Library History
The village is named for Alpheus B. Stickney, a railroad executive who played a central role in establishing the Clearing Industrial District. The village's story is closely linked with the history of Stickney Township, organized in 1901. In 1913, the village of Stickney was established from Stickney Township land. The early years of the village were marked by peculiar venues for official meetings: the organizational meeting was held at Hawthorne racetrack, and subsequent meetings took place in the waiting room at Mount Auburn Cemetery. In 1919, most residents worked as truck farmers or in the quarries near town.
1935
The library began when it inherited 1,400 books, from a WPA project, located in the Stickney Township building. The first librarian was Mrs. Helen Earl. A group of residents met to form the Stickney Library Association.
1940
Due to lack of room the library moved from Pershing Road and Scoville Avenue to a store building at 4204 S. Oak Park Avenue.
1942
Inventory of books totaled 1,958 on the shelves
1946
The number of books doubled from purchases and donations. Among the donors was Harry Sklenar, a service man, who brought books back with him when he would come home on leave. To raise funds for the Stickney Library, a party was held in the village hall. Funds from the party helped to pay for lights and rent bills and to purchase new books. The librarian was Mrs. Josephine Filip.
1948
1935
The library began when it inherited 1,400 books, from a WPA project, located in the Stickney Township building. The first librarian was Mrs. Helen Earl. A group of residents met to form the Stickney Library Association.
1940
Due to lack of room the library moved from Pershing Road and Scoville Avenue to a store building at 4204 S. Oak Park Avenue.
1942
Inventory of books totaled 1,958 on the shelves
1946
The number of books doubled from purchases and donations. Among the donors was Harry Sklenar, a service man, who brought books back with him when he would come home on leave. To raise funds for the Stickney Library, a party was held in the village hall. Funds from the party helped to pay for lights and rent bills and to purchase new books. The librarian was Mrs. Josephine Filip.
1948
The Stickney Library Association was offered new and better quarters in the new township health building at 6721 W. 40th Street.
1953
1953
A petition to form a library district between Stickney and Forest View began this year. The petition was submitted to the county judge on June 16, 1953 and a referendum was held in November of 1953 to create the district. The district population was approximately 6,000 at this time. Finances for the development of the library would come from a library tax of 6 cents per $100 assessed value. The library is believed to be the first created in the county since a legislative act permitting such an organization was passed in 1945.
1954
1954
A state study resulted in a recommendation for a library district to serve Stickney and Forest View. Voters approved the measure in April 1954. Miss Mary Tone was the librarian this year.
1955
1955
The new Stickney-Forest View Public Library opened after more than two years of organizational efforts by civic leaders. First home of the library is the refurbished and repainted Faith Community Church in Stickney located at 6714 41st Street. The library board purchased the white frame church structure as temporary structure for $6,000. This same year the lot on the corner of 43rd Street and Oak Park Avenue, where the library is currently located, was acquired and designated as the future home of the Stickney-Forest View Public Library District.
1958
1958
Construction of the two story building begins. The projected date of completion is 1963 with an estimated cost of $175,000. The building was designed by Eugene Cook.
1960
The Stickney-Forest View Library District held a special election to select the board of trustees and vote on a $154,000 general obligation bond issue. Residents are asked to approve the bond proposal to help speed completion of a new $225,000 public library currently being built. The additional revenue would mean completion of the building by year's end. The decision to submit the proposal was prompted by an increase in use. Some 7,000 residents now use the facility.
1961
1961
Construction of the permanent library at the corner of 43rd Street and Oak Park Avenue was completed two years ahead of schedule. An open house with tours of the new facility were held March 28.
1966
1966
Stickney - Forest View Public Library is one of 19 west suburban libraries to join a proposed suburban system of libraries under provisions of a newly passed law. This new system provides inter-library loans, specialization of subject areas in certain libraries and unified means of location information.
1972
Stickney library has a featured artist showing paintings, pen and ink drawings. The artist is Dorothy Eastline.
1985
The library now has over 500 video cassette VHS movies available for patrons. Top titles include Norma Rae, Superman and Purple Rain.
1993
1993
Renovations were completed to make the library accessible to handicapped patrons , and the Youth Services area was added to the building.
2004
Additional building renovations were completed. New desks were added, new flooring, windows were updated, shades were installed. The bathrooms were remodeled with a new family washroom added. New lights and ceiling fans were added. Computers were made available to the public in the Main room and the Computer Lab was established.
2007
North parking lot constructed.
2009
2009
The library district annexes Central Stickney.
2010
2010
Library celebrates 75 years of service to the people of Stickney, Forest View and Central Stickney.
(04/10 A.S.)