About

About Your Library

Paris Carnegie Public Library was established as a city library more than 117 years ago. The library is governed by a nine-member board, appointed by the mayor of the City of Paris, and is a member of Illinois Heartland Library System.

Andrew Carnegie donated $18,000 to build the public library in Paris. On June 24, 1904, it was opened to the public with over 3,000 volumes on the shelves. An addition was completed in 1992.

Parking is available on Main Street and in the lot on the north side of the library. In addition to the front entrance with its imposing steps, there is a street level entrance on the north side of the building. An elevator is located inside that entrance.

Today, in addition to more than 30,000 books, Paris Carnegie Public Library offers ebooks, public computers, meeting rooms, and much more. Many library services extend beyond the walls of the historic building.

An LED message sign was added in front of the library in late January 2021. A big thanks to Edgar County Community Foundation, local businesses, Friends of the Paris Library group, and individuals that together contributed $15, 522 toward the $21,799 final cost.

Come check out the library’s front entry — something was added in 2021! “Woodland Dreams,” a hanging art glass sculpture commissioned with gifts in memory of Mary Ann Tucker and created by Larkfield Glass artists Randy and Joy Turner, is now permanently installed between the upper windows. Mrs. Tucker was a member of the board 2001-2012 and its president for several years. 

 

Search Paris Public Library and 520+ libraries in Illinois Heartland Library System through our SHARE catalog. Choose My Library in the Limit By search box if you want to search only Paris Public Library. You will need your library card barcode number and PIN/password (default is last 4 digits of your phone number) to request items.

library with sign

Paris Public Library at dusk, shortly after a new LED sign was installed in January 2021. Hours posted on the sign are the “pandemic” hours.

Hours

Library hours are posted at the bottom of our homepage.

Library Holidays

  • New Year’s Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Honeybee Festival Saturday (usually 4th weekend in September)
  • Columbus Day
  • Thanksgiving (Thursday & Friday)
  • Christmas Eve.
  • Christmas Day

If holidays fall on Sunday, the library will be closed the following Monday. Visit the Calendar page for more details.

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