Institutional Member Spotlight - Hillside Public Library
June 2, 2025
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Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Hillside Public Library, located in Hillside, Illinois.
Library's history
In 1955, Hillside’s Chamber of Commerce formed with the goal of creating a public library. With book donations from the Illinois Library Association and a local resident, the library opened in May 1957 in a small building on Hillside Avenue. It moved to Butterfield Road in 1962, supported by volunteers and local donations.
A year later, voters approved it as a Municipal Library, with a Board of Trustees elected. By 1966, it held 6,000 books. In 1976, the current library building opened at 405 Hillside Avenue. Today, it serves over 8,000 residents with a collection of 50,000+ items. Read our full history here.
Mission Statement
We provide an inclusive space for community growth and connection, accessing resources, and building a strong, diverse community.
Patrons Served Annually
31,912
Departments
Public Services, Circulation, Acquisitions, and Administration.
Staff Member Who’s Worked at the Library the Longest
Carmen Parker – 27 years.
Newest Staff Member
Vicky Zuniga – 2 years.
Why did you become an ILA Institutional Member?
We have been an ILA member since August 2011. We’re not sure why we joined at that time, but it may have been to take advantage of a discount or service offered by ILA!
The best thing about being an ILA Institutional Member?
The best thing about being an ILA institutional member is the sense of community and shared purpose it fosters among Illinois libraries of all types and sizes. As a small public library in a highly diverse community, the Hillside Public Library benefits immensely from the professional development, advocacy efforts, and networking opportunities ILA provides.
ILA helps us stay informed about state-level legislative activity, innovative programming ideas, and best practices that we might not otherwise have access to through their conferences and newsletters.
Fun Facts About the Library
The Hillside Public Library will be opening its time capsule on Saturday, June 21! Installed on June 20, 1975, the capsule has been sealed for 50 years, preserving a unique snapshot of life, culture, and the library’s early history.
Community members are eagerly anticipating the reveal, which is expected to include photos, documents, and memorabilia that reflect Hillside’s past. It’s going to be a fun event with live entertainment and music, food, and activities. More importantly, it will be a chance for current and former community members to reconnect with a stroll down memory lane.
Popular Events/Programs with Patrons
Our Book Clubs, Mid-Day Yoga, Monday Movie Matinee, and Lego Club programs have become standout favorites among the community, drawing regular participants of all ages. While our English-speaking book club has been a staple for many years, we recently added a Spanish-only book club and it’s already attracting a steady group of patrons.
Like other libraries, our BINGO-themed events, Lego Club, and STEM-based events always have a large turnout for children and young adults.
Favorite Events
In addition to our Summer Reading Kick-Off and Finale events, other favorite events have included our Guest Storytime Series, featuring special readers like Hillside Mayor Joseph Tamburino, members of the Hillside police and fire departments, and local authors.
These engaging sessions not only promote early literacy but also strengthen community bonds by giving children the chance to interact with local leaders.
We’ve also enjoyed other off-site events with the Brookfield Zoo and the Cook County Forest Department.
One unique event was hosting a Mobile Mammogram screening session here at the library and finally partnering with a local business to provide free backpacks filled with school supplies and winter coats, hats, and gloves to the community.
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
