The Wilmette Public Library serves the citizens of Kenilworth and Wilmette, Illinois on Chicago's North Shore.
Contents |
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 present 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 per capita.
The library's innovative creation of online book discussion groups received favorable notice from the American Library Association. [1] 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. [2]
As part of the library's 2009/2010 Revitalization Project the media room features thousands of CD's and DVD's along with Playaways, audiobooks, and university coursework disk sets. The media room is an inviting room in the library as it features tables and benches for relaxing. [3]
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. [4]
The innovative Computer Lab features 12 PC's with full internet access and remote printing capabilities. The lab is open to all library patrons. [5]
The Teen Room is intended for group study, smaller activities, and club meetings among teenagers. [6] Adult use is restricted.
Located away from all the noise and pedestrian flow of the library, the study offers a quiet place for reading and private studying. [7]
Is home to a 100 person capacity auditorium which is regularly used for art shows/galleries, recitals and other library functions. [8]