Prospect Heights Library is 50

Just days before the Prospect Heights Library's 50th anniversary, librarian Alex Todd looked over his checklist for Sunday.

Take down book displays, make sure books are flush with the shelves, move carts to the back -- all things to be done for the library's biggest day in 50 years.

"The library predates the town itself, so it's the cornerstone of the community," Todd said regarding the importance of the anniversary.

The library celebrates its birthday from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at 12 N. Elm St.

During that time, patrons will not be able to check out books because of the celebration.

Besides music, food and a clown, the library will be dedicating a portrait of three famous writers -- Frederick Buechner, Norman Cousins and Gwendolyn Brooks.

The library held a contest to solicit local artists to paint a mural celebrating libraries. Chicago-based artist Neil Shapiro won the commission and $1,000, said Sue Seggeling, head of youth services.

The library has come a long way since its conception by the Prospect Heights Woman's Club in 1955.

The group saw a need for a library and decided to do what it could, even though the 144 members had no experience with loaning out donated books, Prospect Heights librarian Rosalie Kendall said.

"I think they'd be very proud of the fact that the library is still important to the community," said Kendall, who has been with the library for 28 years.

It started out as a storefront operation along Camp McDonald Road with about 600 registered borrowers and 6,000 books.

While residents enjoyed the perks of a library, the area didn't have a legal library district with the power to collect taxes until voters agreed to create one in 1957.

At the end of that year, there were 2,100 registered borrowers at the library and the circulation was 18,532 books.

The library finally got its own place in 1972 with the completion of a 13,500-square-foot building on Elm Street.

In 1989, voters approved a tax increase for a $2.7 million addition.

Last year, the library checked out more than 165,000 items, including books, tapes and CDs, which was a 6,000-item bump up from the year before.

Also, the library has increased its selection from the early days.

Now patrons can take out books, videos, educational games, CD-ROM products, video cassettes, DVDs, compact discs, books on tape, magazines and newspapers.

For more information, call the library at (847) 259-3500.