Institutional Member Spotlight - Chatham Area Public Library District
September 8, 2025
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Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Chatham Area Public Library District located in Chatham, Illinois.
The Library's History
The Chatham Community Library was established in 1970 through a project of the Women’s Club of Chatham. It operated with volunteers, donations, and revenue-sharing funds from Ball and Chatham Townships, along with the Village of Chatham.
In 1982, the library was restructured, and from 1983 to 1986, it was overseen by a 17-member board consisting of representatives from various local civil and service organizations. This board secured a Project Plus grant, enabling the library to create a full-service demonstration facility. The library opened in the Main Plaza Shopping Center on December 6, 1986, occupying 1,600 square feet.
Subsequently, the Library Board petitioned Chatham residents through a referendum to establish a library district. The residents approved this proposal within the Chatham area. Once designated as a district, the Board recognized the need for a new building and broke ground on the current facility on March 5, 1995.
Chatham’s rapid population growth necessitated expansion. In November 2006, voters approved a $2.9 million bond issue to fund the expansion. By 2009, the library had grown to over 29,000 square feet. This expansion included the Friends café/bookstore, a genealogy and local history room, and expanded programming and community space.
In 2025, the Library Foundation donated a multi-use outdoor space called The Backyard, designed for small programs such as book clubs and storytimes, as well as larger events like concerts and movie nights.
Throughout its history, the library has consistently expanded its resources and services to meet the needs of the growing Chatham Area Community.
Mission Statement
We inspire, inform, and engage our community by connecting people, information, and ideas.
Patrons Served Annually
80,000
Departments
Adult Services, Youth Services, Technical Services, Circulation, and Administration.
Staff Member Who’s Worked at the Library the Longest
Our head of Technical Services has been with us since 2006.
Newest Staff Member
Our newest Page started this past July.
Why did the library become an ILA Institutional Member?
The library has been an ILA institutional member for decades. We understood the value of being part of this organization for the ongoing education and sense of community it provides us. We also see being a member as supporting the advocacy work that is done throughout the state, on behalf of all Illinois libraries.
The best thing about being an ILA Institutional Member?
It’s an excellent way for all of our staff to feel connected to the greater library community and the causes that are important to us.
Fun Facts About the Library
- Our Friends of the Library have a bookstore and café. Their volunteers put in countless hours each week to sort through donations and weeded items to sell to support the library. This is a popular stop for many throughout the county and beyond.
- We have a fish tank with six fish and a snail, monitored by Youth Services staff who often share dramatic stories about the tank's happenings!
- We also have a Book Bike named Bikeangelo that travels to festivals, parades, and local businesses, promoting library services.
- Additionally, we support our local artists through an annual juried art show, which has been held for 16 years, and host bi-monthly exhibitions for local artists and groups to display their talents.
- We are fortunate to have our Library Foundation gift us with an excellent outdoor extension called The Backyard. The Backyard features a covered patio attached to the building, elevated landscaping, artwork, and more. This space will open this fall and will serve multiple purposes for small events like storytimes and craft nights, as well as larger gatherings such as outdoor movies and concerts. We are excited to share this new space with our community!
Popular Events/Programs with Patrons
Our puzzle races and Mahjong events are very popular with our patrons. Additionally, our Book Camps for youth are a summer destination for all children. Each weeklong session (six sessions total) includes games, crafts, and stories focused on the Summer Reading theme.
One of the more unique programs that we do each year is called Mud Day, where we invite toddlers to celebrate the Mud Day holiday with games and toys to play in MUD! (Thankfully, this is an outdoor event!).
We love coming up with new and innovative ways to engage with our community!
Favorite Events
Our Friends' annual Murder Mystery fundraiser has been a key part of our library’s major events for the past 25 years. Each year, an original script is created for community members to perform a Chatham-themed whodunit. This event has it all: fundraising for the library, community involvement, and an entertaining mystery.
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
