Our History

The referendum to create the West Sangamon Public Library District was passed in the fall of 1998. The success of the referendum has been attributed by many to the dedication of a group of citizens who formed a campaign committee. Committee members traveled door-to-door promoting the library throughout the district. Robert Pfeffer, President of Warren-Boynton State Bank and the bank's board members agreed to donate a building to house the library, contingent on passage of the library referendum. This generous offer was considered to be the strongest selling point for the referendum.

The Library Trustees were elected in early 1999. The community members responded by donating many beautiful books, and a start-up grant was received from the Illinois State Library and the Secretary of State. The library opened on July 3, 1999, and serves most of the area encompassed by the Community Unit School District #16. This area includes Berlin, Curran, Island Grove, Loami, Maxwell Township, New Berlin and Riddle Hill.

In the year 2006, the library has a growing collection of over 16,000 books, magazines, videos, and varied materials as well as 16,000 electronic books. The Library District serves a population of 4,366. West Sangamon Public Library District is a member of Rolling Prairie Library System, the Illinois Library Association and the American Library Association. Patrons can search for materials and information throughout the state of Illinois and nationwide using several online databases