Discover Your Community Hub

Quickly, now! Do you remember the date the Library opened its doors to the public? If you said March 25, 1974, You're right! Fifty years ago! Is it possible that we've had a library that long? The organization meeting was held the previous all, and a steering committee consisting of Emma Welsh, Kay Limback, Debbie Franklin, Dennis Fenton, Debbie Fenton, Elaine Hanck, Roger Sanders, Jeanne Rossi, Sherry Hartke, Loretta Todd, Maxine Musch and Nancy Proehl was elected, and hey sent out a call to the public for book donations. Many people will remember volunteering their time to catalog 1800 lonated books, working under the supervision of Roger Sanders, who was librarian for the Forman School District. A lot of work was done in a short time in order to have the library ready for patrons use by March. We were open 15 hours a week and used volunteer librarians. Illinois Valley Library System was a great help to us during this time and even loaned us 200 children's books for our opening.

The first board of directors was elected in April of 1974. Chairperson was Nancy Proehl and business manager was Roger Sanders. Other members were Mary Farnam, Emma Welsh, Joyce Grover, Maxine Musch and Jeanne Rossi. Our first name was Forman Community Library, and then it was changed to Forman Community Public Library.

Manito Township housed us rent free in the Precinct #2 building until September of 1975, when they signed a twoyear lease for 2 rooms for the library in the State St. side ofthe Sid Waddell building at Broadway & State. Members of the Rotary Club did the work of paneling and carpeting the one room that was unfinished. The Forman High School industrial arts class and their teacher, Wendell Hinesley, made additional shelving.

Kathie Hinton's high school art class, Hinesley's shop class and Bill Will's ag class combined efforts to make and place a free-standing sign at the library. This location proved to be a good home for us for many years.

In November, 1977, a referendum to establisha free public library for the village of Manito was passed, and a board of 7 directors was elected. They were: Chairperson: Jane Armbrust; Vice-Chair., Mary Farnam; Treasurer, Bertha Thomas; Secretary, Gretchen Smith; Edwin Buck; James Parkin and Wayne Arnson. The name was again changed, to Forman Public Library. Wilmadean Calisoff was hired as the first librarian in Sept., 1978, and Evelyn Smith was hired as part time assistant The book processing continued to be done by volunteers.

Around 1983 the board purchased the present property on Harrison St. from the Forman School District. The library was moved into quarters in the Forman Center shortly afterward. A referendum to become a District Library was passed in 1993 and our boundaries became that of the Midwest Central School District. We think our new name, Forman Valley Public Library, better identifies us and the patrons that we serve.

We opened our doors at our current location in August, 2001. During this time, our collection has since increased to over 49,000 items! Not only did our collection increase but the number of services have as well. We offer a wide range from  faxing, printing, copying to wi-fi, computer access, notary services, tax forms, and many more.

With the ever growing need to provide for our community we are constantly providing a variety of programs for all ages. From story times, book club and summer reading to presenters, crafis, and games.

In October 2023, the Library began an addition to add much needed space. This additional space provides shelving in our junior/easy sections. It also provides a designated work space for our staff, a director's office, and storage space.

As you can see over the past 50 years, the library has continued to grow and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.