Mission & History

Mission (Our Purpose)

We inspire curiosity, connection, collaboration, and creativity for all.

Vision (Our Future)

The Frankfort Public Library District is the heart of our communities, by providing lifelong learning, discovery, and experience.

Strategic Plan

Every 3 to 5 years, the Library develops a new long-range strategic plan. This process allows us to assess current conditions and areas for growth. The plan is also used to set goals and benchmarks for continuous improvement and evaluation. The current 2023-2026 strategic plan was developed by a committee of Library Trustees and staff, utilizing feedback from the community.

2023-2026 Strategic Plan

FPLD Historical Timeline

  • August 29, 1961: Library is established at 9 W. Nebraska Street as a volunteer library by a group of mothers from Frankfort Parent Teachers Association. Library doors opened in March 1962. See Remember the Ladies
  • May 28, 1966: Library becomes a tax-supported village library.
  • 1967: Library Board hires Ms. Arlene Santoro as the first Administrative Librarian.
  • May 1968: Library moves to new location at 27 S. Ash Street.
  • September 1, 1970: Library becomes a district library.
  • March 19, 1971: Library annexes unincorporated communities of Lincoln Estates and Prestwick.
  • September 19, 1973: Library annexes Frankfort Square.
  • July 1, 1974: Library joins the Suburban Library System.
  • December 13, 1975: Referendum raises $825,000 for a new library building and bookmobile.
  • January 1977: Bookmobile service to local school districts begins.
  • March 1977: Library acquires deed to property at the southeast corner of Route 30 and Pfeiffer Road.
  • February 18, 1978: Groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of a new library building on five acres of land at the southeast corner of Route 30 and Pfeiffer Road.
  • July 9, 1979: Library opens to the public at its present location, 21119 S. Pfeiffer Road.
  • February 3, 1980: Library is formally dedicated at its new location.
  • Spring 1984: Administrative Librarian Ms. Arlene Santoro retires.
  • Fall 1984: Library Board hires Ms. Lorrine Novak as the second Administrative Librarian.
  • May 11, 1995: The library acquires an additional two acres of land making library property total seven acres.
  • June 1, 1996: Library celebrates its 30th anniversary.
  • 1997: Administrative Librarian Ms. Lorrine Novak leaves the library.
  • 1997-1998: Library Board hires Marian M. Glunz to serve as Interim Administrative Librarian.
  • Summer 1998: Library Board hires Mr. Detlev Pansch as the third Administrative Librarian.
  • Summer 1999: Library sponsors a cow named “Lucy the Lactator” as a participant in the city of Chicago
    program called “Cows on Parade.”
  • November 12, 1999: Grand opening to celebrate a new addition built at the west end of the library.
  • 2008: Administrative Librarian Mr. Detlev Pansch leaves the library.
  • 2008: Library Board hires Interim Administrative Librarian Ms. Mary Sue Brown.
  • 2008: Library begins to convert adult non-fiction collection to a Dewey-Free classification system.
  • October 2008: Library Board hires Mr. Pierre Gregoire as the fourth Administrative Librarian.
  • September 2009: Library completes conversion of the Dewey-Free classification system for all adult non-fiction materials.
  • May/June 2012: Library parking lot is improved and repaved by P.T. Ferro Construction with oversight by Robinson Engineering. 9 public parking spaces were added, drainage system was re-engineered, and a solid gravel parking area was laid in front of the barn to serve as overflow as needed. A dying tree was removed during the repaving process.
  • September 2, 2014: Groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate a 9,400 square foot addition on the Library's west end.
  • May 2, 2015: Ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate a 9,400 square foot addition on the Library's west end. New space allocated for community meeting rooms, additional study rooms, computer area, learning lab and quiet study.
  • December 2020: Administrative Librarian Mr. Pierre Gregoire retires.
  • January 2021: Library Board appoints Assistant Director/Head of Adult Services, Melissa Rice, to serve as Interim Library Director.
  • June 2021: Library Board hires Amanda Kowalcze as the fifth Library Director.

Facts and Statistics

Population Served: 33,761

Size of the Library:

  • 29,400 square feet

Collection Size

Physical = 102,039

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