Elmwood Park Public Library: A Brief History
Looking north from 76th and Grand Avenues is the home of the first library, originally the Mills sales office used during the construction of Westwood. The cars parked in front were used to show prospective buyers around the area.
The third location of the public library – a storefront opened in 1939 - was at 7705 Westwood Drive and would be its home for 36 years. In 1962 an addition was added and it was remodeled, but a need for even more space soon became apparent.
A new library facility became a part of the development of the Circle, along with the Civic Center. The doors opened on the 14,700-square-foot public library at 4 Conti Parkway in October 1975. This building eventually became the Early Childhood Center after the current library was completed on the outside of the circle in 2002.
Groundbreaking for new location at 1 W. Conti Parkway.
Opened 2002 and still going strong!
2014 is the Village of Elmwood Park’s Centennial year, with the Library celebrating its 78th anniversary.
2016-2020
2020 Pandemic
Staff
The last year has brought many staff changes. In October of 2019, we lost our beloved Kim Viita, Head of Kids & Teens, to cancer. In January 2020, Mary Moss, Head of Circulation, retired after 29 years of service. And in June 2020, Miss Irene from Kid & Teens, retired after 25 years of service.
They all were an integral part of the Library for so long, and we will miss them all.
Building
In the spring of 2019, the Library completed its 2016-2019 Strategic Plan, and was pleased to have created new spaces, activities, collections, connections, and opportunities for the community. Two of our biggest accomplishments were:
Remodel of the Imaginarium (formerly the Story Room), with new built-in puppet stage, carpeting, fresh paint, and a much more modern and kid-friendly atmosphere.
Remodel our main lobby to include a updated Circulation Desk, carpeting, paint, seating, and a brand new Snack Space with a vending machine.
Local History Room
The Library is very thankful that resident, former staff member and volunteer, Russ Parker, continues to manage our Local History Room and archive, which provides us with such rich history. We have yearbooks, photographs, articles, and other artifacts relating to Elmwood Park history. Access to the Local History Room is available to library patrons by appointment. Contact the Adult Services Department at 708.395.1217 to schedule a time.
You can also check out these online sources for historical photographs of Elmwood Park:
- A Village Grows: Fifty Years of Life in Elmwood Park on the Illinois Digital Archives, provided by the Secretary of State and State Librarian, Jesse White
- Local History Room's Flickr photo stream.
Interested in taking some history home with you? You can check out these books. Click on the title to check availability or place a hold in the SWAN Online Catalog:
- Images of America: Elmwood Park - This book is part of the Images of America series. Author Kenneth J. Knack, with the help of the Elmwood Park Public Library and several other sources, has compiled images that tell the story of Elmwood Park's centennial journey from rail stop amid the farmland bordering the great city of Chicago to a modern community that enhances the city it borders.
- Memories of Elmwood Park: A Centennial Celebration 1914-2014 - This book was compiled here at the Library by former staff member Russ Parker, who has been the Library's Local History Room curator for years, and Bob Wenshutonis. It is filled with history, anecdotes, and many wonderful photographs.
- Village of Elmwood Park, 1914-1989: Diamond Jubilee
- A History of Elmwood Park : 100 Years of Community Life - Self-published history of Elmwood Park, IL by Russell N. Parker. Images throughout book compiled from Elmwood Park Public Library Local History Archives.
- The History of Elmwood Park (DVD)
