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Park Ridge Library Main Office

Overview

The Park Ridge Public Library has been serving the community since 1913. Our cardholders have access to a physical collection of over 170,000 items, 50+ databases and hundreds of thousands of downloadable items. In addition, patrons can use more than 400 other suburban libraries and request materials from library collections worldwide. Throughout the year, the Library offers programs for children, teens, and adults, including reading clubs, films, educational opportunities and more. Click on the quick links below to find out more about the Park Ridge Public Library.

Administration & Board

Our History

  • The first Park Ridge Public Library opened its doors on December 6, 1913. The original building, built with a $7,500 grant from the Carnegie Foundation still stands at 1 N. Northwest Hwy.
  • Originally the library was open 10 hours a week. Hours increased to 15 in 1923 and by 1932 the Library was open 61 hours per week.
  • The original building served as the City’s library for 44 years until a new one was built across the street. The current library was built in 1958. An addition was added in 1977 that doubled the size of the building.
  • Today the Library is open seven days a week, a total of 70 hours, and averages more than 1,200 visitors per day.
  • In 2013 the Library celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a yearlong celebration. As part of the celebration staff created a timeline of the Library’s history and installed the restored Post Office Mural on the second floor.

Original Park Ridge Library building, established 1913

Library History Timeline

Post Office Mural

Library Award

Established in 2006, the Library Award recognizes individuals and groups that have performed extraordinary service to the Library.

Except for past honorees and current members of the Board of Trustees, anyone is eligible for the award. The honoree may be selected for service during the past year or for service over a period of years.

Nomination forms are accepted between January 2 and March 1 each year: Nomination Form

The award recipient is selected by the Communications and Development Committee, with approval from the Library Board of Trustees.

The Award is presented to the recipient at the April meeting of the Library Board of Trustees and a perpetual plaque inscribed with names of each annual honoree is displayed in the Library.

  • 2006 Judy Donovan
  • 2007 Richard & Dorothy DuSold
  • 2008 Kathy Rolsing
  • 2009 Janis Pahnke & Betty Borman 21st Star Chapter D.A.R.
  • 2010 Deborah Verlench
  • 2011 David Donovan
  • 2012 Jim Lennon
  • 2013 Mural Restoration Committee
  • 2014 FireLogic Technology Services
  • 2015 Citizens Supporting Library Referendum Committee
  • 2016 Val & Dee Derer
  • 2017 Harry Krampitz
  • 2018 Deb Kuhlman, Angela Berger, Laura Scott, Anastasia Rachmaciej
  • 2019 John Priala & Gerry Zwicky
  • 2021 The Sitkiewicz Family
  • 2022 Maurine Barinek and Rose Boghosian, Posthumous Award
Park Ridge Public Library

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