Library History
October 1958
With assistance from local service organizations, the Wheeling Women’s Club solicits donations of money and books and a library opens to serve the semi-rural communities of Wheeling and Buffalo Grove.
March 1959
Referendum passes to establish the Wheeling Public Library District, covering a 10 square-mile area that included most of Wheeling and Buffalo Grove and was housed in a 20-foot x 30-foot frame building at the rear of the historic Union Hotel on Milwaukee Avenue.
May 1959
First Library Board of Trustees elected.
July 1962
Library business hours increase to 25 per week. 
June 1963
The library moves to a double storefront a block north from its original location. New library shelving, tables, and chairs replaces the makeshift furnishings and a separate Children's Room is added.
July 1965
The library is open 47 hours and the collection grows to 12,725.
January 1966
The library board votes unanimously to be the third library to join the North Suburban Library System, then called Illinois Library District 5.
March 1970-June 1971
Having outgrown its space again, voters pass a referendum for the library to purchase a vacant church building at 850 Jenkins Court, Wheeling. The library moves into its new home in May of 1971. The collection grows to 32,446.
January 1974
Library joins with five other libraries to form a computer cooperative for electronic circulation and bibliographic control.
October 1974
A successful annexation referendum adds Lake County’s Buffalo Grove to the district. The name of the district is officially changed to Indian Trails Public Library District.
February 1981
In need of more space the library holds a building referendum, which fails to pass. The board decides to fund a new library building by means of a self-directed method of allowable financing. The library moves to new building of 30,900 square feet at 355 Schoenbeck Road.
November 1991
Service population increased to 58,789.
November 1993
Referendum to add a branch library fails.
March 1994
Referendum to fund a library expansion fails.
June 1995
Library offers Internet access to patrons.
November 1995
Referendum passes 3,262 votes to 1,463 votes to add 14,000 square feet to the south side of the building at a cost of $3.8 million in general obligation bonds.
October 1996
Kenneth Swanson, administrative librarian for 25 years, retires. Secretary of State George Ryan provides $250,000 in Live and Learn Grant money.
May 1997
Tamiye Meehan becomes library director.
January 1998
Phase II of construction begins.
November 1998
The library’s new space opens, featuring additional staff office space, shelving, and a computer lab.
January 2003
Library acquires new bookmobile that can carry 4000 items.
2004
Library installs Wi-Fi
February 2005
Front Room lobby area opens
2009
Tamiye Meehan retires after serving 12 years
Thomas Simiele becomes director
Library celebrates 50th anniversary
August 2009
One millionth item is checked out from the library.
2009-2010
Transit van donated by Friends
KidZone opens
Prospect Heights Convenience Center opens at 650B N. Milwaukee Ave.
April 2011
Referendum passes
November 2011
David J. Seleb becomes director
August 2012
Prospect Heights Branch doubles its size when it moves to a new location at 99 E. Palatine Rd.
November 2013
Brian D. Shepard becomes director
April 2016
Temporary Library at 70 W. Dundee Rd., Buffalo Grove opens while main building undergoes construction.
April 2017
Main library opens with an additional 15,000 square feet and new services including The Launch Pad makerspace, study rooms, middle school area and drive-up window.
