Library History
Four Star Public Library was opened as a demonstration library on April 29, 1990 by the Great River Library System and was funded by a federal L.S.C.A. grant. The first library director was Kimberly Dickhut. On November 6, 1990 a referendum establishing the library district was approved by voters. The first location of the library was a small one room building on East South Street. The library moved in June of 1992 to a rented space in the First Bankers Trust building. In 1994, the library applied for and received a $76,300 State of Illinois Live and Learn Construction grant for the construction of a new library building. Construction began in the spring of 1995. The total cost of the building project was $221,600. The library opened in the new building in December, 1995 with formal dedication on January 20, 1996. The library is governed by a Board of Library Trustees consisting of seven elected members and is supported by local property taxes, state and private grants, and donations. Four Star Public Library District serves the 4,337 residents of a 200 square mile area in northwest Adams, County, IL. The geographical area includes the villages of Mendon, Lima, Loraine, and Ursa and the unincorporated surrounding areas and is contiguous with the Unit School District #4.
Soon after the new building was finished, the Library Board of Trustees and staff realized more space was needed for library programs. The Library Board began accumulating funds in a Special Reserve Fund for the needed expansion. The Library was awarded an USDA Rural Community Facilities grant and loan for the project. In addition, private citizens donated money and a "Pennies to Build" campaign also contributed to the project. In August 2022, A. Fischer Builders, Inc. contractors broke ground to add on an additional 1800 square foot which included an open concept room with more storage, a kitchenette, bathroom and an office that was designed by Klingner & Associates, PC. The new space is called the library's Makerspace and when the library is not using the space, the community is welcome to reserve it.
Soon after the new building was finished, the Library Board of Trustees and staff realized more space was needed for library programs. The Library Board began accumulating funds in a Special Reserve Fund for the needed expansion. The Library was awarded an USDA Rural Community Facilities grant and loan for the project. In addition, private citizens donated money and a "Pennies to Build" campaign also contributed to the project. In August 2022, A. Fischer Builders, Inc. contractors broke ground to add on an additional 1800 square foot which included an open concept room with more storage, a kitchenette, bathroom and an office that was designed by Klingner & Associates, PC. The new space is called the library's Makerspace and when the library is not using the space, the community is welcome to reserve it.
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