Institutional Member Spotlight - Towanda District Library
October 6, 2025
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Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Towanda District Library located in Towanda, Illinois.
The Library's History
Tucked away in the village of Towanda, Illinois—just off I-55 and the historic Route 66—the Towanda District Library has been a community treasure since 1939. Born with the help of a New Deal-era program, it officially became a village-run library by 1943. Though it faced a brief closure in 1964, the dedication of local volunteers and board members brought it back to life. By 1989, the library had moved into its current home at 301 S. Taylor Street, securing its place as a hub for learning and connection.
Today, this small-town library serves nearly 2,000 residents across Towanda, Blue Mound, and parts of Money Creek Township. Thanks to its membership in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) and Resource Sharing Alliance, patrons enjoy access to more than 200 libraries—proving that even a humble village library can reach far beyond its walls.
Mission Statement
Our library strives to create a welcoming environment in which we serve our patrons and create connections within our community by providing services, programming, and access to information.
Patrons Served Annually
In 2024, the library had 439 patrons registered with Towanda District Library cards and had almost 55,000 visits.
Departments
Since we are such a small library with an open concept building everyone is cross trained to cover all aspects of daily activities, including the director.
Longest-Serving Staff Member at the Library
Sally Smith, Custodian. Over 25 years.
Newest Staff Member
Circulation Support Specialist II was hired mid-September to replace our team member starting her college career.
Why did the library become an ILA Institutional Member?
ILA connects us to the state and national library world. It helps directors and all staff feel included, supported, and part of something bigger. The discounts are a nice touch, too.
The best thing about being an ILA Institutional Member?
The discounts are helpful, but ILA also connects our staff, amplifies our voice, and keeps us part of the statewide conversation through information, conferences, and education.
Fun Fact About the Library
The Towanda District Library teamed up with the Towanda Area Historical Society to digitize tons of local history! From old photos and postcards to Main Street memories and family stories, you can explore our town’s past anytime on the Illinois Digital Archives—thanks to an LSTA grant that made it all possible.
Popular Events/Programs with Patrons
Our most popular programs are our storytimes held twice a week with crafts that complement the stories. An average of about 12 kids of all ages come to each story/activity time during the school year and that number increases to about 25 during the summer reading program.
Favorite Events
Our favorite events include our annual Halloween parties, where we wear costumes all day, the Christmas party with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the animal shows, where staff get to hold animals like snakes, lizards, sugar gliders, and a fennec fox. Rico the Sloth LOVES our DVD collection!
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
