About

GRIDLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
By Perry Klopfenstein

Although Gridley was established as a village in 1856, the need for a public library was not very great initially due to the work load of its citizens, and those of the surrounding territory. A main focus of society back then was work, and more work. It was the days prior to the many modern conveniences that we enjoy today which allowed for much leisure time. Too, many Gridley citizens had been recent immigrants and were preoccupied with setting down roots and making a life here in America.
It was not until the mid-1880s that any kind of a library took shape, and this one was private. It was begun by a pharmacist, Dr. J. A. Taylor, an avid reader. He formed the Gridley Library Association. It was not a big group, and it consisted mostly of Gridley’s more prominent citizens. This library was mentioned in the McLean County History (1879 edition). Apparently, this association flourished, but not much is known about it.
In 1896 there was an effort to begin a school library. Children in the primary and intermediate classes at the grade school solicited funds for this purpose.
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In 1901 plans took root to begin a public library in G. A. Frank’s store, but the outcome of such a venture is unknown. In 1902, Dr. J.A. Taylor had a circulating library. In this venture books worth 76-cents to $1.00 were loaned at 10 cents to 15 cents per week.
In 1913 the Community Welfare Club organized with the purpose of doing good deeds for the community. Twenty-five persons comprised the charter membership. Their purpose was to raise money to help the community. In 1916 a committee of seven members of the Community Welfare Club was appointed to plan the opening of a new public library. The club donated $250 for this purpose, a tidy sum in those days.
On September 4, 1916, the Gridley Library, supported by private funds, was opened in the upstairs of the Hiserodt Building. In 2006 this building is the one owned by Joe King situated on the west side of Center Street, just south of the bank. The Dr. J.A. Taylor circulating library was donated to the new library, and on opening day 500 books were ready for the public to check out.
In April of 1929 a vote was held to see if citizens would support a tax-supported library. A proposed mill of nine-tenths percent per $100 assessed valuation was put before the voters. It passed by 208-172 in a record turnout (at that time). The new tax-supported library was called the Gridley Free Public Library. In 1941 (during a time of war) the rate was dropped to five-tenths. In 2006, the rate was 15 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
In time, the library was moved to a street level location in the north portion of the building on the northeast corner of Third and Center Streets. Finally, the library was moved to a building directly across from the current library facility.
On February 26, 1978, groundbreaking ceremonies were held to begin a new library building (on the current site). The building cost just over $170,000. A private fund drive was held. 106 individuals contributed $26,000. Eighteen persons gave $500 or more. The State Bank of Gridley donated the lot, the former site of burned-out Alvey Grocery Store. The Village of Gridley donated $5,000 and paid for the demolition of the grocery store. Work began the next day to complete the 3,000 sq. ft. structure. In late November of 1978, the library was moved across the street from the old Bean building. Gridley had 17,813 volumes when the move was made.
On Sunday afternoon, May 6, 1979, the library held a reception, open house, and dedication service at the new library building. A large crowd assembled. A brass plaque was attached near the library’s front door that read: THIS LIBRARY IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS GIFTS OF FRIENDS AND THE CONTINUING SUPPORT OF THE TAXPAYERS OF GRIDLEY TOWNSHIP.
Mrs. Lavenia Castle faithfully served on the board for 37 years. Elsie Wahls’ tenure as librarian ended on October 1, 1980, after serving 31 years. In 2006 the head librarian, Lynn McKinley, retired after serving for 25 years. Linda Zimmerman assumed the duties of head librarian at that time.
Eventually, in the late 1980s, a room was added to the southeast (back) area of the library. It was used for board meetings, and then became a history room in commemoration of Helen Kent, a former resident, who gave a very supportive gift to the library. In 1988, the library became a district library, allowing it to be independent from the city.  The library is tax supported by the district residents.
The Gridley Library has a stellar record of accomplishment. In a 1975 issue of Illinois Libraries, it was shown that the Gridley Library had 9.8 books per person, more than five times the state average of 1.9. In book usage, Gridley ranked 17th out of 670 Illinois Libraries, or in the upper three percent. During the fiscal year of 1974-75, Gridley’s usage soared to 11.5 transactions per year, per person — more than double the state average of 4.9.
In 1974-75, Gridley ranked first in the Corn Belt Library System in both usage and books per capita.
By 2006, the Gridley Public Library District was very computer oriented, and residents could come in and use the many units available. Access to books and information was enhanced by computer technology and the Internet.

https://lccn.loc.gov/2008352084
Gridley, Illinois : a sesquicentennial celebration. [Gridley, Ill.] : Gridley Sesquicentennial Book Committee, c2007.
255 p. : ill., ports., maps ; 22 x 28 cm.
 F549.G78 G76 2007
ISBN: 97809793990080979399009