Black and white drawing of a modern brick church with large windows, surrounded by trees. People walk nearby, and cars are parked along the street in front of the building.

Library History

Founded in 1919 by the Lake Bluff Women’s Club as a tribute to World War I veterans, the Lake Bluff Public Library began as a small collection of just 800 books housed in Village Hall. As the community grew, so did the Library—moving through several locations to better serve residents.

In 1950, a donation of property on East Scranton Avenue made it possible for the Library to establish a permanent home. With support from the newly formed Friends of the Lake Bluff Library, founded in 1955, the building was remodeled and opened in 1958, reflecting the community’s strong commitment to the Library’s future.

Newspaper clipping with a black-and-white photo of volunteers moving boxes into a library, and a headline reading Library moves on to open Monday. Text discusses the move and upcoming library opening.

By 1975, the Library had outgrown its space once again and moved to its current location at 123 E. Scranton Avenue. That same year, the Lake Bluff Garden Club gifted the now-iconic Canada Geese sculpture by Sylvia Shaw Judson, which has since become a beloved symbol of the Library.

Entrance of Lake Bluff Public Library with a glass door, large sign above, and a sculpture of two geese on the sidewalk near brick walls and some bushes.
A bronze sculpture of two geese standing side by side on a rectangular concrete base, placed on grass outside a brick building with windows and some bushes in the background.

Throughout its history, the Library has been shaped by the generosity and involvement of the Lake Bluff community. From early volunteer-led children’s story hours to ongoing support through donations, programs, and partnerships, the Library continues to evolve as a vibrant center for learning, discovery, and connection.