90th anniversary of the LME Library

The Lillie M. Evans Library District is celebrating our 90^th 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 3^rd 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 10^th 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 17^th 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 24^th 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 31^st 2pm One Room Schoolhouses—In the 19^th and early 20^th 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.