Exit 48 toward Galesburg (not East Galesburg) and merge onto East Main Street proceeding west for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto South West Street and proceed half a block south. The library parking lot is accessible from West Street or Simmons Street.

Exit IL 164/Main Street (toward IL Hwy 41) and merge onto West Main Street proceeding east approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto South West Street and proceed half a block south. The library parking lot is accessible from West Street or Simmons Street.

If you have a current library card, you may reserve materials. Use the library catalog to reserve materials, or ask a Reference or Children’s librarian for assistance.

Materials may be renewed in person at the library, by telephone (309-343-6118), by email (reference@galesburglibrary.org), or online by logging in to the online catalog using your library card number and PIN. If you have signed up for Shoutbomb, you can also renew using your phone. Most materials may be renewed once, provided there are no hold requests waiting. If you are unable to renew your materials through the catalog, please contact library staff.

The library is normally open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information about particular holidays, see a complete list of closings.

First, you can check out our Digital Resources. Second, you can start your search for books and magazine resources with our online library catalog. Last, ask us your question by emailing us at reference@galesburglibrary.org.

The library welcomes suggestions for additions to the library’s collection. See our Getting Involved page for more details.

The library has local history and genealogy resources to assist researchers. Members of the Knox County Genealogical Society volunteer to assist researchers at the library on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

The library welcomes educational and informational displays that support the mission of the library. All use of the library’s gallery and display and exhibit space is governed by the Display and Exhibits Policy. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Reference Desk at (309) 343-6118 during library hours.

Individuals volunteer to help the library in many ways. Recently, volunteers have helped organize and run book sales, preserve archival documents, care for the Storybook Garden, create displays, paint, and assist at children’s programs. You may also be interested in becoming a member of the Friends of the Library and supporting their efforts. Contact the volunteer coordinator at (309) 343-6118 or volunteer@galesburglibrary.org.

The library is not currently accepting large donations. If you would like to donate a new item to be added to the collection, you may contact the library at 309-343-6118. All items added to the collection must meet the guidelines established in the Materials Selection Policy.

The library is interested in receiving donations of materials documenting the history of Galesburg and Knox County. For additional information, contact Emily DuGranrut, archivist, at (309) 343-6118 or archives@galesburglibrary.org. For policies and information about memorial gifts, visit the Donating page.

The library has no control over the information, images, or opinions available to users through the Internet. The library is also not responsible for the accuracy, authority, legality, or currency of the information. Further, the library can not protect its users from information, content, or images that they might find offensive or disturbing. The library reminds parents and guardians that they have the responsibility to oversee their child’s exposure to and use of the Internet. The library computers are located in public areas. Therefore, the library encourages all users to be considerate and respectful of others when accessing information or images others may find offensive or disturbing.

Individuals with unpaid fines and fees in excess of $10 may be restricted from using public computers. Individuals found violating the Internet policy may be permanently restricted from using public computers.

Public computers are available in the adult and children’s departments. The public computers in the adult services area are for use by individuals aged 13 and over. The public computers in the children’s room are for use by individuals aged 12 and younger or parents with small children.

The library offers wireless Internet access. When you use the service, you are accepting the terms and conditions of the library’s Wireless Policy. Please take the time to read the policy before accessing the network. Please note that library staff can provide only minimal technical support for your laptop or other device. The library cannot accept liability for the handling of your equipment.

Located on the 2nd Floor
Seating Capacity: 16 people
Best suited for small groups of 16 or fewer
No age restrictions

The Group Study Room may be reserved for up to four hours. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. There is no cost to use the Group Study Room.

Located on the 2nd Floor
Seating Capacity: 6 people
Best suited for small groups of 6 or fewer
No age restrictions

Study Room A may be reserved for up to two hours. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. There is no cost to use the study room.

Located on the 2nd Floor
Seating Capacity: 8 people
Best suited for individuals or small groups of 8 or fewer

Study Room B may be reserved for up to two hours. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. There is no cost to use the study room.

Located on the 2nd Floor
Seating Capacity: 1-2 teens or adults
Includes computer and audio/video recording equipment

The Sound Booth may be reserved for up to two hours. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. There is no cost to use the Sound Booth.

Located in the Children’s Library
Seating Capacity: 2 people
Best suited for individuals or small groups with children ages birth to 12 years old

Children’s Study Room A may be reserved for up to two hours. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. There is no cost to use Children’s Study Room A.

Located in the Children’s Library
Seating Capacity: 4 people
Best suited for individuals or small groups with children ages birth to 12 years old.

Children’s Study Room B may be reserved for up to two hours. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. There is no cost to use Children’s Study Room B.

Director

• Noelle Thompson

Reference and Adult Services

• Jane Easterly, Assistant Director, Head of Adult Services
• Luke Gorham, Reference Librarian and Network Administrator
• John Driscoll, Reference and Young Adult Librarian
• Emma Cork, Reference Librarian and Grant Coordinator
• Payton Dowell, Reference Librarian and Volunteer Coordinator
• Michelle Kim, Technology and Employment Specialist
• Monica Vega, Reference Assistant
• Tammy Burkhart, Reference Assistant
• Kali Humphrey, Reference Assistant

Archives: Local History & Genealogy

• Emily DuGranrut, Archivist

Children’s Department

• Melinda Jones-Rhoades, Head of Children’s
• LeAnna Whitaker, Children’s Librarian
• Meghan Bohn, Library Assistant & STEM Specialist
• Sue Trotter, Shelver
• Sarah Wallenfelsz, Shelver
• Kymmie Jackson, Shelver

Circulation

• Hillary Dillon, Head of Circulation
• Lila Johnson, Library Assistant
• Kaitlin Hutchcroft, Library Assistant
• CeCe Jordan, Circulation Clerk
• Dylann Haptonstahl, Circulation Clerk
• Eliza Karlin, Shelver
• Teresa Raaf, Shelver
• Cindy Roach, Shelver
• Keri Jamison, Shelver
• Hillary Kelso, Shelver

Technical Services

• Anne Giffey, Head of Technical Services
• Devin Flanagin, Administration
• Carolyn Pierson, Technical Services Clerk
• Megan Rowe, Library Assistant

Freedom of Information Act Officer

The Galesburg Public Library Freedom of Information Act Officer is Noelle Thompson, (309) 343-6118.

