History:
In the late 1880's, a group of ladies decided to use the lecture room at the Congregational Church (The United Church of Christ) to open a library to the public one day a week. A $1 was charged for one year.
The present library was started by the Shabbona's Women's Club in 1939 in the council room of the village board. The Ladies Club helped to furnish the room and shelves were made by the boys at the high school.
In 1941, a library board was established with business members of the town serving on the board. The library had been supported with some money by the WPA. In 1942 the WPA withdrew its support.
On April 20th, 1943, the library became a village library and was now supported by taxation. Many, many people in town worked towwards improving the library by donating material.
Mrs. Lucy Douglass server as a board member for 30 years. This record has not been broken.
The present library was left a sizable amount of money from Mable Flewellin. The request was for a new library in town. A lot was purchased and the name was changed to honor her wishes. We moved in January of 1990 with a great deal of hlep from local men who carried the shelving across the street.
The library receives donations of books, magazines, videos on a frequent basis. Monetary gifts are also a big help in buying requested items.
The addition of 2 rooms was added in 2001. This was made possible by the DeKalb County Community Foundation Grant and patrons donating money.
The library is often called the heart of the town. A young child comes to the library and has books to read that will provide adventure and knowledge throughout their life.
Other sources at the library are: 3 computers for patron use, with one having internet access. Copies are 10 cents a page. The copy machine at the library is available when the library is open and also charges 10 cents per copy.
The rural fee is $35 for 1 year for a family and $20 for 6 months for a family. There are no student cards.
Life is a great adventure with a book in your hand!
