Institutional Member Spotlight - Addison Public Library
August 5, 2024
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Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Addison Public Library! Continue reading to learn about the Addison Public Library!
Library's History
The library's origins trace back to the Kiwanis Club, which established a fund for the library on January 17, 1961, starting with an initial contribution of $300. A bookmobile was introduced, courtesy of the Fox River Regional Library Cooperative, on July 5, 1961, followed by the remodeling of four rooms in the Addison Village Hall in February 1962 to serve as Addison’s first library.
On July 7, 1962, voters approved the library referendum by a margin of 437 to 69. Twelve women volunteered, and Library Trustee Mary Jewell supervised the work of cataloging books, typing catalog cards, and shelving materials.
The Addison Public Library (APL) opened the doors of its first separate building to the public on October 14, 1968. In 2007, construction began on a new 54,600-square-foot facility, which opened in July 2008. In 2023, the library joined the SWAN consortium after many years of having a standalone ILS. Currently, the library is planning a major renovation of all three floors, set to begin in January 2025 and conclude by early 2026.
Mission Statement
The Addison Public Library’s purpose is to provide opportunities to explore, create, and connect; and to foster lifelong learning and literacy.
How Many Patrons Served a Year
In our fiscal year 2023-2024, the library had 160,307 visitors. During this time, patrons asked 7,973 reference questions, and staff held 1,446 one-on-one appointments.
Departments
- Administration
- Adult Services
- Children’s Services
- Community Engagement
- Guest Services
- Information Technology Services
- Materials Management
- Teen Services
The Staff Member Who's Worked at the Library the Longest
Our Collection Development Manager has worked at our library for over 30 years!
The Newest Staff Member
We have a new Library Aide who started in July 2024!
Why Did You Become an ILA Institutional Member?
We know that ILA advocates on behalf of libraries across the state at the local, state, and national level. We will never have the staffing levels to support these endeavors on our own. And libraries are great at sharing! ILA is another way for all of us to pool our resources together. We’ve also taken advantage of so many continuing education resources like attending the ILA Annual Conference and completing Ready, Set, Advocate training for the entire staff.
The Best Thing About Being an ILA Institutional Member?
Knowing that we’re working with all library types across the entire state to ensure library patrons have access to information.
Fun Facts About the Library
Over 40% of our staff speak a language other than English, and 56% of Addison speaks a language that is not English at home.
We are proud of our history of promoting from within. 25% of our current employees, including both our Director and Assistant Director, have moved up to their current positions after starting in other positions at APL.
Popular Events/Programs with Patrons
Do-it-yourself and craft programs are a hit across generations, providing creative outlets for our community. Our ILA award-winning ELL Books & Bites Book Club supports English learners in improving their literacy skills in a welcoming environment. The library is very popular with the after-school crowd, and our Teen Services department hosts a variety of programs and activities that not only engage teens but also reflect their diverse interests.
We're also connecting with our community through pop-up events and activities in local parks, bringing library services out into Addison. For our youngest patrons, storytimes and early learning opportunities remain a cornerstone of our programming, nurturing a love for reading and learning from an early age.
Favorite Event
In August 2023, our library partnered with Addison Resources Connect (ARC) to host a Back-to-School Resource Fair that made a significant impact on our community. With donations from Walmart, Target, Kiwanis, and the Addison Fire Protection District, we provided school supplies to 300 students. Local agencies and non-profits offered valuable services, including school exams and early intervention screenings, helping an estimated 950 attendees. Families received 75 dental exams, 18 physicals, 18 early intervention appointments, and there were 22 new library cards registered, marking a meaningful community connection not seen since before the pandemic.
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
