About Us:
Franklin Park is very fortunate in that from its early days interest has existed in establishing a library for our community. The Franklin Park Library was originally formed as a project of the Franklin Park Woman’s Club. On April 15, 1899, the first book was donated, which was the beginning of our library. This library was housed in Wasson’s store, 9602 Franklin Ave. (the Lutz Building). It also contained a post office, telephone exchange in addition to ice cream, cigars and other saleable articles. The library was located there through September 1916.
Interior of old Municipal buildingIn 1925 the Woman’s Club asked the Village of Franklin Park for funds to help support the library. Members of the Woman’s Club continued to donate and purchase books until 1932, when the library was temporarily disbanded. In 1936, through the use of W.P.A. funds (Works Project Administration), the library was redeveloped. After W.P.A. funds has ceased the Woman’s Club resumed operation of the library. The library has had several homes in its long history. After its initial home at 9602 Franklin Ave. it was located in the old Municipal Building, 3113 Atlantic. Later in the 1940’s it moved into the old Waterworks Building, 9560 Franklin Ave. It was moved back to the Atlantic Ave. location, because the police needed the Waterworks Building while the new Municipal Building was being built. The library moved back to 9560 Franklin Ave. upon completion of the new Village Hall.
