Institutional Member Spotlight - Effingham Public Library
July 7, 2025
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Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Effingham Public Library, located in Effingham, Illinois.
Library's History
The first “public” library in Effingham was formed by the Effingham Ladies Library Association on July 31st, 1883. The library started at 125 W. Jefferson with 600 books.
By 1903, the library collection had grown to 1,900 books. In 1911, Mayor Dameron moved the library to a room on the second story of City Hall. City Hall paid the utilities but the library depended solely on donations, rummage sales, ice cream socials and book reviews for funding.
In 1922, the librarian was paid 50¢ per week and each week the library was open two afternoons. During the Depression, the library was closed for a few months; but in 1937, the WPA reopened the library, furnishing it with staff and books.
It was not until 1944 that the library was supported by city tax money. At that time, 800 city tax payers filed a petition and the city council agreed that the library should be tax supported. The library collection had grown to 2,161 books at this point.
In 1951, the library moved to 122 E. Washington with the financial help of Mr. Sam Shmiker and Mr. Oliver A. Bartscht. The library moved into the building on Washington with 6,500 books.
The library became known as the Helen Matthes Library after a gift from the estate of Paul Eiche in honor of his mother. The Helen Matthes Library building opened in 1956 and additions were completed in 1977 and 1996.
In 2015, a renovation of the former 5/3 Bank building was completed and the library moved into its current home at 200 N. 3rd Street. The former Helen Matthes building sold in 2020 to CEFS for their Head Start Preschool program. The library changed its name back to the Effingham Public Library. The building is named in honor of Suzette Brumleve.
Mission Statement
The Effingham Public Library creates unique opportunities to connect with literature, learning, and the community.
Patrons Served Annually
75,000.
Departments
User Experience and Programming/Outreach.
Staff Member Who’s Worked at the Library the Longest
Alan K. started in July 2010.
Newest Staff Member
Ellie M. started in February 2025.
Why did you become an ILA Institutional Member?
The library joined ILA so that our staff could stay connected and current on all of the changes in the library world.
The best thing about being an ILA Institutional Member?
We appreciate the discounts, but we really love the advocacy work that is done on behalf of libraries and library workers.
Fun Facts About the Library
Our current building is a former bank and we have two decommissioned vaults; one is our staff breakroom, complete with full bathroom (a true feat for our builders to accomplish the laying of the water and waste lines through many feet of concrete and steel hashed rebar) and the other is available to the public as an art gallery.
Popular Events/Programs with Patrons
Patrons really enjoy the passive programs in the children's room--scavenger hunts, crafts, etc.
Favorite Events
Family Read Night is one of our favorites; we love the energy and fun!
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
