Intrigued by a treasure trove of knowledge? The River Forest Public Library stands before you. It is more than just a building. It is a community hub. It is a gateway to endless possibilities.
The River Forest Public Library enriches lives. It fosters a love of learning. The library first opened its doors in 1905. It was in a small storefront on Park Avenue. Imagine that humble beginning.
The current building was completed in 1929. William Eugene Drummond designed it. He was a Prairie School architect. Notice the architectural details. An addition was added in 1989. The River Forest Public Library is a significant property. A 2013 survey confirmed this.
The River Forest Public Library has over 90000 items. This includes books CDs and DVDs. There are periodicals and digital materials too. Cardholders can access many online databases. The library also offers interlibrary loans.
The River Forest Public Library provides programs for all ages. There are seasonal reading programs. These are open to all River Forest Public Library cardholders.
The River Forest Public Library is governed by a Board of Trustees. Seven trustees are elected. They serve staggered six-year terms. The library has several service departments. These include Adult and Teen Services. There is also Children’s Services. Materials Services and Administration are included too. Approximately 25 staff members serve the community.
In 1898, the River Forest Women’s Club initiated the library’s creation. They formed a committee. This committee called for special elections. These elections established a tax levy. It supported the library. Members of the first library board of trustees were elected too.
The Women’s Club and the Library Board worked to construct a library building. A site was available. However funds were insufficient. A request for Carnegie funds was denied. Maywood, a neighboring community, had recently received Carnegie funds.
Finally, in 1904, a contract was signed with W.A. Gerts. Construction began at 508 Park Avenue. On September 26, 1905, the River Forest Public Library opened. It had 1000 volumes. Mrs. Stella H. Nida was the first librarian. Her salary was $15 per month.
In 1923, the Library and the River Forest Park District entered a 99-year lease. The property was at 735 Lathrop Ave. A new building could be constructed there. In 1928, a bond issue passed. Residents allowed construction to begin. Drummond’s design included fireplaces and leaded glass windows. The new River Forest Public Library opened on October 13, 1929. The basement was not yet complete.
Throughout the decades, the River Forest Public Library grew. In the 1960s, it was air-conditioned. It switched to gas heat. In 1966, the River Forest Public Library joined the Suburban Library System.
In 1975, the Friends of the Library was started. They held their first biennial Book Sale in 1976. The original building was lifted four feet off the ground in 1989. A large skylight connected the old and new parts.
The grand opening celebration occurred on October 25 1992. In the late 90s, the River Forest Public Library added computers. It joined the SWAN catalog.
Today, the River Forest Public Library offers much more. There are video games and Blu-ray movies. One can find eBooks and eAudiobooks. Digital magazines are available too.
The Anne T. Smedinghoff Memorial Garden was dedicated on June 1, 2013. It honors Anne Smedinghoff. She served in the U.S. Department of State in Kabul, Afghanistan. She and five others were killed in a suicide bomb attack. They were delivering books to a local school.
The River Forest Public Library remains a welcoming place. The online library is always open. The River Forest Public Library preserves history. It embraces the future. It is a cornerstone of the community.