Photos of Library History: This site has some really cool pictures of past events, our current building under construction in the late ‘80s, and several familiar faces.  We will be adding many more pictures as they are submitted.  Special thanks goes out to Gail Wirtz and Nichole Watson for scanning in and setting up the site and to two former trustees, Carole Shook and Thyra DeBolt for filling in some missing information.  You can submit photos to history@rlalibrary.org

History of the Round Lake Area Library 
In the late 60's, local milkman and Chamber of Commerce President Milton Andrews' dream of a public library in the Round Lake area gained momentum. Spearheaded by a dedicated group of volunteers from the Round Lake Area Library Association, the library dream came true. In 1967, a lending library was established in Round Lake High School's Library with two book racks and books donated by residents.

In March 1972, when state and federal funds became available, the Library Association applied for a demonstration grant and the Round Lake Area Library opened in a storefront at 375 Cedar Lake Road. The library had 2,650 cardholders and 4,360 books. On December 2, 1972, voters approved a referendum to establish the library district by a four-to-one margin.

In July 1976, the library moved to 442 Cedar Lake Road (the current Round Lake Village Hall) and added separate adult and children's areas.

Before long it became apparent that the facility was too small for the growing population. In 1985 the Round Lake Area Park District, with the consent of Vilah H. Ellis and Maurice Hart (who had originally donated the land to the Park District), donated two acres for a new library site. A building referendum passed in November 1985 and ground-breaking for the new library began on June 19, 1986.

The current facility at 906 Hart Road opened on February 29, 1988. Room for future growth in the lower level was part of the original plans, but until that was necessary, the space was rented, first to the Round Lake School District for a kindergarten center and later to the Round Lake Park District for an additional Child Development Center. In 1997 the library hired an architect to plan for library use of the entire building when the Park District lease expired in 1999. A referendum to maintain the library tax rate at the same level passed on March 17, 1998. Remodeling of the library began in April, 2000 and was completed in January, 2001. The "new" library was rededicated on February 4, 2001.

Renovation doubled the amount of space available to patrons, provided more working space for staff, and allowed for future growth. The library now has over 50 computers available for public use, a group study room for patrons to work on group projects, and a tutor room for those working on projects requiring personal attention.