About Us

Georgetown Public Library: A Legacy of Learning and Community Since 1938

The Georgetown Public Library was founded in 1938 as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) library during the Great Depression. Ruth Judd served as the first librarian, with Emma Tharp leading children’s story hour. At its inception, the library had no budget and just 152 donated books. Today, it proudly offers over 22,500 titles to the community.

Originally located at 118 S Main Street, the library moved to its current building at 102 W West Street, constructed in 2005. In 1940, the library board purchased the property on West Street for $1,750.

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In 2013, the library celebrated its 75th anniversary. The 2005 cornerstone bricks were laid by the Grand Lodge AF & AM of Illinois.

The original 1938 library board included community members such as Stella Frazier, Hazel Dunivan, Mary Clark, Eva Dukes, Mary Hiatt, Rev. Phillip Dermond, Faye Emory, Paul Galyen, Charles Spang, Genevieve Reid, Virginia Humrichous, and Ola Hopkins. One of the library’s most dedicated head librarians, Linda Davidson, retired in 2019 after 26 years of service.

The library serves as a vital hub for local students, families, and organizations. With programming for homeschool groups, school partnerships, preschoolers, and adults, the library offers monthly story times, a summer reading challenge, local author events, and more. Special services include access to wireless printing, scanning, faxing, lamination, public computers, and iPads for private virtual meetings.

Collections also include yearbooks dating back to 1920, cemetery records, and historical materials about Georgetown. Notable holdings include a collection of Emilie Loring books and works by over a dozen local authors. A recently added outdoor reading space offers a peaceful area for learning and leisure.

The library partners with groups like the University of Illinois Extension Office and Project Success to provide holiday programs and job-seeking assistance. Patrons can engage in-person or online via the SHARE Mobile Library app and the Libby app for digital lending.

We are proud to serve Georgetown with a welcoming, helpful atmosphere. Whether you’re here for books, internet access, research, programs, or just a friendly place to learn something new, the Georgetown Public Library is here for you.

Our Board & Staff

Georgetown Library Board

President: Mark Learnard
Vice President: Jack Morrison
Secretary: Paula Berlin
Treasurer: Kay Sprouts
Members: Linda Davidson, Judy Greer, Emily Hart, Emily Roarks

Library Staff

Head Librarian: Shannon Whittaker
Staff: Lori Starwalt