cary area public library district
1606 three oaks road...cary, illinois...60013...847-639-4210

library history

• In 1918,
The library was started by Miss Florence Smith along with her group of Camp Fire Girls. The Girls went from house to house collecting donations to start a library. They collected about $100.00 for the new library. The library was located in small room in the back of the old Village Hall. It was located at 4 Crystal Street.

• In 1951,
Mrs. Elden Weaver led a movement to become tax supported by referendum. A six member board was elected.

• In 1954,
The Library was offered the larger room of the Village Hall when the fire department moved to their new location. The library remodeled an redecorated and moved into the new room with the help of  the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

• In 1955,
The village moved their location 441 Main Street. They offered the library the entire first floor at 4 Crystal Street.

• In 1976,
The library rented a store two doors from the main building to alleviate the crowded conditions. The rented space was also used for board meetings and juvenile story hours and programs. Also in 1976 a referendum was passed for a new building which would be part of the planned Community Center.

• In 1978,
With the help of 100 volunteers, the library moved to it's new location at 255 Stonegate Road.

• In March 1985,
The children's collection was moved to the remodeled lower level. New shelves were added to the adult section and also a serious study room was set aside.

• In 1986,
The library acquired it's first Apple computer and printer for patron use.

• In 1995,
The Cary Public Library became the Cary Area Public Library District as a result of a referendum passed to include unincorporated Cary and  a small portion of unincorporated Crystal Lake.

• On July 1, 1995,
The District also became a member of the North Suburban Library System.

• In Fall of 1997,
Ground was broken for the new library donated by Tom Decker.

• On June 6, 1999,
The Cary Area Public Library District moved to it's new location at 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary, Illinois. The Library building was donated by Thomas Decker, local developer. The building bears his name on the front of the building. The library moved to 1606 Three Oaks Road in March, 1999. The building was dedicated on July 30, 1999.

• 2001,
The library celebrated 50 years of service to the community. We continue to grow each year and add new items daily. We strive to stay current with the needs with the community by providing internet access and new and upcoming popular items for loan.

• 2009,
The library celebrated 10 year anniversary in the new building on Three Oaks. We renovated the current building replacing carpeting, roof, paint, lighting, and furniture. We continue to strive to have the latest technology and add computers and software for patron use.

• 2009, How we have changed over the years!