LaGrange Public Library

In 1896 the idea for a free public library came from the La Grange Women’s Club, whose members obtained donations of 100 books which became the Village’s first lending library. Later, railroad magnate Andrew Carnegie donated $12,500 to erect a free public library in Lagrange in 1903, and a building opened in 1905.

The second La Grange Public Library opened in fall of 1968, heralded as the “Jewel of the Village” by local newspapers at the time. Over its lifespan, the Library nearly doubled its intended collection capacity in an attempt to meet the increasing demand for materials from the community. It became evident after the turn of the 21st century that a new building would be necessary altogether. The Library Board approved the construction of the current building in 2003. The new building was completed in 2007.