Eisenhower Public Library District

The Eisenhower Public Library District is a public library located in Harwood Heights, Illinois, one of two suburbs completely surrounded by but not incorporated into Chicago.

Eisenhower Public Library District
LocationHarwood Heights, Illinois
Established1972
Access and use
Circulation424,620 (2015)
Members14,673
Other information
DirectorMs. Stacy Wittmann
Employees63
WebsiteEisenhowerLibrary.org
References: [1][2]

The Eisenhower Public Library District serves Harwood Heights and Norridge residents. Its mission is to "[empower] patrons of all ages to be successful and informed members of their communities."[3]

History

pre-1972 – Chicago provided free library services for Norridge and Harwood Heights residents until January 1972.[4]

1972 – The library was created with federal funds, named by local school children.[5] Located in the basement of the Parkway Towers apartment complex on Harlem Avenue, the library was supplemented by a bookmobile, which made weekly stops at local schools, churches, businesses, and the village halls.[6] The bookmobile held about 3,500 volumes.[7]

1973 – Residents voted in support of a referendum for a library district, to be supported by property tax revenue (still the main source of library income). The state library provided funds to match the grant that initially came from the federal Project Plus program.[4]

1974 – October: The library moved to the CANTOS sheet-metal factory at 4652 N. Olcott Avenue.[8] The Polish language collection was established.

1975 – Computers were first used to check out materials.[5]

1976 – The bookmobile stopped running.

1982 – The library building was expanded and remodeled – from 7500 square feet to 11,250 square feet.

1984 – February: A computerized card catalog was added – the library became the 8th in the state of Illinois to offer this service.[8]

1997 – A referendum for refurbishment or a new facility failed to pass.[9]

1998 – A revised referendum for refurbishment or a new facility failed to pass.[10]

2003 – April: A referendum for a new facility passed.[11]

2008 – January: New LEED Silver-certified building at 4613 N. Oketo Avenue was completed, encompassing 44,576 square feet. The new building features a dedicated children's department called Kids World, a Quiet Room with a fireplace, study rooms, a computer lab, an independently run cafe, and a display room for local history materials.[12][13][1]

1972–2011 – The library, since inception, was a member of the Metropolitan Library System (formerly the Suburban Library System[4]), a group of libraries made up of public, academic, special, high school and grade school libraries in the near south and west Chicago-area suburbs. This system, along with most others in Illinois, apart from the Chicago Public Library System, was incorporated into a statewide system called the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) in July, 2011.[8]

  • Library employees with bookmobile, outside of Parkway Towers.
    Library employees with bookmobile, outside of Parkway Towers.
  • First library director, Fred Donnelly, 1974.
    First library director, Fred Donnelly, 1974.
  • Eisenhower Library's Olcott location.
    Eisenhower Library's Olcott location.
  • Librarian Jan Jones works the desk at Olcott location.
    Librarian Jan Jones works the desk at Olcott location.
  • Ground-breaking ceremony for Oketo location.
    Ground-breaking ceremony for Oketo location.
  • Eisenhower Public Library District, LEED Silver certified
    Eisenhower Public Library District, LEED Silver certified
  • Eisenhower Public Library, view from Welcome Desk.
    Eisenhower Public Library, view from Welcome Desk.

Services

Library Services

Residents and reciprocal borrowers who have a library card from anywhere else in Illinois can get a library card at the Library Services desk.[14]

Kids World

This department offers materials (including textbooks for local schools), craft activities, educational and entertainment events, serving ages 0 through 5th grade.[15] Four age levels of Storytime programs, in English and Polish, are offered regularly.[16]

Teen

The library has a collection and study area specifically for teens. Special collections here include: local schools' summer reading books, Abraham Lincoln (and other award) winners, and books associated with a teen author panel program called Litworks, which is coordinated by the library and Ridgewood High School.[17]

