La Grange Park Public Library District

That's when library service finally came to La Grange Park. Way back in 1957, residents approved the formation of a library, but did not approve the tax support needed to run the facility. That was the end of the first try for a library.

In 1973, some energetic residents formed a committee to look into providing a library to the community again. The recommendation was to form a district that would include La Grange and La Grange Park. The residents of La Grange voted against this idea and once again the dream of a library for La Grange Park was in jeopardy. But our residents came through this time and approved a referendum to establish a library district for La Grange Park.

In August of 1975 bookmobile service was provided with the help of the Suburban Library System. The bookmobile made several stops in the village weekly. It lasted until July 1976.

August 1, 1976 the library finally opened in a building. 5400 square feet of space was rented from School District 102 in the basement of the Forest Road School building. (It now is used for the Science Center.) We had approximately 4600 books and circulated about 51,000 items in the first year. The library holdings grew over the years and by 1987, we were squeezed for space.

In late 1987, residents approved a referendum for a new building. The ground was broken in October of 1988 and our first very own building was started. This new building was completed in November of 1989. We opened our doors on November 27, 1989. On that day we experienced our highest ever circulation - 1,132 items.

Our Library now has 21,000 square feet of space - with room for expansion. The lower and main levels are finished and furnished and filled with materials. (Almost overflowing already!) The upper level is still unfinished except for our Administrative Office and the Gregor Music Room. The Library now holds 55,046 books; 2,423 audio materials; 1,314 videos and has subscriptions to more than 200 magazines. In the last year we circulated 129,155 items.