The latest at the
Hinsdale Public Library.

The Library turns 125 this year! It was official as of August 15, 1893, and we are proud to keep that legacy alive. To recognize 125 years of exceptional service to our community, the Village of Hinsdale will issue an official proclamation, declaring September 29 Hinsdale Public Library Day. We invite you all to join us at the Library that day to celebrate. The event is open to all ages from noon to 4:00 p.m. We will have refreshments, trivia, live music, and more. Check out the full schedule at hinsdalelibrary.info.

From Flora Candee to Karen Keefe, our Library has been under some great leadership with only 16 Executive Directors in its 125-year history. Helen O’Neill, a lifelong Hinsdalean, took the helm in 1963 for 15 years.  In 1999, donations made to the Library to honor Ms. O’Neill’s memory were combined to establish the Helen O’Neill Scholarship Fund. From this fund and a matching contribution from the Friends of the Hinsdale Public Library, a scholarship is awarded each year to assist a deserving library page with his or her college education.

Speaking of the Friends, they are turning 80 this year and are celebrating with an anniversary-level membership. For $50 you can join the Friends and receive a hand-crafted, soy candle custom made for the Hinsdale Public Library. The Friends use membership dollars to support Library programs, services, and materials. Become a Friend by visiting their table on September 29, or click “Support the Library” at hinsdalelibrary.info.

Our great staff are also a valued part of our history. Were you in Miss Katherine Hicks’ storytime class? Probably not; that was back in 1925 and noted as the first official storytime at the Library. Maybe it was Miss Barb who helped instill your love of reading or Miss Tiffany, Miss Anne, or Miss Patty. When the Library celebrated its Centennial, Librarian Jo Ann was the new kid on the block. She’s now one of our most tenured staff members. If you are part of a book club in Hinsdale, you are familiar with her magical ability to get copies of prime books for your whole club.

Hinsdale Public Library also wouldn’t be the same without this town and its supportive residents. The ability to partner with some of Hinsdale’s local organizations truly enhances what the Library can offer. Around town events this fall include fun and entertainment at Fall Family Fest at The Community House on Saturday, October 22, offered in partnership with The Hinsdaleanand Village of Hinsdale. World War I buffs will enjoy “A Hundred Years Ago on the Homefront” at Immanuel Hall on Sunday, November 4, co-sponsored with our friends at the Hinsdale Historical Society.

Looking back on the past has reminded us of the many ways the Library has evolved over more than a century to enrich the lives of our residents. We look forward to inspiring and delighting you for 125 more.

Molly Castor is the Marketing and Outreach Manager at the Hinsdale Public Library.