ABOUT US

Rock Islanders can be proud of their library, which has nurtured the quality of life, education and cultural strength of the community since 1872. It opened on Nov. 25, 1872 as the first official free library in the state of Illinois. It was housed in one rented room, measuring only 24' x 48', of the Mitchell and Lynde Building just north of 2nd Avenue at 17th Street (now the site of the National City Bank). Our first director, Miss Ellen Gale, stayed for 64 years!

Our first permanent – and still in use – location is the historic Main Library, completed in 1903. A majority of its funding came from two Rock Island business leaders, namely Frederick Weyerhaeuser and Frederick C. Denkmann, who become giants in the American lumber business.

Designated as a Rock Island landmark in 1985, the library building at 401 19th Street features a Renaissance Revival design and an exterior of “canyon gray” Berea sandstone from the Cleveland quarries in Ohio, which has naturally weathered to a warm buff color. Though remodeled and expanded over the years, the Main Library retains its stately grace and beauty. Details include a “frieze” around the building of 12 notable authors, marble entryway, original oak doors and brass fixtures. In 2006, we were proud to be one of only 80 libraries in the United States and Canada chosen for inclusion in the book “Heart of the Community: Libraries We Love,” from Berkshire Publishing.

The Rock Island Public Library belongs to the Quad-LINC library consortium that networks 31 member libraries into a shared system. Residents of Rock Island can now access catalog listings for area libraries from the convenience of their home computers. Card holders can place reserves, see what they have checked out, and request books to be delivered from other libraries.

Today the library operates in three locations: the Main Library, which includes a dedicated Children’s Room on the ground floor, the 30/31 Branch; and the Southwest Branch. Both branches offer homework resources, computer access, Wi-Fi access, and a range of materials for children, youth and adults.