Your Library

A bounty of books, modern media and historical charm!

Mission Statement

The mission of the Galena Public Library District is to provide a variety of resources to meet our diverse community's need for information and self-directed personal growth, to provide venues for cultural enrichment, and to stimulate a life-long love of reading in citizens of all ages. 

A History of the Galena Public Library

The Galena Public Library and Reading Room was established by B. F. Felt, a local merchant, in 1894 and formally opened on January 3, 1895.  It first occupied two rooms on the second floor of the post office, then known as the Customs House.  The initial collection contained 1,522 volumes, mostly donated by the founder.

On providing the funds for the library, Mr. Felt set one condition: four of the nine members of the Board of Directors had to be women.  This was an unprecedented move, drawing national attention.  Among the four women was Mr. Felt’s daughter, Anna, who became financial secretary and remained on the board until her death in 1953.

In 1906 matching funds from the Carnegie Foundation and the Felt Estate were given for the construction of a new library.  The success of this venture was due largely to Anna Felt’s generosity and influence.  She stipulated that the library site must be viewed from the heart of town.”  

The library became a district library, encompassing East and West Galena
Townships, in 1989.  This voter-approved change enabled the library to serve
more people and to expand its services.   Today the Galena Library has more
than 22,000 items in its collection, plus access to the inventories of
hundreds of other Illinois libraries and beyond.

Programs include a weekly preschool story hour, a Summer Reading Program, an adult book discussion group, the Civil War Roundtable and a variety of other events for all ages.