Institutional Member Spotlight: Helen M. Plum Memorial library
April 8, 2024
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Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight shines on the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library. You may recognize this library as it graces the cover of the latest issue of the ILA Reporter! This issue features the much-anticipated annual "Library Buildings" article, showcasing new constructions and renovations from the past year.
Continue reading to learn about the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library!
The Helen M. Plum Memorial Library was founded in 1928 by Colonel William Plum, a pioneer resident of the Village of Lombard. When Colonel Plum died in 1927, he bequeathed his estate and house to the Village of Lombard, with the stipulation that the estate be converted into a park and the house into a free library as a memorial to his wife, Helen. In the 1960s, a new library was constructed adjacent to the park. In April 2023, a brand-new library building opened on Main Street, starting a “new chapter” in our almost 100-year-old history.
We strive to be a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community hub providing access to information, diverse resources, technology, and services—connecting people to learning opportunities and to each other.
As of February 2024, we have 16,471 cardholders. Since opening our new building in late April 2023, we’ve welcomed 208,607 people through our doors.
Departments
Administration, Adult Library Services, Facility and Security Services, Patron Services, Marketing, Technology and Metadata Services, and Youth Services.
Staff Member Who's Worked at the Library the Longest
We have two staff members who have been at HPL for over 30 years!
We have a new Elementary Services Librarian who started in late March.
Why Did You Become an ILA Institutional Member?
ILA allows us to stay up-to-date on best practices and lends legitimacy to our organization, connecting us to a wealth of other libraries and professionals in the field.
The Best Thing About Being an ILA Institutional Member?
It’s wonderful to allow staff to take advantage of member conference rates in addition to accessing to the variety of resources from ILA. The legislative advocacy is also very important to us.
Fun Facts About the Library
The stained glass panels that visitors see above our east entrance were actually made for the original Helen Plum Library, located in the former home of Colonel William and Helen Plum, opened in 1928. When the home was demolished in the 1960s, the glass was relocated inside the then-new library building. When we moved to Main Street in 2023, we had the glass specially restored and installed above the entrance as a tribute to this history.
Popular Events and/or Programs with Patrons
Children’s storytimes and programs are always popular. In summer 2023, we held a “Bluey Bash” with activities and crafts celebrating the hit TV show. It was so popular we held another in the fall with two different time sessions to accommodate all the enthusiastic participants. For older patrons, our monthly Senior Socials fill up quickly and range from musical performances to historical lectures. Since opening our new building, attendance at technology classes has also increased and helped patrons learn software from Microsoft Excel to ChatGPT in a beautiful new computer lab.
The Grand Opening of our new building in April 2023 was an event our whole community will remember for years to come. We welcomed over 5,500 visitors over the course of two days and celebrated with swag giveaways, treats from local restaurants, and a scavenger hunt that allowed patrons to explore their new library in a fun, interactive way.
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
