Carbondale Public Library
Our Mission Statement
"Carbondale Public Library provides resources and services to support the educational, informational, cultural, and
recreational needs of its community."
The Carbondale Public Library (CPL) provides free services to all residents living within the city boundaries. CPL honors all valid Illinois public library cards, though some restrictions may apply. Services are available to all others for a fee. CPL is part of the Shawnee Library System.
The Shawnee Library System holds over 425,615 materials including over 394,000 books, and 28,000 compact discs, cassette tapes and books on cassette.
Our friendly and professional staff is eager to serve you. Welcome to the Carbondale Public Library!\
Library History
In 1921, a group of civic-minded women created the Carbondale Public Library, which was housed in the annex of First Baptist Church (the Franklin Chapman house on West Main, next to the church). Miss Julia Errett, the first librarian who remained until her retirement in 1937, was paid $1 a day!!! On May 15, 1922, a Library Board of Trustees was elected: Mrs. EW Reef, chairman; Mrs. TA Weaver, secretary; Mrs. AF Hooker, treasurer; Miss Mary Steagall; Mrs. AD Brubaker; Dr. HW Patterson; Judge AL Spiller; Commissioner Joe Anderson; and Professor WO Brown.
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