Lisle Area History
The Lisle Library District is pleased to offer local history and genealogy resources. Our collection, which documents the history of Lisle, includes books, historical maps, and a selection of Lisle Sun Microfilm dating back to the 1940s.
Genealogy resources such as Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Online are available via the LLD DATABASES tab.
Illinois Digital Heritage Hub
The Illinois Digital Heritage Hub hosts a robust collection of historical resources including photographs, audio & video recordings, manuscripts, and historical newspapers. This content is made available by a network of over 150 organizations located across the state of Illinois.
The Lisle Library District is proud to contribute to IDHH by sharing access to items from our Local History collection. To browse the LLD's contributions, click "Browse By Partner" in the upper toolbar of the IDHH homepage. Then select "Lisle Library District" in order to view a collection of digitized historical documents.
Local History enthusiasts can find a wealth of information about Lisle on IDHH. To browse all items related to Lisle, shared by the LLD or other local organizations, simply search "Lisle" in the search bar located on the IDHH homepage. Selections from these collections include postcard images, city directories, historical newspapers, and photographs.
For additional assistance, please contact our Adult Services staff: adultservices@lislelibrary.org
Lisle Library District (LLD) History
In 1963, members of the Lisle Woman's Club (LWC) had a dream to see a full-service public library in the Village. On April 12, 1964 with the help of community and businesses, they opened a small children's library in a basement at 4742 Main Street. Later, adult books were added to the Volunteer Public Library.
In September, 1964, the Friends of the Lisle Library group (including LWC members) was formed to work for the passage of a referendum to create a permanent library. The Library was founded as a District in 1965. In 1967 the LLD was stationed in a store front near downtown. Professional librarian, Jane Belon Shaw, was hired in September, 1967, as the LLD Director. In 1967, the LLD had 1,630 card holders, who borrowed 20,492 items. The store front had 1,250 square feet of space.
In 1980, a 12,500 square foot building was constructed at 777 Front Street. A 13,500 square foot addition was added in 1987. The LLD held its commitment to cooperate with the public schools, local area colleges, and other libraries. Such cooperation made more resources available to District residents.
In the spring of 2007 contracts were awarded for an interior renovation. Renovations included new restroom stalls and tiles, furniture, carpeting, re-oriented shelving on the first floor, and a new atrium window. The renovation was completed in the spring of 2008.
In 2019, the LLD Board of Trustees conducted serious discussions about renovating the LLD. In 2020 the LLD hired an architect and conducted open house meetings to receive community input. In 2022 construction began on a full renovation to increase accessibility, enhance functionality, and provide a variety of conveniences for the public. On April 22, 2023, the LLD held a Grand Opening to celebrate the newly renovated Library (32,614 sq. ft.). Full capital project details can be found on the Capital Projects page.
The LLD has grown from a small, store front operation with limited resources, to a full-service, 7-day a week institution. Through strong strategic planning and community engagement, the LLD Board of Trustees and Administration have guided the Library to enrich, educate, and empower the residents of the Lisle Library District.
The Lisle Library District maintains its reputation for top-quality public service. It is known in the community as the place to go for knowledgeable and friendly assistance. Whether you want to find local information, explore your cultural heritage, pursue a hobby, access the Internet, conduct academic research, improve your literacy, find a good book or movie, or use the variety of other resources and services, the Lisle Library District is here for you!
LLD Directors:
- Jane Belon Shaw: 1967 - 1995
- Dennis M. Huslig: 1995 - 2001
- William Strecker: 2001 - 2011
- Shannon Halikias: 2012 – 2014
- Kathy Seelig: 2014 – 2016
- Tatiana Weinstein: 2017 - Current