Organizational Chart

The Galesburg Public Library organizational chart can be viewed here.

Regular Meetings: The board of trustees meets monthly on the first Thursday at 4:30 pm in the Conference Room at the library. The meetings are open to the public. Board meeting minutes and agenda are available on this page and at the library.

2024 Board Meeting Dates

Latest Board Meeting Agenda(s): March 7, 2024 Board Meeting

Meeting Notice(s):  (None)

• Laurie Muelder, President (2021-2024)
• Steven Bailey (2022–2025)
• Craig Conolly (2023–2026)
• Heather Hellenga (2021-2024)
• Mary Phillips (2022–2025)
• Martin Reichel (2023–2026)
• Judith Thorn (2022–2025)
• Sarah Brakenbury (2021-2024)
• Roger Williamson (2023–2026)

All full terms are for three years, beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30. The board may be contacted via email at board@galesburglibrary.org.

Archived Minutes

The Galesburg Public Library Board of Trustees retains at least the past 60 days of archived meeting minutes on the website, found below:

• Feb 1, 2024
• Jan 4, 2024
• Dec 7, 2023

The Friends of the Galesburg Public Library group was organized in 1984 to support the library’s work. The Friends is a nonprofit organization open to everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or place of residence. The group operates under the supervision and guidance of the Board of Trustees and does not involve itself in library policy. Membership brochures are available here and at the library. You may contact the Friends via email for additional information. View the Constitution and By-Laws. The Friends are always looking for new members who want to support the Galesburg Public Library’s programs and services. Please call the library at (309) 343-6118 for more information.

Officers

Verna Treasure — President
David Graflund — Vice President
Christine Sackey — Secretary
Sandy Gillenwater — Treasurer

Library Liaison

Heather Sipes

Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Library hold semi-annual used book sales, and all revenue benefits the library. There is currently no book sale scheduled for 2023. Like Friends of the Galesburg Public Library on Facebook for updates.

Donation Guidelines

The Friends of the Library are not currently accepting used book donations. Thank you to everyone who has donated in the past. Like the Friends of the Galesburg Public Library on Facebook for updates.

The Galesburg Public Library Foundation provides a link between philanthropists of all types and the library. The library benefits from gifts, Foundation activities and individual giving. The mission of the Galesburg Public Library Foundation is to enhance library resources and services. The Foundation is comprised of individuals who are interested in fund raising, have an interest in the library’s future, and want to be activists. Foundation members undertake projects that complement and advance the library’s presence in Galesburg. Please contact the director at (309) 343-6118 or by email at foundation@galesburglibrary.org for additional information about donating to the Galesburg Public Library Foundation, and visit the Foundation website for new library updates, current projects, and all other news.

Foundation Board

• Heather Sipes, Executive Director
• Stuart Allison, President
• Steve Bailey, Vice-President
• Martin Reichel, Treasurer
• Michelle Kroll, Secretary
• Abby Colvin
• Sue Dutell
• Naomi Law
• Sue Lyon
• Semenya McCord
• LeAnn Morgan
• Paula Reichel
• Mark Stegall
• Kirk Watson

In 1858, the Young Men’s Literary and Library Association opened a reading room over a bank on Main Street. This reading room was the forerunner of the Galesburg Public Library, established as a Free Public Library and Reading Room in 1874. The library board constructed the first free public library building on land purchased by the board. A city tax levy and a $50,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie that was secured by then Knox College President, Dr. Thomas McClelland, paid for the building at 40 East Simmons Street. Dedicated on June 3, 1902, the Romanesque architecture of the Carnegie library included Bedford stone walls, curved windows and an entabulature adorned by tablets inscribed with the names of men of science, art and letters. The Carnegie library was destroyed by fire on May 9, 1958 and was replaced with a new library dedicated on November 3, 1961. A children’s room addition in 1967, installation of an elevator in 1984, and an expansion project completed in 1996 comprise the library as we know it today. At the dedication of the Galesburg Public Library in 1902, Albert Perry, president of the board, stated, “To this building we invite you all, without distinction of any kind. It is yours and all the books that it contains, and we trust and believe that it contains something beneficial to every citizen of this city.” The library board and staff continue this philosophy and mission of service today, embracing and structuring change to bring you the best resources and services imaginable. Galesburg Public Library Timeline:

• 1860—Young Men’s Literary Society formed from books donated by Knox College President Albert Hurd. Located in the public high school.
• 1874—First public library opened on Main Street (March 26)
• 1902—Carnegie Library opens on Simmons Street (June 3)
• 1958—Carnegie Library burns to the ground (May 9)
• 1961—New library opens (November 4)
• 1967—Additional space added to library (April 16)
• 1984—Expansion and accessibility improvements
• 1996—Expansion and remodeling for accessibility (April 18)
• 2021—Public Library Construction Act Grant awarded (March 1)
• 2024—New building opens at 264 W Main Street (April 24)

Blueprints of the current library building can be found here.