The Lillie M. Evans Library District is celebrating our 90th
anniversary in 2017. The first meeting
for the purpose of establishing a public library in the village of Princeville
was held in the Village Hall on May 31, 1927.
The library was known as the Princeville Public Library. Since that time, the library has had many
changes most notably the change in name to the Lillie M. Evans Library and the
annexation referendum in November 1990 to expand to a district library.
In celebration of this milestone, the LME Library will be holding a
series of events in 2017. These will
include:
- 90 years, 90 books—start off the New Year with a resolution to read 90 books in 2017! Sheets are available in the LME Library to record your titles or you can use an app like goodreads.
- Program series in May—Join us at LME Library for a series of programs celebrating Princeville history. Programs include:
o
May 3rd 2pm Highlights of Princeville History—The Princeville Heritage Museum
will present a program on the history of Princeville from its establishment
through the present day. Key events, individuals, and organizations will be
highlighted.
o
May 10th Focus on Princeville Business—Watch a slideshow featuring
Princeville businesses through the years in the library or join us at the
Princeville Heritage Museum’s Community Coffee (8-10am) to view and discuss
o
May 17th 2pm Caterpillar’s History in Central IL— Caterpillar has had a great
impact on Central Illinois, Princeville included. Lee Fosburgh, Corporate
Heritage Services at Caterpillar Inc., will discuss Caterpillar’s history and
workforce recruitment through the years.
o
May 24th 2pm Canning Factory History in Princeville—Since 1922, the canning
factory has been an important economic player in the history of Princeville. Seneca
Foods employee will present a program on the history of the canning factory and
the migrant workers program.
o
May 31st 2pm One Room Schoolhouses—In the 19th and early 20th
century, most American students attended one room schoolhouse. This closing
program will focus on the history of education and the one-room schools houses
in the Princeville area.
- Princeville Reads in September—Princeville Reads is a community-wide reading and discussion program focusing on the book, One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson. In One Summer, Bill Bryson, one of our greatest and most beloved nonfiction writers, transports readers on a journey back to one amazing season in American life. This book is especially relevant since the LME Library was founded in 1927. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the LME Library and all readers are encouraged to attend a discussion session.
- Open House in November or December—Join us in celebration of the Lillie M. Evans Library and the completion of the library addition.