Evanston Public Library

The Evanston Public Library is the public library of Evanston, Illinois. It is a department of the City of Evanston.

History

The Evanston Library Association was founded in 1870 and Thomas J.Kellan was appointed the library's first librarian in 1874. In 1893 the library moved to the second floor of the new Village Hall in 1893 and the library's collection was reorganized according to the new Dewey Decimal Classification system in 1896. In 1908 the library moved to its current location at 1703 Orrington Ave.

Two additional branches were later added - the South Branch (at 926 Chicago Avenue) in 1917 and the North Branch (at 2026 Central Street) in 1952 and in 1958 the City Planning Commission approved a proposal for a new building at Church and Orrington.

In 1980 the library made online public access available to its patrons along with the introduction of two new rental options: the videocassette and duplicates of best selling books.

The library moved into its newly finished building in 1994 and the library celebrates its 125th anniversary in 1998. [ [http://www.epl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=59 History of EPL] ]

Branches

The Evanston Public Library has three branches: the Main Branch at 1703 Orrington Ave; the North Branch at 2026 Central St.; and the South Branch at 949 Chicago Ave.

Special features

Children's room

Recently remodeled; the new children's section of the library offers a fun and interactive environment for kids of all ages. Also available for children are a number of kid-friendly programs and activities that the library has featured everyday, from storytime to art projects. [ [http://www.epl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=39&Itemid=237 Kid's Events] ]

The Loft

As a new addition to Evanston Public Library; the Loft is a place specifically designed for teens. It is a relaxed environment where teens can hang out, read and just unwind from a stressful day. Computers and internet are available. [ [http://eplteen.wordpress.com/ The Virtual Loft] ]

In recent news, the Loft's design team has won the biennial American Library Association/International Interior Design Association interior design award. The award honors libraries that demonstrate artistic creativity with their choice of design, aesthetics and overall client satisfaction. [ [http://www.iida.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=540 ALA/IIDA Interior Design Awards] ]

Peregrine falcons

2008 was the fourth year in a row that peregrine falcons chose to nest atop a column on the library. The adult falcons, along with four babies born in 2006, can be seen from both outside and inside of the library. [ [http://www.epl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=459%3Aperegrine-falcons-the-library&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=313 Peregrine Falcons @ the Library] ] You can follow the falcon's many adventures on the FalconCam. [ [http://www.epl.org/falconcam/ FalconCam] ]

Classes and programs

Computer classes

The library offers a variety of free classes that teach students how to use and understand certain computer techniques such as using the mouse and navigating the internet. Registration is required. Classes featured in 2008 are: Computer Basics, Intro to the Internet, Intro to Email, and Internet Practice. [ [http://www.epl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62:internet-training-classes&catid=35:news--events&Itemid=94 Computer Training Classes] ]

African American Literature Book Group

Once a month, a group gets together to discuss pre-chosen books written by African American authors. [ [http://www.epl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=100 African American Literature Discussion Group] ]

Book sales

For those wishing to purchase an item, the library has a Book Sale occurring on the library's Main Floor. The library accepts donations of books, tapes/CDs, old maps, old postcards, children's books, and magazines. [ [http://www.epl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=350 Book Sales] ]

Art on display

The library has a variety of different art forms all over the library. [ [http://www.epl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=57 Art on Display] ] Prominently displayed occupying several stories of the entry is "Ghostwriter" - a suspended wire sculpture that can be seen from every floor of the library. [ [http://www.epl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=114&Itemid=213 Ghostwriter] ]

References

Reflist

External links

* [http://www.epl.org Evanston Public Library official website]