Poplar Creek Library | Elgin

Poplar Creek Public Library District – In Detail

Overview

The Poplar Creek Public Library District is a major public library system serving parts of northwest suburban Chicago, primarily the communities of Streamwood, Hanover Park, Elgin, Schaumburg, and Bartlett, Illinois. Founded in the late 1960s, it has grown to become an essential resource for over 66,000 residents, providing access to a vast collection of materials, modern technology, community programming, and local history preservation.

History and Development

Founded: The library district was created following a referendum in 1966, and the first Poplar Creek Library opened in March 1967 in a small storefront within the Hillside Shopping Center in Streamwood.

Early Expansion: Between 1969 and 1975, the library expanded into multiple storefronts to accommodate increasing patron demand. Operating hours extended to 66 hours per week by 1975.

District Establishment: In 1971, a formal library district was established to serve a wider geographic area, including most of Streamwood, two-thirds of Hanover Park, and parts of neighboring towns like Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.

Main Facility: A purpose-built main library facility opened in 1978 at 1405 S. Park Avenue, Streamwood. This building was constructed for $2 million and designed to house up to 210,000 books.

Growth and Renovation: The main library saw a major expansion and renovation in 2009, doubling its size and adding modern architectural features like a glass beacon tower, sustainable design elements, and advanced technology spaces.

Branch Development: The Sonya Crawshaw Branch in Hanover Park was established in 1991 to better serve that community and underwent renovations in the 2010s to improve accessibility and service.

Recent Updates: In 2023, the library introduced a Mobile Library (bookmobile) to extend outreach services directly into neighborhoods, schools, and senior living centers.

Facilities and Architecture

The main building, designed by Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects, is noted for its modern, light-filled design that blends aesthetics and sustainability.

Key architectural features include:

A glass beacon tower at the entrance, symbolizing the library as a community beacon.

The “Amoeba” gathering platform, a sculptural, curved seating area in the main reading room.

A 100-foot LED light wall inside, which changes colors and patterns throughout the day.

Sustainable features such as a green roof, LED lighting, and sun scoops that optimize natural daylight and reduce energy use.

Collections and Resources

Total Items: Approximately 172,800+ items, including books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, and digital resources.

Digital Services: Extensive e-book and audiobook collections accessible online, databases for research, streaming services, and access to computers and Wi-Fi for public use.

Local History Collection:

The Candace McCreary Local History Room houses a unique digital and physical archive documenting the history of Streamwood, Hanover Park, and surrounding areas.

It includes digitized photographs, newspapers, oral histories, scrapbooks, maps, and government records.

Community members can contribute materials to expand this collection.

Recent efforts include a grant-funded project to preserve and digitize over 150 years of historical documents.

Creative Media Space:

Studio 1405 is a dedicated multimedia production room equipped with recording and editing technology for public use.

This space supports community members in creating podcasts, videos, and other digital content.

Programs and Community Services

Children and Family Programs: Storytimes, early literacy activities, summer reading challenges, and educational workshops that promote reading and learning.

Teen Services: Homework help, clubs, gaming events, and career readiness programs.

Adult Education: Book clubs, technology classes, cultural events, health and wellness seminars, and career workshops.

Outreach:

The Mobile Library regularly visits schools, community events, and underserved neighborhoods, increasing access to library services.

Technology Access: Public computers, Wi-Fi, printing and scanning services, and digital literacy training.

Community Impact

Serving a diverse suburban population, the Poplar Creek Public Library District acts as a cultural and educational hub, providing resources to empower lifelong learning and community connection.

The library supports equitable access to information, technology, and community spaces, helping close digital divides.

Preservation of local history and culture ensures that the stories and heritage of its communities are maintained and accessible for future generations.

Contact and Visit

Main Library: 1405 S. Park Avenue, Streamwood, Illinois

Phone: (630) 837-6800

The Poplar Creek Public Library District exemplifies a modern, community-centered public library system that balances technology, education, cultural preservation, and inclusivity through thoughtful services and a strong commitment to its residents.