A Brief History:
The Story of the Wood Dale Public Library: A Legacy of Community and Learning
The Wood Dale Public Library’s journey is one woven deeply into the fabric of its community. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a vital resource that encourages literacy, promotes lifelong learning, and provides a sense of belonging to all who walk through its doors.
A Foundation Built by the Community
The story of the Wood Dale Public Library begins in the late 1950s, when residents recognized the need for a library to serve their growing community. Originally part of the Bensenville-Wood Dale Public Library, the Wood Dale Public Library began with a small but passionate effort. Residents donated books to create a collection, and the library was housed in part of the Fenton High School Library.
In 1958, the two villages—Bensenville and Wood Dale—decided to establish their own independent libraries. It was under the care and interest of dedicated community members like Mr. Robert Doane, Mrs. Adolph Sofka, and Mr. and Mrs. George Welter that the Wood Dale Library found its first home in a room at the old Highland Public School, located at the corner of Wood Dale Road and Foster Avenue.
In 1960, a key moment in the Library's history occurred. The village held a fundraising drive to support the construction of a permanent library. Each family was asked to donate $6, raising $5,600 in total—a sum that would go toward building the first library building. All the labor was donated by residents, and in September of that year, the Library opened its doors at the corner of Edgebrook and Irving Park Road.
A Library for the People
The Wood Dale Public Library's mission has always been clear: to serve the community and offer access to materials and programs that foster a love of reading and learning. Over the years, as the village’s population grew, the Library’s role expanded. In 1962, a referendum passed, officially establishing the library as a district supported by the residents of School District #7, marking an important milestone in the Library’s development.
However, as the community continued to grow, the need for a larger space became evident. In 1978, a bond referendum passed, allowing the Library to build a larger facility to meet the needs of a growing population. Groundbreaking for the new building at its current location at Wood Dale Road and School Street took place on December 13, 1979, and the Library officially opened its doors on February 16, 1981.
Continued Growth and Transformation
The Library's commitment to staying relevant and meeting the needs of the community remained strong. In 2000, an addition was added to the original building, expanding the Youth Services Department and ensuring that children had a dedicated space to explore, learn, and grow.
Fast forward to 2021, and the Library underwent a complete remodel to enhance the experience for patrons of all ages. With a focus on flexibility, accessibility, and community engagement, the renovation included a variety of updates:
- An expanded programming area, allowing for larger youth and adult programs and the option for flexible space when programs are not in session.
- A “tween area,” designed specifically for young people with dedicated seating, collection space, and a computer lab.
- Three small-group study rooms with modern furniture and integrated technology to foster collaboration and learning.
- New furniture and seating options throughout the Library, catering to both study and social interaction.
- Additional ADA-compliant restroom facilities, including a family restroom in the Youth Services area.
- A new outdoor patio for programming, creating a welcoming space for events.
- Updated energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and other infrastructure improvements to ensure the building serves the community efficiently for years to come.
Support and Generosity: Strengthening the Library’s Impact
Throughout its history, the Wood Dale Public Library has been supported by the generosity of both individuals and the community at large. In 2021, the Library received a $250,000 federal grant dedicated to enhancing the Youth Services spaces, ensuring the Library was better equipped to serve its youngest patrons.
The Library was also the recipient of a generous $100,000 donation from the family and friends of Betty Lhotak, a longtime staff member who dedicated much of her life to the Library. This donation funded the creation of a puppet play stage in the Youth Services department and a stunning light wall that adds a beautiful, interactive feature to the space.
In honor of those who have contributed to the Library’s success, the Library named one of its meeting rooms after Barbara E. Dunn, a trustee who served for more than fifty years, exemplifying the deep roots the Library has within the community.
A Place for the Community, By the Community
The Wood Dale Public Library has always been more than just a place to borrow books: it is a vibrant, dynamic hub of learning, connection, and creativity. Its story is a testament to the power of community and the impact that collective action can have. What began as a small library housed in a room of a local school has blossomed into a modern, fully equipped facility that continues to evolve to meet the needs of a growing, diverse population.
At its core, the Library remains committed to its mission: to ensure all residents have access to materials and programs that promote literacy, learning, and community engagement. From its early days, built by the hands of dedicated volunteers, to today, with a modern facility and a wide range of services, the Wood Dale Public Library is a place that reflects the heart and spirit of its community—a community that came together to build something lasting, meaningful, and truly for everyone.
