The mission of the Atlanta Public Library is to improve the quality of life of its patrons by expanding their horizons, meeting their learning needs, and enhancing their interests in meaningful and entertaining ways.
The Atlanta Public Library was organized as an entity of city government in March 1873. Initially, library books were housed in the storefront of a local druggist, Benjamin Bean. By 1875, the collection had grown to such a size that it was moved to the offices of the local newspaper, the Atlanta Argus. In 1881, the collection was moved again to a larger space in City Hall. It took another 17 years before the citizens of Atlanta were able to construct a permanent Library building, a building that was and still is in use today as a working library.
In 1907, funded by generous donations from citizens, construction on the new Library building began. It was built on land donated by Seward Fields, a native Atlantan and avid supporter of its culture and education. Some of his private book collection is housed in a display case in the Library. The Library Board at the time chose an octagonal design presented by Paul Moratz of Bloomington, IL. Joseph Reichel of El Paso, IL, was contracted to build the structure. Building, furniture, fixtures, and grading brought the final cost of the structure to around $8,000. The new building was dedicated on March 28, 1908, and is the only octagonal library in Illinois.
Over the past 100 years, the Library Board has upheld the original vision of Atlanta’s Library in serving its citizens. In 1973, the Library helped begin a local history museum in the lower level to help preserve the story of Atlanta. A few years later, an elevator lift and a handicap accessible restroom were both installed in the lower level of the Library.
Today the Atlanta Library continues this tradition of serving its patrons. In 2013, the entire building was renovated, including the addition of a Children’s Library in the lower level, and the Museum moved across the street, giving both room to grow. The current Atlanta Museum is in three historic Atlanta buildings: the Union Hall, the Downey Building, and The Palm's Grill Cafe which now features Missy’s Sweet Shoppe. As the use and purpose of libraries and museums in the world changes, the Atlanta Public Library District will always endeavor to better serve it patrons in creative and imaginative ways.