Mission:
All library district residents will have access to library materials and programs to encourage literacy and the joy of reading; to promote lifelong learning; and to experience a sense of community in a welcoming environment.
History:
The Wood Dale Library began as part of the Bensenville-Wood Dale Public Library. In March of 1956, local citizens formed a group interested in establishing a public library. The boundaries of the library district were to be those of School District 100, which included Wood Dale and Bensenville. Residents donated books to create a collection and it was housed in part of the Fenton High School Library.
In 1958 each village decided to maintain its own library. Under the care and interest of Mr. Robert Doane and Mrs. Adolph Sofka, along with Mr. and Mrs. George Welter, the Wood Dale Library opened in a room of the old Highland Public School which was located on the northeast corner of Wood Dale Road and Foster Avenue.
Eventually it was realized that the library needed a building of its own. In March of 1960, a drive for funds was held in the village. Each family member in Wood Dale was asked for a donation of $6.00. This netted approximately $5,600 which paid for the materials needed for the original building. All labor was donated and the library opened in September 1960. The location was at the corner of Edgebrook and Irving Park Road next to Salt Creek and how houses a medical building. On November 17, 1962 a referendum was passed and we became a library District supported by citizens living in School District #7.
Over the years the library realized it would need a larger facility to serve our growing population. A bond referendum passed on December 16, 1978 and on December 13, 1979 a groundbreaking ceremony was held for our existing building. It was officially opened on February, 16, 1981. In December of 1997 a celebration took place for the payment of the bond. Today the Wood Dale library houses a collection of more than 100,000 items. This fiscal year our circulation is expected to reach 150,000.
