Our Mission
The St. Elmo Public Library District’s mission is to foster lifelong learning in order to build and maintain a strong community by providing a wide variety of current materials and technology to broaden the minds and fulfill the cultural, civic, intellectual, professional, educational and recreational needs of all residents.
The St. Elmo Public Library started over 60 years ago as a city library in St. Elmo, IL. In 1996 it became the St. Elmo Public Library District and in 2003 moved to its current location at 311 W. Cumberland Road.
The district now has 3 libraries—St. Elmo Public Library, Beecher City Branch Library and Brownstown Branch Library and serves over 6,000 people.
There are over 50,000 books on the shelves. Each library has up-to-date public access computers equipped with Windows 7 and Microsoft Office software. In addition the libraries subscribe to nearly 30 magazines and local newspapers. Also available for checkout are DVDs and audio books. Each library gets current bestsellers every month and patrons may access more items via the interlibrary loan system. Each library has a children’s area and offers various programs and crafts year round. The District also belongs to Southern Illinois Libraries on the Go which gives access to many eBooks.
When the St. Elmo Public Library moved to its current location at 311 W. Cumberland Road in St. Elmo in 2003, a section of the building was selected to house the St. Elmo Museum. The Museum has approximately 700 square feet and houses items dating from before the Civil War to modern times. Patrons have access to the Museum during regular library hours.
St. Elmo is in the heart of the Loudon oil pool which was the 2nd largest oil pool in the contiguous United States, has two railroads, agriculture, and had an airport where Charles Lindbergh landed to visit a friend who lived in St. Elmo. It was also the home for the Kanatzer bloodhounds.
Our friendly and professional staff is eager to serve you. Welcome to the St. Elmo Public Library District!