The South Pekin Public Library was established in 1937 in South Pekin, Illinois, United States. It was founded by a group of local citizens who recognized the need for a public library in their community. The library was initially housed in a small room in the South Pekin Village Hall.
The main reason for establishing the library was to provide access to books and educational resources for the residents of South Pekin. At the time, there were no other public libraries in the area, and many residents had to travel to neighboring towns to access library services.
In the early years, the library was run entirely by volunteers and relied on donations from the community for its collection. In 1941, the library received its first official funding from the South Pekin Village Board, which allowed for the hiring of a part-time librarian.
Over the years, the library has grown and expanded its services to meet the changing needs of the community. In 1980, a new building was constructed to house the library, and in 2005, the library underwent a major renovation and expansion project.
Today, the South Pekin Public Library continues to serve as a vital resource for the community, offering a wide range of materials and services, including books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, computer access, and educational programs for all ages. It remains a cornerstone of the South Pekin community, providing access to information, education, and entertainment for its residents.
1. Fiction Books: This collection includes a wide range of popular fiction books from various genres such as romance, mystery, thriller, science fiction, and more.
2. Non-Fiction Books: This collection includes books on various topics such as history, biographies, self-help, cooking, gardening, and more.
3. Children's Books: This collection includes books for children of all ages, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for young adults.
4. Young Adult Books: This collection includes books specifically targeted towards teenagers and young adults, covering a variety of genres and topics.
5. Reference Books: This collection includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and other reference materials for research and information purposes.
6. Audio Books: This collection includes audiobooks in CD or digital format, allowing patrons to listen to books on-the-go.
7. Large Print Books: This collection includes books with larger font sizes, making it easier for visually impaired individuals to read.
8. Graphic Novels: This collection includes comic books and graphic novels, popular among readers of all ages.
9. Magazines and Newspapers: This collection includes a variety of magazines and newspapers covering different topics and interests.
10. Local History Collection: This collection includes books, documents, and other materials related to the history of South Pekin and its surrounding areas.
11. E-books and E-audiobooks: This collection includes digital books and audiobooks that can be accessed online through the library's website.
12. DVD and Blu-ray Collection: This collection includes popular movies, TV shows, and documentaries in DVD and Blu-ray format.
13. Music CDs: This collection includes a variety of music CDs from different genres, including popular music, classical, and more.
14. Video Games: This collection includes video games for various gaming consoles, available for patrons to borrow and play at home.
15. Special Collections: The library also has special collections such as holiday books, bestsellers, and staff picks, which are regularly updated and rotated to provide patrons with new and popular reading options.
The South Pekin Public Library offers a variety of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts for readers to explore and discover. These materials provide a unique glimpse into the past and offer valuable insights into different cultures, events, and perspectives.
Some of the rare books available at the library include first editions of classic works such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. These books are not only valuable for their literary significance but also for their historical and cultural importance.
The library also houses a collection of rare history archives, including documents, photographs, and maps, that offer a glimpse into the local history of South Pekin and the surrounding areas. These archives provide a unique opportunity for readers to learn about the development of the town, its people, and its industries over the years.
In addition to rare books and history archives, the library also has a collection of manuscripts that offer a deeper understanding of various subjects. These manuscripts include personal letters, diaries, and journals of notable individuals, as well as original manuscripts of literary works. These materials provide a firsthand account of historical events and offer a unique perspective on different topics.
The South Pekin Public Library also offers access to digital archives, which include rare books, historical documents, and manuscripts that have been digitized for preservation and easy access. These digital archives allow readers to explore and discover rare materials from the comfort of their own homes.
Overall, the library's collection of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts offers a valuable resource for readers interested in delving into the past and gaining a deeper understanding of different subjects. The library staff is also available to assist readers in accessing and utilizing these materials for research and learning purposes.

Services:

1. Book Borrowing: The library offers a wide range of books for subscribers to borrow, including fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and audiobooks.
2. Interlibrary Loan: If the library does not have a particular book, subscribers can request it through interlibrary loan and the library will borrow it from another library.
3. EResources: The library provides access to various electronic resources such as ebooks, emagazines, and online databases for research and learning.
4. Computer and Internet Access: The library has computers with internet access that subscribers can use for free. WiFi is also available for those who bring their own devices.
5. Printing, Scanning, and Faxing: Subscribers can use the library's printers, scanners, and fax machines for a small fee.
6. Programs and Events: The library organizes various programs and events for the community, such as book clubs, author talks, and children's storytime.
7. Reference and Research Assistance: The library staff is available to help subscribers with research and reference questions, and provide assistance in using the library's resources.
8. Meeting Room Rental: The library has a meeting room that can be rented by community groups and organizations for meetings and events.
9. Homebound Services: The library offers homebound services for subscribers who are unable to visit the library due to illness or disability. This includes delivery of books and other materials to their homes.
10. Outreach Services: The library provides outreach services to schools, senior centers, and other community organizations to promote literacy and library services.
11. Book Donations: The library accepts book donations from the community, which are then added to the collection or sold in book sales to raise funds for the library.
12. Summer Reading Program: The library organizes a summer reading program for children and teens to encourage reading and learning during the summer months.
13. Local History Collection: The library has a collection of materials related to the history of South Pekin and its surrounding areas, including photographs, documents, and books.
14. Volunteer Opportunities: The library offers volunteer opportunities for community members to get involved and support the library's services and programs.
15. Bookmobile Services: The library has a bookmobile that visits various locations in the community, providing access to library materials for those who are unable to visit the library.

