Plainfield Public Library: Celebrating 100 Years

The Plainfield Area Public Library has been a beloved part of the community since 1925, thanks to the generosity of Ebenezer and Celeste Nimmons. They left $25,000 to the Village of Plainfield with one mission: to create a public library for everyone to enjoy. Later that year, residents voted to bring this dream to life, and the McClester-Nimmons Free Plainfield Public Library was officially born on February 1, 1925. By May, a board of directors was in place, ready to turn the page to this exciting new chapter.

A Cozy Start on Lockport Street

The Library’s first home was a 750-square-foot space on Lockport Street (now the site of the Heritage Professional Center). It opened with an open house on April 30, 1926, welcoming book lovers with its charming simplicity. Soon, the Library became a cherished hub for residents young and old.

1925: A Roaring Year

The year 1925 wasn’t just big for the Plainfield Library— it was a memorable time for the world! Here are some key events:

• Green Light for Gatsby: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald hit shelves in April.
• Modern Marvels: In the UK, John Logie Baird successfully transmitted the first television pictures in greyscale. Meanwhile, in the US, the first motel opened in San Luis Obispo, California.
• Monkey Business: The Scopes trial dominated headlines across the country and sparked debate about science education.
• Fashion Forward: Flapper dresses and bobbed haircuts were all the rage, and the Charleston was on its way to becoming a national dance craze.
• Nome Time to Die: A handful of men and dozens of sled dogs braved the Alaskan winter in the Great Race of Mercy, a five-and-a-half day relay to get life-saving serum to people suffering from a diphtheria epidemic in Nome.
• The Art of an Age: The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes was held in Paris, and the Art Deco style that defined the decade was named after the event.

Growing Alongside the Community

The Plainfield Public Library quickly became more than just a place for books— it was a gathering spot for the community. By 1941, it had outgrown its original location, but thanks to additional funds from the Nimmons estate and a gift from George and Marietta McClester, a brand-new 2,700-square-foot library was built on Illinois Street. It opened its doors on July 6, 1941.
The Library’s first Summer Reading Program began in 1948, sparking a love of reading in over 100 children. The Library also received a surprising gift in 1954: a 160-acre farm from Fannie Stratton’s estate. Rental income from this farm helped the Library adapt to the growing community for several decades.
Challenges and Triumphs

In August 1990, the Plainfield F-5 Tornado devastated the area, destroying homes, businesses, and the Library’s branch at Grande Prairie Elementary School. But the community showed its resilience, approving a $1.9 million expansion just months later. The Library’s new, modern facility opened on December 8, 1991, symbolizing hope and progress.

Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

Today, as Plainfield Area Public Library, the Plainfield Public Library District serves a growing community of over 79,000 people. With exciting programs, vital resources, evolving collections, and nearly 640,000 items checked out annually, it remains a vibrant character in Plainfield’s story.

The Library is currently undergoing a renovation and small expansion that began in May 2024 and is slated to be completed in summer 2025. New additions include a pick-up window, private study rooms, a dedicated teen area, and a new, expanded lobby. As the Plainfield area community grows and evolves, the Library does as well.

From its humble beginnings in the Roaring Twenties to its role as a modern-day community hub, the Library is a testament to the power of generosity, resilience, and the community’s enduring love of learning.

Visit papl.info/resources/library-district-history to view a full history of our Library. To stay updated on all of the centennial fun, visit papl.info/library100.