Des Plaines Public Library building number 1
- Miner and Graceland (1907-1936)
- 678 Lee Street (1936-1937)
- Miner and Graceland (1937-1958)
- 841 Graceland Avenue (1958-2000)
- 1501 Ellinwood Avenue (2000- )
The history of the Des Plaines Public Library dates back to the mid 1890s when a public library was first proposed. The first vote in 1896 was defeated 142 to 50. However, Dr. Clarence Earle and a group of progressive individuals kept up their fight.
In 1904, a subscription library called the Tabard Inn was established at F.C. Walton's drugstore. Walton payed for most of the service.
In 1905 at the April election, the proposition to establish a free public library finally carried by a majority.
The first Library Board meeting was held on May 2, 1906 in the village hall located at the corner of Ellinwood and Lee Streets.
Prior to approval of the library, Dr. Clarence A. Earle began carrying on correspondence with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to convince him to fund the library building. Though Mr. Carnegie didn't customarily aid in such small projects, he did eventually relent and provide a $5,000 construction grant.
The library was built on the corner of Miner Street and Graceland Avenue. It was dedicated on October 5th, 1907.[1] The library's initial collection consisted of 725 books. Business hours were Tuesday and Saturday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Sarah A. Weeks began her duties as the first librarian in September 1907. She received a salary of $10 per month and served in that position until 1915.
In 1936, the city council announced a plan to construct a new city hall on the library site. The project received financing through the WPA. The library would occupy the west wing of the new building. The building was demolished in the mid 1970s to make way for a new civic complex.
Adapted from research by Margie Borris.
Notes
- ^ The October 4, 1907 issue of the Daily Herald reported that the library opened on September 27. However, every other reference source says October 5.
