Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District

Specialties

We specialize in educating the communities of Manhattan and Elwood in the south suburbs of Illinois. We have many resources available to our patrons and would love to see them all used.

History

Established in 1909.

The Manhattan Public Library District was founded in 1909 by John Henry Smale, a visiting seminarian from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and a group of interested citizens. The first library, with a collection of one hundred book donations and a bookcase from the John Baker family, was housed in the village hall. The library was open on Saturdays with Ruby Cockle as librarian.

The first full-​time head librarian, Judy Bunting, was hired in 1984. Plans were in progress for the construction of a new library building.

The Manhattan Township Public Library became Manhattan Public Library District in July of 1987. In 1995, Jackson Township precincts 2 and 4 were annexed by referendum. In August of 2000, Judy Bunting retired and Judy Pet was named Library Director. The April 2001 elections brought the annexation by referendum of Jackson Townships 1 and 3, including the town of Elwood.

Meet the Manager

Judy P.

Manager

Judy Pet is our loyal Director and does her best at making this the best library it can be for this town.