As the Warren-Newport Public Library joins with our communities to celebrate the New Year in 2023, the library is also celebrating a very significant recognition of fifty years of service – WNPL’s 50th birthday!
- Join the 50th Birthday Club and receive a special, limited-edition library card.
It was the dream and vision of the Gurnee Woman’s Club in August of 1971 to establish library service for Warren and Newport townships to improve our community. Through their dedicated work and effort, in addition to the efforts of numerous other community leaders, the Warren-Newport Public Library District was born fifty years ago on January 10, 1973. We are grateful for and proud of the team effort that led to the creation of our amazing library.
So many societal and technological changes have occurred within fifty years, including the advent of the Internet for public use; digital downloads and streaming services; online resources for learning and researching from home; and methods of collaborating and working together both in-person and remotely. WNPL has been ready to pivot at a moment’s notice to meet community needs along the way.
More than any other aspect of our services, WNPL is focused on people – our patrons, staff, and communities at large. The library is dedicated to inclusiveness and is committed to improving collections, programming, and adapting staff roles to serve patron needs.
Join us in celebrating our 50th birthday throughout the year with fun events and creative opportunities to reflect on our library’s history as well as envision our library’s future. This will be a year-long birthday celebration to remember!
Please enjoy this message from Executive Director, Ryan Livergood, filmed on January 10, 2023: