125 years of servICE
We first opened our doors on September 22, 1898.
The original Nichols Library housed only 700 books. A crowd of 300 people passed through its doors for the opening day celebration. 125 years later, our three buildings welcome over one million visitors every year to enjoy access to millions of resources.
A new strategic plan
After months of gathering data from library users, staff, and community stakeholders, the Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees approved a new strategic plan in April.
The goals and action items for this plan fall into three categories: collection, collaboration, and communication.
For more information on what the Library is doing to improve in these three areas during the first year of the strategic plan, view a copy of our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Year One Action Steps
collection HIGHLIGHTS
152,878
items added to our collection in 2023
254,084
e-audiobooks listened to
306,790
e-books downloaded
1
new catalog to search them all
In October, we officially launched our new catalog. With smarter search tools and intuitive filters, the new catalog makes it easier for customers to find what they are looking for. It also allows for better browsing of new arrivals, recently ordered materials, staff recommendations, and more.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
8,850
participants in our Summer and Winter Reading Programs
76,000+
books read by this year's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten finishers
Our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages parents, grandparents, and caregivers to read to their children on a regular basis from an early age.
273
people completed the Amazing Book Challenge
The Amazing Book Challenge encourages adult and teen readers to broaden their reading horizons by reading a book from 12 different categories chosen for the year.
885
crafts made at Pokémon Palooza, held at 95th Street Library on April 15
250
Bingo cards played at Game On!, held at Nichols Library on November 11
93
technology classes offered
884
hours logged by our teen volunteers
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
336
outreaches to local community organizations
We visited DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204 schools, YMCA and Naperville Park District summer camps, Naper Settlement, area preschools, cultural festivals, and more.
18
combined voting days at all three locations
95th Street Library was also the most popular early voting location in Will County.