Rock Falls Library

As the nation struggled through a Great Depression, a group of Rock Falls residents joined together to help bring the city its first library.

The Rev. Jame R. Uhlinger, with support from the Rock Falls Womens Club and other residents, worked with the W.P.A. (Works Project Administration) to turn the idea of a library into reality. Its first chapter began in the old Rock Falls National Bank building before moving to the Cruse Building and later, Merrill School. In the midst of a World War, the library continued to grow and in September 1943 moved into the Johnston Building on First Avenue, where it remained for 22 years.

In November 1965, the Coloma Township Library merged with the city of Rock Falls and formed the Rock Falls Public Library, which was then housed in the north wing of the Municipal Building, where it remained for three decades.

In the 1990s, the non-profit group K.I.D.S.S (Knowledge Increases Developing Skills for Success) was formed to raise money to build a new library. Thanks to the contributions of local residents and businesses, including former Rock Falls resident Dr. Louis Rubin, the new library became a reality. The Joseph and Dora Rubin Library Building, dedicated to Dr. Rubin’s parents, opened in February 2001.

In addition to a sizable book collection for all ages, the library subscribes to several newspapers and dozens of magazines. It also loans out audio books, CDs and DVDs.

Patrons can access the Internet from any of several computers, and computers also are available for children.

There are special reading programs for children and adults, and the library offers a book club, a craft club and other activities.

Library cards are free for Coloma Township residents or those who pay taxes on property within Coloma Township. Patrons outside of Coloma Township pay $55 a year per family.

Each summer, the library organizes crafts and other programs for children, and offers short-term, discounted library cards for children who live outside the township.

Library cards can be used at other Illinois public libraries. Rock Falls has joined its collection with Dixon and Sterling public libraries, and with Sterling Public Schools, and Newman Central Catholic, Rock Falls and Dixon high schools, to form the Rock River Library Consortium. n

More info

Rock Falls Public Library 1007 Seventh Ave. 815-626-3958 Online: https://rockfallslibrary.com/ and on Facebook Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday