Lake Station - New Chicago Library History

Lake Station (East Gary Public Library)

Around 1914, the very first Lake Station Library began in the post office. Postmistress Mrs. Jay Lewis oversaw this tiny collection until 1918, when Miss Helen Patterson became librarian. After 19 years in this location, Miss Patterson, the library, and the post office moved into a new building at Grove and Pike. The library was located in one wing of the new post office.

On December 27, 1951, East Gary Aerie No. 2766 Fraternal Order of Eagles agreed to rent the first floor of the hall to the library at 3634 Central Avenue. The library paid a monthly rent of $55.00, which included heat, lights, water, and janitorial services.

In January 1959, the Public Library of Lake County set aside $10,000 for the construction of a new library in East Gary. The site for the future library was purchased from L. Stendahl and Son for $5,000. Joseph B. Martin & Associates was the architect.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sunday, April 15, 1961. During the months that followed, community members worked hard to raise money for their new library. The organizations sold peanuts, visited homes door to door, and held dances.

On Sunday, February 25, 1962, the library held a dedication ceremony attended by over 500 residents.

New Chicago

On December 7, 1962, the New Chicago Branch of the Lake County Public Library officially opened its doors. Librarian Mrs. Winifred Young accepted the keys from Brooks Anderson, the building's owner. American Legion Post 45 donated an American flag to the library.

Several years later, the Lake County Public Library began planning for a new branch just two blocks down the street on the corner of Michigan and Huber. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 10, 1966, with William C. Calvert, treasurer of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees, turning the first shovelful of dirt. The new branch would be 3,500 square feet and house a collection of 14,000 books.

Seventeen months later, on Sunday, March 3, 1968, the New Chicago Branch Library celebrated its open house and dedication ceremony. Mr. Anthony Cefali, Board of Trustees President, presided.

The Lake County Public Library administration and board assessed the current and future needs of the communities of Lake Station and New Chicago, along with the condition and adequacy of the buildings. After careful evaluation, the Library Board of Trustees made the decision to combine the Lake Station and New Chicago facilities and build a new and larger branch. At 16,000 square feet, the new building offers many wonderful features that will help the Lake County Public Library System continue to provide excellent library services.

Lake Station - New Chicago

Designed by Carras-Szany-Kuhn & Associates, P.C., the new 16,000-square foot facility was constructed to better serve the communities of Lake Station and New Chicago.

Special features of the new building include a 130-person meeting room, a children's programming room, increased space for library materials and computers, which will provide the community with web access and electronic databases with full text information. Other features include a conference room for small group meetings, an outdoor patio for programming, and a quiet study room.