Brookfield Public Library at 100

2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the Brookfield Public Library. The Library first opened its doors on June 27, 1914, thanks to the efforts of the Brookfield Woman’s Club, a group still active in Brookfield today. To commemorate this milestone, the Library will be dedicating a year to noteworthy and celebratory programs and events that reflect the rich history of the last century, with the main Centennial celebration occurring in late June.

“Because this is a celebration for the whole community, and not simply the Library, we wanted to celebrate throughout the year, rather than having a single gala event in June” states Christy Eyre, Partnerships & Public Relations Librarian. “Each month we will pay tribute to a different decade in history, beginning in January with the 1910s and making our way back to 2014 throughout the year.”  Residents can learn more about the Centennial Celebration plans and explore the Library's history online at www.brookfieldlibrary.info/Centennial. The page contains program information as well as digitized historical photos and documents.
 

In addition to themed programming, there are special treats in store for Brookfield Library patrons. On the 14th of each month, the Library will be offering its popular $1 Fine Amnesty for fines on overdue Brookfield Library materials. Additionally, the 100th customer on the 14th will receive a special prize. Plus, all year long Brookfield residents have the opportunity to upgrade to a special Centennial-edition Library card.

When the Brookfield Public Library first opened its doors on June 27, 1914, it offered the public a modest collection of roughly 1,400 books. Over time, the Library has grown alongside Brookfield to serve the varied needs of the community. “From expanding print and digital collections to acquiring and instructing residents in the use of new technologies, the Library’s founding goals are as central today as they were in 1914” states Library Director Kimberly Coughran. “Library stakeholders past and present have been guided by the philosophy that all knowledge is worth preserving and making accessible in a community forum/gathering place.”

Library Trustees have already begun planning for the next century of Library service by finalizing a new Long Range Plan for Library services. The plan calls for the formation of a Facility Advisory Committee to develop final architectural and financing plans for a new Library building that will be better equipped to carry the community into the 21st century and beyond. For more information on the Library Improvement Plan or the Facility Advisory Committee, please visit www.brookfieldlibrary.info or contact the Library at 708-485-6917.

We invite you to join us in celebrating our first 100 years of service to the community. Residents are asked to save the Centennial date of Friday, June 27, 2014 in their calendars as the Library will be throwing a celebration party in high style with a to be announced public event.  Be sure to join us to help kick off the next 100 years.