Community Corner
Glenview Public Library Turns 90
"Take a step back in time and read about the history of our library."
LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Open for Drive-Up & Remote Services
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep Glenview healthy, the Library building is temporarily closed to the public. The Drive-Up Window is open and staff continue to provide remote services.
Find out what's happening in Glenviewfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Drive-Up Window Hours
Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM
Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM
All external book drops are open for returning materials 24/7. Learn more.
Find out what's happening in Glenviewfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
GPL Celebrates 90 Years!
From the basement in historic Village Hall on Prairie Street to our current 85,000 square foot building, GPL has come a long way since our founders first met on December 6, 1930, and our doors opened on March 2, 1931. The small community of 2,000 is now a diverse, bustling village of over 47,000, and our tiny Library in the basement that once only held 398 books is now an expansive building that contains over 300,000 items, offers over 1,200 programs each year, and sees an average of 360,000 visitors annually.
Take a step back in time and read about the history of our Library. From our first copier to our first 3D printer, we've grown in ways that would be unimaginable 90 years ago, none of which would be possible without the support of our community. Thank you, Glenview!
GPL Through the Years
ESTABLISH: 1930-1959
The newly formed Library Board meets for the first time on December 6, 1930. On March 2, 1931, the Glenview Public Library opens its doors, housing only 398 books. The Library quickly outgrows its space in the basement of historic Village Hall, and a new Library building opens in 1955. Boy, Girl, Cub Scouts, and Brownies help move the books to the new building.
EXPAND: 1960-1989
GPL continues to expand, adding to its collections and technology. The first copier is introduced in 1964, a new addition is added in 1968 to house an additional 110,000 volumes, and in 1976 the circulation system goes digital.
INNOVATION & BEYOND: 1990-2020
The 90's brought in a new wave of items: CDs, DVDs, and more. The card catalog is replaced as CLSI is installed, and in 1996, Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks does a reading for a packed Glenview Library. In 2010, the new 85,000 square foot Library building is completed, making room for expanded collections.
TODAY
Despite the challenges of 2020, GPL has still worked to make your Library experience better. We added a Marketplace to showcase our new and popular items, and our new Innovation Center opened. We're excited to see what the next 90 years bring!
Win a Prize During our Birthday Week!
Between November 30-December 6, we'll be giving away 90th Anniversary prizes! Here are three ways you can win:
- Participate in our trivia contests on Facebook. Check our Facebook page every day at noon to test your Library knowledge. Be the first to respond with the correct answer to win a prize.
- Share your story. How has the Library impacted your life? Fill out the form for your chance to win!
- Send us your favorite Library photo. Do you have photos of yourself or your family at the Library? Email your photo to communications@glenviewpl.org for your chance to win. Photos may be used in upcoming marketing material at the Library.
Winners will be notified via email or Facebook. Prizes can be picked up at the Drive-Up Window.
Looking for More Glenview History?
Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Glenview created by the Glenview History Center with help from the Library. Check it out.
UPCOMING VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
View our online calendar for more upcoming programs for all ages.
Public Benefits for Older Adults Tuesday, December 1, 2-3 PM • Via Zoom
Read It, Make It (ages 3-6 w/adult) Tuesday, December 1, 4-4:30 PM • Via Zoom
Headed to College (grades 11-12) Wednesday, December 2, 6-6:45 PM • Via Zoom
Build a Laser-Cut Birdhouse (ages 14+) Thursday, December 3, 6-7 PM • Via Zoom
Making It! Creative Group (ages 14+) Monday, December 7, 6-7 PM • Via Zoom
Oral Histories for Genealogist Tuesday, December 8, 2-3 PM • Via Zoom
Glenview's Got STEAM (grades 5-8) Tuesday, December 8, 4:30-5:30 PM • Via Zoom
Learn Vector Design in Illustrator (ages 14+) Tuesday, December 8, 5:30-6:30 PM • Via Zoom
Potato Latkes: A Chanukah Tradition Tuesday, December 8, 7-8 PM • Via Zoom
Managing College Costs (grades 11-12 & their parents) Wednesday, December 9, 6-7 PM • Via Zoom
Confederate Monuments Wednesday, December 9, 7-8:30 PM • Via Zoom
Coping with Anxiety and Depression During COVID-19 Thursday, December 10, 10-11:30 AM • Via Zoom
YMCA Family Craft (ages 4+ w/adult) Thursday, December 10, 4-4:45 PM • Via Zoom
Cross-Stitch Laser-Cut Ornament (ages 11+) Thursday, December 10, 6-7 PM • Via Zoom
Reskill & Upskill Thursday, December 10, 6:30-8 PM • Via Zoom
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Friday, December 11, 1-2 PM • Via Zoom
Theatre Screening: The Nutcracker Ballet Saturday, December 12, All Day • Via YouTube
Miss Jamie's Farm: Winter Sing-A-Long (all ages) Saturday, December, 12 10:30-11:15 AM • Via Zoom
This press release was produced by the Glenview Public Library. The views expressed are the author's own.