Ever wonder how the PRPL became what it is today?
Just click on the decades below to follow the timeline.
Note: Make sure to check out the "Background info" below first.
Background info
In the early 20th century, Scotch-born steel tycoon
and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie was making grants available through the
Carnegie Foundation to establish libraries.
1910 - 1919
On June 10, 1910...
- A civic committee, part of the Park Ridge Woman's Club, met to form a
library board in the home of Mrs. J.H. Collins.
- Robert Baird was appointed chairman and Mrs. Clara E. Miller was named
treasurer.
- Mrs. C E. Boening, the secretary, was instructed to write Carnegie a
letter requesting a grant to build a library building.
- A letter was also sent to the City of Park Ridge for approval of the
project and a request for an annual budget of 10% of the initial grant for
salaries, maintenance and acquisition of books.
Later on in 1910...
- Carnegie approved the initial $5,000 grant.
- An appeal was made to increase the amount.
- The grant was increased to $7,500.
Sometime in 1912...
- Building committee of John Paulding, J. A. Schulkin, Sr. and J W. Pattison
appointed Pond and Pond as architect.
In 1913...
 -
On December 6, the new Park Ridge Public Library opened its doors.
- The Library was open 10 hours per week.
Note: The building, still standing today, was on the corner of Northwest
Highway and Prospect Avenues.
On to the 1920s
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