Arlington Heights Memorial Library

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Fun Facts

• On average 2,778 people visit the library each day!

• There are 307,622 books, magazines and other items that can be checked out.

• There are 797,518 virtual items that can be checked out remotely.

• !n 2018, almost 2 million items were circulated (1,998,330)!

• Hours: AHML is open 85 hours a week! On weekdays from 9:00am-10:00pm, on Saturdays 9:00am-8:00pm and on Sundays, 11:00am-8:00pm. The drive up window opens at 7:00am on weekdays too.

• AHML is nationally award-winning public library. It has received a 5-star rating numerous time from Library Journal.

• 63.5% of Arlington Heights residents have library cards.

• The Bookmobile stops in 29 Arlington Heights neighborhoods.

History of the Library:

1887

The beginning of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library began in the home of Mrs. Walker, the wife of the school principal. She and some of her friends organized a "ladies' reading circle" and began collecting books. It became the Arlington Heights Woman's Club, and a collection of books would grow into a public library.

1896 First Library Opened

Shepard Sisters Home – 310 N. Dunton Ave.

The Woman's Club opened a public library in the home of the Shepard Sisters (Effie and Lucy) at 310 N. Dunton Avenue. This was very close to the library location today. It started with 150 books and was open 2 days a week for 15 years.

1909: Library moved to a room in a school building on St. James Street

The library was moved to a small room in the school building on St. James Street, where it remained for 18 years.

1926 Library moved to Village Hall

The library moved to Village Hall with collection of 1,600 volumes and $1,800 in cash from the Woman's Club to furnish the space.

1952: Library moved to new building 112 N. Belmont

In 1952, a stand alone library was built at 112 N. Belmont Avenue. It was called the Memorial Library in memory of the military service men and women of the community.

1968: Library moved to its permanent location at 500 N. Dunton

In 1968, a new library was built at 500 N. Dunton Avenue.

1973: Bookmobile

in 1973, the first bookmobile arrived!

1978: Expansion

The library was expanded to 76,000 square feet.

1982: Senior Center

In 1982, Park Place Senior Center opened and the library began to offer services for seniors.

1992: Another Expansion

In 1992, another large addition brought the total space of the library to 132,000 square feet!

2005: New entrance

The Dunton Avenue entrance got a much-needed renovation and face-lift!

2010: Kids' World Renovation

Kids’ World was renovated.The project included carpet replacement, relocating the Kids’ World Desk, expanding and rearranging the collection.

2012-2013

In October 2012, the library began a renovation project designed to meet the changing needs of the community, this included the Marketplace, 10 small conference rooms, a teen area called "The Hub," a digital media lab, genealogy room, and a lounge area with a fireplace and cafe. The renovation cost $2.8 million dollars. It was funded by money saved over a period of years so again, no tax increase was needed.

2019: Makerspace coming soon!

The library once again will operate at 112 N. Belmont. The village of Arlington Heights transferred the deed to AHML. The building will be renovated in 2020 and the future home of a Makerspace!