Arlington Heights Memorial Library marks 100 years of service

What began in the late 19th century as a small collection of books shared from a private home has grown into one of Arlington Heights’ most enduring institutions. As the Arlington Heights Memorial Library celebrates its centennial, the milestone offers a chance to reflect on a century of learning, innovation and community connection, and to look forward to what comes next. 

The library’s origins trace back to a group of determined women inspired by the Chautauqua movement, who believed access to books and culture could strengthen a growing community then known as Dunton. In 1894, sisters Effie and Lucy Shepard opened their home at 310 N. Dunton Ave. to the public twice a week, offering about 150 books to neighbors of all ages. Children flocked in after school, and support for a permanent public library steadily grew. 

That vision became reality in 1926, when Arlington Heights residents voted to establish a true public library. The Woman’s Club turned over its collection and funds, and the library opened its doors in the People’s State Bank building. In its first week alone, more than 100 books were borrowed, an early sign of the role the library would play in local life.

Over the decades, the library has evolved alongside the community. It moved into a dedicated Memorial Library building on Belmont Avenue in 1952, honoring local servicemen and women, and later established its current home on Dunton Avenue in 1968. Each transition marked more than a change of address; it reflected growing demand, expanding collections and new ways of serving readers. 

From early magazine subscriptions to films, records and talking books, the library consistently embraced emerging formats. In the 1980s, public computers and audiovisual materials expanded access to information. The card catalog was retired in the 1990s, and by the early 2000s, online catalogs, Wi‑Fi and digital services opened new doors for customers. 

Innovation continued in recent years with the opening of The Studio in 2012, a digital media lab offering hands‑on creative tools, and the Makerplace in 2021, a reimagined Belmont Avenue building dedicated to experiential learning, technology and connection. Together, they reflect the library’s long‑held belief that access extends beyond books to skills, creativity and collaboration. 

Equally important has been the library’s commitment to reaching every neighbor. Through school outreach, services for seniors, English‑language learning, citizenship resources and a long‑running bookmobile program, the library meets people where they are. Today, the bookmobile makes dozens of stops each month, ensuring access across the community. 

As the library marks 100 years, it remains a place where generations have gathered to learn, discover and belong. From early reading circles to today’s makers, entrepreneurs and lifelong learners, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library stands as a testament to the power of shared knowledge and a community that continues to write its story together. 

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is inviting the community to help celebrate is centennial with a free, all ages 100th Birthday Party on Sunday, April 19, from 1- 4 p.m., throughout the library. The public celebration marks the debut of “A Century of Stories,” a new exhibit highlighting the library’s remarkable history.  

At 1:30 p.m., community and library leaders will offer welcome remarks on the first floor, including the reveal of what will be placed inside the library’s Centennial Time Capsule. A proclamation from the Village of Arlington Heights honoring the library’s 100 years of service will also be presented. A Cook County resolution will be recognized earlier in the week. 

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can participate in a building-wide scavenger hunt, test their knowledge at Decades Trivia sessions at 2 and 3 p.m. in the Cardinal Room, and enjoy live music from ButterBean from 2 to 4 p.m. Family entertainment will include magic from El Mago Magic Show, juggling by Jason Kollum, hands-on crafts in Kids’ World and the Hub, and chances to meet the library’s new storytime puppet in the Lindsey Room. Refreshments and sweet treats will be provided by Soha’s Sweet Treats, along with library giveaways on the first floor. 

The exhibit “A Century of Stories” will be available to tour all day and will remain on display through the end of August. 

Registration is recommended. More information about the centennial celebration is available at ahml.info/100.