One of the newest libraries in the former Lewis and Clark Library System, the Smithton Public Library District grew from humble origins. In the early 1980s, under the auspices of the then Kaskaskia Library System, it began as a reading room in the Smithton firehouse and was soon relocated to the Smithton Grade School.
In 1988, the Smithton Public Library District was established and the first board elected. In 1989 the library moved to a spot near its present location where it was housed in a two-room trailer provided by Mrs. Leona Killebrew. Mrs. Killebrew, a strong library advocate, generously agreed to lease the trailer, which belonged to her late-husband’s construction business, for a very small cost – and she provided the utilities.
Much of the initial library collection was provided by the Kaskaskia Library System, along with magazines and other donations from community members.
In 1992, the citizens of Smithton enthusiastically broke ground to build the current library building. The 3000 square foot building was built under the direction of consultant/contractor Don Becker, while local architect Mark VonDerHeide donated his talents to draw up the design.
Many additional community members added their efforts during the building process. The library opened to great celebration during July of 1993, with a formal dedication ceremony being hold on October 3, 1993.
On April 9, 2013, the Smithton Public Library District joined over 400 other libraries to form the Illinois Heartland Library System. The Smithton Public Library District is also a member of SHARE, the largest automation consortium in the nation.
As of the 2020 Census, the Smithton Public Library District has grown from a population of 4,707 to a population of 5,225.
For more information about SHARE: http://share.illinoisheartland.org/?q=about
For more information about Illinois Heartland Library System: http://www.illinoisheartland.org/