Wilmette Public Library

The Wilmette Public Library serves the residents of Kenilworth and Wilmette, Illinois, United States, on Chicago's North Shore.HistoryThe library was founded in 1901, but traces its origins to private nonprofit lending libraries created as early as 1880. It has occupied several different buildings, including one opened in 1905 which was built with a grant from Andrew Carnegie. The current building includes an auditorium which is used for concerts, lectures, travelogues, workshops, plays, seminars and artist receptions.The current building was constructed in 1951 on the site of the original 1901 Carnegie library. The new structure won an architectural award for design from the American Institute of Architects. It was expanded over the years to meet the needs of library patrons, with an expansion in 1988 essentially doubling the size of the building. The library has been an essential part of life in Wilmette, as shown by the fact that 94% of the residents have a library card, far above the national average, and per capita circulation is a high 23 items.The library's innovative creation of online book discussion groups received favorable notice from the American Library Association. The library was awarded the 2008 ALA Presidential Citation for the Game Maker Academy program established by librarian Brian Myers and offered at WPL as well as a number of other area libraries.In 2015, the library embarked on a renovation project that updates all restrooms to ensure full ADA compliance. It will also include the installation of eco-friendly fixtures and improvements to the changing areas for children.Special featuresMedia roomAs part of the library's 2009/2010 Revitalization Project, the media room features thousands of CDs and DVDs along with Playaways, audiobooks, and university coursework disk sets. This is an inviting room, as it features tables and benches for relaxing.