Programs

The library offers many programs for adults and children – patrons can sign up by phone, in person, or online. Most events are free; some may have small tasting or supplies fees. The bus trips have higher fees. The library hosts 5 book clubs, 2 writing groups, a knitting circle, and allows its 2 meeting rooms to be reserved by assorted non-profit organizations, as well. The library also offers computer classes for beginners, including introduction to computers, using a keyboard and mouse, using the internet, email, and various special topic classes, like saving and transferring documents, using online image editors, digital cameras, e-readers, the library catalog, and more.[16]

Bus Trips

The library arranges approximately one bus trip per month to assorted nearby locations and events: museum exhibits, tours, seasonal markets, plays, and more. Bus trips usually last approximately 6 hours, including travel time, generally cost $20, and may include a lunch. Non-residents may also sign up. There tend to be about 20 spaces per trip.[16]

Libros Lege

For 4 years (2008–2011), the library participated in an exchange program with the Warsaw Public Library, built around an English-language fluency/Polish literature appreciation contest called "Libros Lege". In both Warsaw and Harwood Heightd, participants were invited to select a passage from a book by a Polish-heritage author, written in or translated into English, and present it in a short speech. 5 contestants were selected from each country and were sent on a 9-day, all-expense-paid trip to Warsaw and the Masovia province (American winners) or Harwood Heights/Chicago (Polish winners).[18]

Electronic Resources

In addition to computers with Microsoft Office software, free Wi-Fi, and a number of databases, downloadable music, ebooks, and audiobooks available to borrow from home, the library also has 47 Nook e-readers[19] that can be checked out by residents. The online catalog is available on computers throughout the building and through the library's website and a mobile app (currently only for Android devices).

Board of trustees

The current Board of the library[20] consists of:

  • Mark Braun – President (member since 1997) [21]
  • Peter Magnelli – Vice President (appointed 2009, elected member since 2011) [22][23]
  • Janice Magnuson – Secretary (member since 2011) [23]
  • Elizabeth Ringelstein – Treasurer (appointed 2016, elected member since 2017) [24][25]
  • Gary R. Ross – Trustee (member 1974–2013, former vice president, elected again since 2017) [26][27][24]
  • Scott Parent – Trustee (appointed 2018)[28]
  • Mary Krebs - Trustee (appointed 2021) [29]

Past board members:
Ruth Igoe – Secretary (15 years), President (14 years) (1974–2005);[21][30] Catherine V. "Kay" Kupczyk – Trustee, President (1980–2010);[31] Susan Bilek – Trustee (appointed 2010–2011);[32] Mark Kurzatkowski – Trustee (2013–2017);[33] Gail J. Burkhart – Vice President (1998–2016);[34] Natalie K. Rothbart – Treasurer (1974–2018);[26][35] Tom Sticha – Treasurer (2011-2019)[23][28] Jennifer Adams - Trustee (2019-2021) [36][37]

