by the George Carpenter Estate formed part of its first collection. The library’s early success was due to the dedication of volunteers and the first paid librarian Ruth Colman. She served from 1913 to 1920. Frances Holbrook succeeded her and remained head librarian until 1958.
The original building served the city for 44 years. The library eventually moved to its current location. It stands at 20 South Prospect Avenue. This new building opened in 1958. An addition in 1977 doubled its size. The Park Ridge Public Library has grown immensely since its humble beginnings. It now boasts a collection of approximately 175000 items. Its annual circulation exceeds 500000 items.
It offers a wide range of services. This includes programs for adults children and young adults. It hosts art lectures music performances and cooking demonstrations. The library offers theatrical presentations health programs and film screenings. It is a thriving hub of activity. It serves a population of approximately 39650 residents. The Park Ridge Public Library is a true community treasure. It continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of its patrons. It is a testament to the enduring power of community investment and vision.