Batavia Public Library

Batavia Public Library, 10 South Batavia Avenue, is the place to go — for information, cultural events, and relaxation. Whether looking for homework help, storytimes, or the latest Grisham novel, many of life’s pleasures are found at the Library.

The origins of the Library can be traced to October 1866, when the Batavia Lyceum Association—an organization of young men—acquired a collection of books from the Sigournean Society—an organization of young women— which directly led to the creation of the Batavia Library Association—a membership library — in June 1867.

The Batavia Library Association was the second library established in Kane County; a similar membership library was founded in Elgin in 1846. The Batavia Library Association was incorporated in 1869 and later became the first “free library” in the Tri-City area when it adopted a “free library plan” in 1873 and opened its doors to all residents of Batavia Township, regardless of whether they were members.

By 1882, the Library had increased to 1,040 volumes. At the annual township meeting, the new public library was established on April 4, 1882, and was supported by a tax of one mill (equal to one-thousandth of $1.00). The first Library Trustees were John Van Nortwick, president; O. T. Snow; D. C. Newton; N. S. Young; W. H. Burnham; and F. P. Conde.

Francis H. Buck, the last Librarian of the Batavia Library Association, was appointed the first Librarian of the Batavia Public Library. The Batavia Library Association held its last meeting on April 12 of that year, at which it voted to transfer the books and other personal property to the “Batavia Public Library,” a township organization.

The Library moved several times during its early years and operated in six locations from 1882 through 2002, when its current building opened for business. Today, the 54,000-square-foot library has a collection of more than 184,000 items—books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and more—all available for checking out. Library services include Wi-Fi, computer use and instruction, entertainment programs year-round for children and adults, contemporary lectures, reference databases, book discussions, Notary Public, public fax, and voter registration. The professional staff is eager to assist in any search for materials or information. The Library is also a popular meeting location for community groups.

Visitors are encouraged to check out the café, quiet reading room with fireplace, toddler play area, study rooms, local history room and community meeting rooms. The lovely outdoor Reading Garden on the lower level is a favorite spot for quiet reading and summertime activities and programs.