The Wilmette Public Library serves the residents of Kenilworth and Wilmette, Illinois, United States, on Chicago's North Shore.
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History
The library was founded in 1901, but traces its origins to private nonprofit lending libraries created as early as 1880. It has occupied several different buildings, including one opened in 1905 which was built with a grant from Andrew Carnegie. The current building includes an auditorium which is used for concerts, lectures, travelogues, workshops, plays, seminars and artist receptions.
The current building was constructed in 1951 on the site of the original 1901 Carnegie library. The new structure won an architectural award for design from the American Institute of Architects. It was expanded over the years to meet the needs of library patrons, with an expansion in 1988 essentially doubling the size of the building. The library has been an essential part of life in Wilmette, as shown by the fact that 94% of the residents have a library card, far above the national average, and per capita circulation is a high 23 items.
The library's innovative creation of online book discussion groups received favorable notice from the American Library Association. The library was awarded the 2008 ALA Presidential Citation for the Game Maker Academy program established by librarian Brian Myers and offered at WPL as well as a number of other area libraries.
In 2015, the library embarked on a renovation project that updates all restrooms to ensure full ADA compliance. It will also include the installation of eco-friendly fixtures and improvements to the changing areas for children.
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Special features
Media room
As part of the library's 2009/2010 Revitalization Project, the media room features thousands of CDs and DVDs along with Playaways, audiobooks, and university coursework disk sets. This is an inviting room, as it features tables and benches for relaxing.
Recent arrivals area
New additions to the library's collection are located here, along with book club selections, ELL (English language learning) materials, and an on-site librarian.
Friends of the Library Computer Center
The innovative Computer Lab features 12 PCs with full internet access and remote printing capabilities. The lab is open to all library patrons.
Teen Room
The Teen Room is intended for group study, smaller activities, and club meetings among teenagers. Adult use is restricted.
The study
Located away from all the noise and pedestrian flow of the library, the study offers a quiet place for reading and private studying.
Lower level auditorium
The 100 person capacity auditorium is used for art shows, recitals and other library functions.
Current services
Youth services
Free youth services events offered throughout the year include Babytime, Rhymetime, Preschool Storytime, and kids' book groups.
In 2015, the library hosted a variety of scheduled activities, including Mother-Daughter Book Club, Light Painting, Lego Club, Pajama Storytime, Mardi Gras Masks, Youth Improv, Year of the Goat Storytime, and Chinese New Year Celebration.
During the summer of 2015, the library and Wilmette Park District invited families to participate in "Stories in the Park," which included stories and songs with Wilmette librarians in a variety of local parks.
References
External links
- Wilmette Public Library
- Wilmette Public Library history
- Wilmette Public Library staff book reviews
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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