Institutional Member Spotlight - Wheaton Public Library
January 6, 2025
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Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Wheaton Public Library, located in Wheaton, Illinois.
Library's History
The first library building was dedicated by Wheaton resident John Quincy Adams (descendent of the president) to the memory of his wife in 1891. In 1923, Adams Memorial Library became Wheaton Public Library when the City of Wheaton voted to levy a tax to operate the library and the Mayor appointed a Board of Library Directors. By 1959, the Library Board recognized the need for a larger, more modern building.
The library moved into its new facility, just a block east of the Adams Memorial Library, in the fall of 1965. The Adams Memorial Library building became the home of the DuPage County Historical Museum. In 2006, a 3-story addition was added to WPL followed by renovation of the old portion of the building which was completed in February 2007.
Mission Statement
Wheaton Public Library is a welcoming destination that connects the community to literacy, information, ideas, and experiences. Grow with us!
Patrons Served Annually
In 2023, the library had 384,284 in-person visits.
Department
Adult Services, Youth Services, Teen Services, Circulation, Tech Center, Technical Services, Community Engagement, Administration, Maintenance.
Staff Member Who’s Worked At The Library The Longest
Our Deputy Director has worked at WPL for 38 years!
Newest Staff Member
We recently welcomed a new Finance/Business Office Manager to our team.
Why Did You Become An ILA Institutional Member
With ILA’s outstanding advocacy, which includes a dedicated lobbyist, legislative initiatives, and activities, we know WPL is secure and has the necessary tools to be a strong advocate on the local, state, and federal levels.
ILA is also outstanding with the continuing education that is offered to Illinois libraries; the programs, workshops, and conferences allow staff of all levels the professional development they need to grow. ILA’s group purchasing opportunities also add savings to WPL.
Best Thing About Being An ILA Institutional Member
The connection that it gives WPL and its staff to the Illinois library profession.
Fun Facts About The Library
New York Times Bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt, is a Wheaton resident and worked on writing her book in the Wheaton Public Library! We also had our 100 Year Celebration as a tax supported city library last year with an after-hours celebratory event.
Popular Events/Programs
Our outdoor summer concerts are very popular as our outdoor stairwell serves as a stage overlooking adjacent Adams Park. We always get large crowds for our large-scale all ages events, which have included Maker Day, Gingerbread House Contest, Local Author Fest, Wizard Fest, Star Wars Day, and of course, Summer Reading Challenge Kick-off!
Favorite Event
Mad Fore Plaid, our miniature golf fundraiser that we hold every two years with the DuPage County Historical Museum and Wheaton Park District.
We transform the library into 18 holes of mini golf with a bar and appetizers on each of our 3 floors. We also host an annual job fair with the People’s Resource Center, which is a very popular event and helps so many people!
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
