Didn’t Daniel Burnham once say, “Make no little plans?” The Orland Park Public Library embodies that sentiment. This isn’t just a repository of books. It is a vibrant hub of community activity and architectural innovation.
The Orland Park Public Library serves over 57000 residents. It circulates more than 625000 items each year. That’s a lot of stories being shared.
Let’s step back in time. The Orland Park Public Library’s story began in 1937. The Orland Park Women’s Club spearheaded its creation. They understood the importance of accessible knowledge.
Initially, the library operated with volunteer staff. Donations stocked its shelves. In 1941, the Village Board formalized it as a free public library. A referendum in 1943 allowed for tax levies to support it.
The library grew alongside Orland Park. By 1960, a bookmobile service supplemented the collection. This lasted until 1967. Then the library joined the Suburban Library System.
Space became an issue as the population increased. The Andrew Corporation donated a new building in 1975. The Aileen S. Andrew Memorial Library opened in 1976.
Continued growth prompted further expansion. The Andrew Foundation funded an addition in 1983. A bookmobile service from Frankfort Public Library was contracted.
By 1990, another expansion was needed. The Library Board purchased its own bookmobile. A municipal bond issue financed the building project.
In 2002, a referendum passed to construct a new, larger facility. Michael Barnes from Lohan Anderson designed it. W.E. O’Neil served as the General Contractor. The current Orland Park Public Library opened on September 12, 2004.
The Orland Park Public Library is more than just books. It offers diverse programs for all ages. There are story times and crafts for young children. Older kids participate in science experiments.
Teens have their own dedicated space. Adults can access genealogy assistance and computer classes. The Orland Park Public Library also hosts special events like concerts and lectures.
The Orland Park Public Library has won awards for its design. It received the Downs Award in 2014. It won the Brick In Architecture Awards Competition in 2007. The Chicago Building Congress Merit Award was awarded in 2006.
In recent years, the Orland Park Public Library has continued to evolve. Renovations in 2019 and 2020 added a glass wall to the Computer Lab. A new Tech Center was created. The Teen Loft and The In-Between offer dedicated spaces for different age groups. The Backyard nature center and Sensory Space provide unique experiences.
The Orland Park Public Library stands as a testament to community support. It began with a vision. It has transformed into an award-winning institution. It continues to serve the residents of Orland Park.