Oglesby Public Library

The first Oglesby library dated back to the early 1890’s. Books were kept in the Oglesby Union Church basement. In 1924 the library moved to the upper floor of the City Building. 74 years later the library is still in the upper floor facility. In 1998 we will finally be moving to a brand new facility. The new facility will be located at the corner of First Street and Woodland Avenue.

In 1988 the library broke from the City of Oglesby and became a district library. The library became its own taxing body, which was beneficial to both the city and the library. In 1997 the library applied for and was accepted to receive a construction grant for a new building. the sate of Illinois would provide matching funds at 60/40 ratio. The library needing 60% of the total cost.

The new building will contain 7200 sq. ft. of space and will have a separate children’s area as well as much needed work and office space. It will be totally handicapped accessible.

The library houses almost 23,000 volumes and subscribes to 70 different magazines for both adults and children. The library operates on a budget of approximately $50,000 with funding sources coming from property taxes, grants, gifts/donations and fine collection.

The library is a member of the Heritage Trail Library System which is located in Shorewood. They are responsible for interlibrary loans as well as providing technical support and reference services. They also offer free continuing education programs for the staff.

The new facility is scheduled to be completed by the end of February 1998. Plans call for the new library to be totally operational by mid March 1998.

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