References
  1. Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR): Eisenhower Public Library District (Report). Illinois State Library. 2015.
  2. "Library Trustees & Administration". Eisenhower Public Library District. Retrieved 2015-03-09.
  3. "Eisenhower Public Library District Strategic Plan 2012–2016" (Press release). Eisenhower Public Library District. 2012.
  4. Stone, Brenda (June 4, 1972). "Norridge, Harwood Hts. Library Plan Established". Chicago Tribune. p. NW8. ProQuest 170354719.
  5. Feuerstein, Phyllis (October 8, 1986). "Got a problem? Eisenhower library probably can answer it for you". Chicago Tribune. p. F12. ProQuest 170847611.
  6. "Eisenhower library to begin service". The Citizen. Pickwick Papers. October 5, 1972. p. 8.
  7. "New library plans book sale". The Citizen. Pickwick Papers. September 7, 1972. p. 59.
  8. "Eisenhower Library Mission Statement". Eisenhower Public Library District. Archived from the original on 2012-06-23. Retrieved 2012-07-03.
  9. Koebel Foster, Wynn (13 November 1997). "Voters shelve plans for new library". Norridge News. Pioneer Press. p. 8. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  10. Koebel Foster, Wynn (31 December 1998). "Marking the milestones of 1998". Norridge News. Pioneer Press. p. 8. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  11. "EDITORIAL". Park Ridge Herald-Advocate. Pioneer Press. 8 May 2003. p. 14. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  12. Steele, Jeffrey (9 July 2010). "Where community spirit comes alive: Norridge residents want to make village better for everyone". Chicago Tribune. p. 6.2. ProQuest 597099991.
  13. "Library board prepares to build". Norridge News. Pioneer Press. 15 May 2003. p. 3. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  14. "How to Obtain A Library Card". Eisenhower Public Library District. Archived from the original on 2012-08-29. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  15. "Services". Eisenhower Public Library District. Archived from the original on 2012-08-30. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  16. "Schedule of Events". Eisenhower Public Library District. Archived from the original on 2012-08-29. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  17. "LitWorks: Teen Lit Fest". Ridgewood High School. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  18. "Inauguracja IV edycji polsko – amerykańskiego konkursu głośnego czytania Libros Lege". Biblioteka na Koszykowej. 2011. Archived from the original on 2013-04-16. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  19. Gran, Cathryn (5 July 2012). "Library adds Nooks to collection". Norridge News. Pioneer Press. p. 4. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  20. "Board of Trustees". Eisenhower Public Library District. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  21. Koebel Foster, Wynn (17 March 2005). "Four seek library board seats". Norridge News. Pioneer Press. p. 3. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  22. "Oath of Office". December 17, 2009 Board Minutes. Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees: 1. 17 December 2009.
  23. "Cook County Consolidated Election April 5, 2011 Summary Report – Official Results" (PDF). Cook County Clerk. 19 Apr 2011. p. 37. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 August 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  24. "May 2017 Board Meeting Minutes". Eisenhower Public Library District. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  25. "May 16 2019 Board Meeting Minutes". Eisenhower Public Library District. Retrieved 2020-09-15.
  26. "Seventy-one elect board". Citizen. Pickwick Papers. Apr 25, 1974. p. 5.
  27. Objection of Mark Kurzatkowski to the filing for the office of Library Trustee (PDF) (Report). Cook County Clerk. 24 January 2013. 13 COEB LD 01. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2015-03-09. [T]he name of Gary R. Ross, candidate for the Library Trustee, Eisenhower Public Library District, shall not be printed on the ballot for the Consolidated Election to be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013.
  28. "November 2018 Board Meeting Minutes". Eisenhower Public Library District. Retrieved 2019-02-14.
  29. "September 16, 2021 Board of Trustees Minutes". 16 September 2021.
  30. "EDITORIAL For love of the library". Pioneer Press. 5 June 2005. p. 12. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  31. Kates, Joan Giangrasse (18 February 2010). "CATHERINE "KAY" V. KUPCZYK: 1929–2010: WHEN SUBURB LACKED LIBRARY, SHE HELPED START ONE NEARBY". Chicago Tribune. p. 29. ProQuest 420772422.
  32. "Oath of Office". September 16, 2010 Board Minutes. Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees: 1. 16 September 2010.
  33. "Apr. 9, 2013 Candidates : Trustee, Eisenhower Public Library District". Cook County Clerk Elections – Suburban Cook County. Archived from the original on 2014-08-08. Retrieved 2015-03-09.
  34. Koebel Foster, Wynn (27 August 1998). "Library prepares tax hike requests". Norridge News. Pioneer Press. p. 9. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  35. "Natalie K. Rothbart January 01, 1930 – September 21, 2018". Nelson Funerals. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  36. "June 20, 2019 Board Minutes". Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees. Retrieved 2020-09-15.
  37. "ILA Welcomes New Members" (PDF). Illinois Library Association Reporter, October 2019. Illinois Library Association. October 2019. p. 24. Retrieved 15 September 2020.

41°57′50.30″N 87°48′42″W

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