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    Odell Public Library

    4.0 (1 review)

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    7 years ago

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    Galena Public Library District - Cozy spots everywhere

    Galena Public Library District

    5.0(5 reviews)
    48.2 mi

    We went to the genealogy department to get some inflammation on family history in Galena. The staff…read morewent above and beyond helping us for an hour and printing out articles and pulling up pictures on line and in databases. We were so thankful that they took the time to help us.

    Who visits libraries when they are in a town for vacation or a short trip? Why, I do! If they are…read moresignificant, anyway. This one is a beautiful Carnegie library from the early 20th century (1908, I believe). Galena's public library is on Bench Street just above Main. It's a very small library but mighty for sure! They have an old fashioned system for their shelves that I wish I understood but it's in great condition. There's a small reading area on the north side of library and it looks very cozy. The fireplace is beautifully decorated as well. Downstairs is the children's library and the historical collection. I wandered into that room and one of the men working there was so helpful! There was one guy working with a couple who was trying to do some genealogical research, and the other man asked me if there was anything I was looking for. Not being from Illinois, there's no particular personal history of interest to me, but I did ask about Masonic lodges; he mentioned there was a lodge just down the street and showed me something in the old records that listed the Masonic organizations that exist(ed) in Galena. He showed me some of the newspapers they still have in their collection. These are the actual newspapers that were printed on the day in question, so he pulled out some that talked about the death of President Lincoln and the aftermath. He also showed me one from when Richmond fell during the war. It was really cool! I don't know if I realized that newspapers were once printed with more of a cloth-like blend as opposed to wood pulp, and these editions were in such good condition I at first thought they were copies of the originals, not the original printing themselves. He invited me to look around at things as well, and I found a notebook that talked to some extent about the history of enslaved people in the area. They're in the midst of a project where they're digitizing the records, so at some point you'll be able to view these items online. They'll retain the original items of course, but it will be a treasure trove that will be more easily accessible to people throughout the world doing research on their families, midwestern history, or this little town home to a few historically important people. The front entrance, as you may have guessed if you looked at the photos, is not accessible. But fear not; there's an accessible entrance in the back, where the parking lot is, and an elevator that can take you up to the main floor.

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    Galena Public Library District
    Galena Public Library District - Children's library.

    Children's library.

    Galena Public Library District

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    Davenport Public Library - Children's section

    Davenport Public Library

    4.3(3 reviews)
    33.8 mi

    Since I can not find any place on how to contact you I have to use this forum to let you know that…read moretoday's closing of the Eastern branch is NOT acceptable. You did not even place a notice on the entrance door that you were closed due to an all included staff meeting and you still could have achieved this meeting by leaving the doors open and placing a sign by the check out desk stating that nobody would be able to assist due to the very important staff meeting or by sending out an E-Mail to all your users. Thank you

    The Eastern Avenue branch of Davenport's library is impressive for a number of reasons…read more The building is super green (environmentally, not color-wise). It earned a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for the innovative ways it uses less energy and water as well as energy efficient lighting and building materials. It's spacious and open. even in the stacks you never feel cramped or oppressed by the tall shelves of books. The coffee shop/bookstore off the lobby is great for a quick snack (but we'll talk about that in its own review). The adult sections are great, but their children's section is awesome. Board books are organized by author, but shelved in low-slung shelving units so little eyes can see them and little hands can select them with ease. Tables are height appropriate for little ones and the large stuffed animals are a hit too. Finally, the children's programing is great as well. Weekly (and sometimes twice-weekly) story times for three different age groups (babies, toddlers, and preschool) as well as many programs for school-aged kids make the library a fun and interesting place for kids to visit and a partner with parents who want to instill a love of books and reading in their children.

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    Davenport Public Library
    Davenport Public Library
    Davenport Public Library

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    Odell Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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