The Downers Grove Historical Society and the Downers Grove Public Library partnered to honor the library’s original Carnegie Library site as the 2025 Historic Site at a special ceremony on October 14, 2025. A commemorative plaque and a decorative stone panel from the original Carnegie Library were unveiled at the event attended by about 50 people including community members and representatives from the Historical Society and Library.
The night was kicked off with opening remarks by Jen Ryjewski, Assistant Director of the Downers Grove Public, followed by a talk by Downers Grove Historian and Society Board Member Lois Sterba that started with a discussion of the History of Carnegie libraries in America and finished with an account of the history of the Downers Grove Public Library, including the construction of our own Carnegie Library. After the talk, guests gathered for the unveiling and enjoyed light snacks.
The new permanent display honors the library’s history and its lasting impact on Downers Grove. Step inside the Curtiss Street entrance to see the new display, now a permanent celebration of our town’s shared history. See more information about the history of the library here.
The Society would like to express our special thanks to Mary McDonald and Cindy Khatri, of the Downers Grove Public Library, for their invaluable input and cooperation to make this event a great success.