Things To Do:

1. Art Exhibitions: The library regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring the works of local artists. These exhibitions showcase a variety of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and photography.
2. Book Club Meetings: The library hosts book club meetings where members can discuss and analyze a selected book. These meetings are a great way to meet new people and engage in literary discussions.
3. Author Talks and Book Readings: The library invites authors to talk about their books and read excerpts from their works. This is a great opportunity for book lovers to interact with their favorite authors and learn more about their writing process.
4. Children's Storytime: The library organizes storytime sessions for children where they can listen to engaging stories and participate in fun activities related to the stories.
5. Writing Workshops: The library hosts writing workshops for aspiring writers. These workshops cover various topics such as character development, plot structure, and publishing.
6. Book Fairs: The library organizes book fairs where local authors and publishers can showcase and sell their books. This is a great opportunity for book lovers to discover new authors and purchase books at discounted prices.
7. Film Screenings: The library occasionally hosts film screenings, showcasing a variety of genres and themes. These screenings are free and open to the public.
8. Book Sales: The library holds book sales where patrons can purchase used books at discounted prices. These sales are a great way to support the library and add new books to your collection.
9. Poetry Readings: The library hosts poetry readings where local poets can share their work with the community. These events are a great way to appreciate and celebrate the art of poetry.
10. Workshops and Classes: The library offers a variety of workshops and classes on topics such as computer skills, crafting, and gardening. These events are a great way to learn new skills and connect with others in the community.

1. Respect the library's rules and regulations: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the library's policies and follow them while you are there. This includes rules about noise levels, food and drink, and use of electronic devices.
2. Keep your voice down: Libraries are meant to be quiet spaces for studying and reading. Be mindful of your volume when talking to others or using your phone.
3. Handle books and materials with care: The library's books and materials are meant to be shared by everyone. Make sure to handle them gently and return them to their proper place after use.
4. Use headphones when listening to audio: If you need to listen to audio while at the library, make sure to use headphones. This will prevent disturbing others who are trying to study or read.
5. Respect others' personal space: Be mindful of others' personal space and avoid sitting too close to someone else if there are other available seats.
6. Keep your belongings with you: Do not leave your personal belongings unattended. If you need to leave your seat, take your belongings with you or ask a friend to watch them for you.
7. Use the library's resources responsibly: The library provides a variety of resources for its patrons, such as computers and printers. Make sure to use them responsibly and follow any time limits or usage guidelines.
8. Be considerate of others' needs: Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain scents or perfumes. Try to avoid wearing strong scents while at the library.
9. Keep the library clean: Help keep the library clean by throwing away any trash and returning books and materials to their proper place after use.
10. Be mindful of your surroundings: While the library is generally a safe place, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to library staff.

The South Pekin Public Library offers a variety of subscription plans for patrons to choose from. These plans are designed to cater to the different needs and preferences of our community members. Below are the details of the subscription plans offered by the library:
1. Basic Plan: This plan is free for all residents of South Pekin. It includes access to physical materials such as books, magazines, and DVDs, as well as online resources such as e-books, audiobooks, and databases. Patrons can borrow up to 10 items at a time and keep them for a period of 3 weeks.
2. Premium Plan: This plan is available for a yearly fee of $25 for individuals and $40 for families. It includes all the benefits of the Basic Plan, as well as access to premium online resources such as language learning programs, genealogy databases, and online courses. Patrons can borrow up to 20 items at a time and keep them for a period of 4 weeks.
3. Digital Plan: This plan is free for all residents of South Pekin. It includes access to all online resources offered by the library, including e-books, audiobooks, databases, and digital magazines. Patrons can access these resources from anywhere with an internet connection.
4. Non-Resident Plan: This plan is available for individuals who do not reside in South Pekin but wish to use the library's services. It is available for a yearly fee of $50 for individuals and $75 for families. It includes all the benefits of the Basic Plan, as well as access to premium online resources. Patrons can borrow up to 10 items at a time and keep them for a period of 3 weeks.
5. Institutional Plan: This plan is designed for schools, businesses, and organizations in South Pekin. It is available for a yearly fee of $100 and includes access to all physical and online resources offered by the library. Patrons can borrow up to 50 items at a time and keep them for a period of 6 weeks.
In addition to these subscription plans, the library also offers special services such as home delivery for patrons who are unable to visit the library due to health or mobility issues. We also have a Book Club Kit service for book clubs to borrow multiple copies of the same book for their discussions.
We strive to provide affordable and diverse subscription plans to meet the needs of our community. For more information on our subscription plans and services, please visit the library's website or contact us directly.

Monday: 9:00 AM  5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM  7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM  5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM  7:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM  5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM  1:00 PM Sunday: Closed

"Conveniently located in South Pekin, the library is easily accessible by public transport. Bus routes and train stations are within walking distance, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to reach the South Pekin Public Library. Plan your trip today!"