Library History Timeline: 1970-1979

In 1971...
  • Sunday library service, September to June began in 1971.
  • On December 9, 1971, the staff of the Park Ridge Public Library, the trustees and members of the Friends of the Library paid tribute at a buffet supper to Ardith Cox Mills.
  • Ms. Mills, children's librarian, retired after 25 years of service in the Children's Department.
In 1972...
  • The large print book collection began. The 20 titles were purchased with funds provided by the local Lions Club.
In 1975...

  • The 1970's found the Library again cramped for space.
  • In 1975 a bond referendum was passed and work was begun on the $1.1 million addition to the Library building.
  • The colonial style of the 1958 structure was retained during the lengthy construction period.
  • During construction most of the departments remained open for service.

Photograph of the construction in the Children's Department in 1977 Photograph of the construction in the new Reference Department area in 1977 Photograph of the outside of the library in 1977 while the finishing touches to the new addition were being addedJune 1977 photograph of the construction for the addition to the Park Ridge Public Library

In December 1977...
  • The new 18,000 sq. ft. addition to the Park Ridge Public Library was formally dedicated.
In 1979...
  • Barbara J. Paquette was selected as the new head librarian.


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On to the 1980s