Library History

It has been said that the quality of a town may be measured by its library. Many years ago, the people of Westmont realized the importance of a public library. As early as 1925 Everett Lincoln Meservey personally collected books and a 25-cent monthly charge by going door to door to start the first library collection. These books were kept in the Community Press Building. During the 1930’s WPA (Works Progress Administration) funds were received to expand the library and it was moved to the Hoffman Building. Mrs. Velma Evans became the first librarian.

In 1943 the Village Board voted to support the Library with tax revenues and the first Library Board was elected. Mr. C.E. Miller was the first President of this Board, and it included Pearl Elsing, Carolyn Barton, E.H. Petty, Caroline Townsend and June Goodlow. The library was located at 22 W. Burlington. Alex N. Buro, Michael A. Levgard and Warren Beardsley would become most strongly associated with the Library for almost 25 years.

By the late fifties it was decided to provide a permanent building for the Library. In 1959 the American Legion Post 338 donated land next to Memorial Park at Richmond and Linden Streets and, with a concerted campaign, the voters passed the bond issue for the building.

In 1960 the new library building was open with Mrs. Dwight Townsend as Librarian. The Francis S. Maier Children’s Wing was added in 1971. Westmont continued to grow rapidly and more residents needed better library service. The Library Board of Trustees planned another expansion and remodeling project to utilize the lower level of the existing building. After what described by then Librarian, Moira Buhse, as considerable noise, dust and confusion, the project was completed.

When this additional space rapidly became inadequate for the demands of the residents in the ever-expanding information age, a period of study and consideration of current and future library needs resulted in a plan for a new library building, which required a mew location to provide sufficient space for the structure and parking. A successful bond referendum in 1989 resulted in construction beginning in 1990.

Unfortunately, the contractor committed financial fraud and left the country. After a year with construction halted while legal means were pursued, the Library Board obtained a mortgage, hired a second contractor and restarted a considerably scaled back project. With great celebration the new 24,000 square foot building with plenty of parking was open to the public in January 1993.

In the following decade the Board and Librarian Charlene Sanders were successful in litigating the construction problems, achieving a $550,000 settlement. Essential building retrofits have been completed. Funds and grants from local, state and federal sources have enabled the growth of the collection and the addition of automation system and public Internet access.

The library is open to the public 58 hours per week, has over 90,00 volumes including books, videos, DVDs, audio recordings, nearly 200 periodical subscriptions, and puzzles and kits for children.

Services include the circulating collection, adult and youth programming, reference and reader’s advisory, and interlibrary loan. The library is a part of the Metropolitan Library System and the SWAN computer network that enables patrons to access the collections of more than 77 area libraries.