LLibraries ibraries first library was to be located in the building at what is now 529 South Main Street in Princeton, IL. In 1890, we were already expanding. The Matson Public Library located on South Main Street in Princeton was first opened for use by the public. It remained in use for 22 years. In the summer of 1912, the Chicago architectural firm of Patton & Miller was contracted to begin work on the permanent library facility in the main square of Princeton. A year later, the new facility was opened to the public.
PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY
698 East Peru St., Princeton, IL (815) 875-1331 www.princetonpl.org
By adoption of an ordinance on April 18, 1885, a donation of $11,862.67 made to the City of Princeton by the last will of Nehemiah Matson for the purpose of establishing a free public library was accepted by the city council in trust. On February 27, 1886, the first Board of Directors of Matson Public Library was confirmed by the city council and the library opened its doors. The first meeting of the new Board of Directors took place on March 10, 1886 and for the next three years, the Nehemiah Matson fund was held as an investment until a location for the library was decided upon and secured. After a lengthy process, it was decided that the
94 years later, a city-wide referendum was passed to allow construction to begin on a new, 28,000 square foot facility at 698 East Peru Street. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in August 2007 when the new facility was given to the people of Princeton.
629 South Main St., Princeton, IL (815) 879-3133 or (815) 303-7386 bcgenealogy.org
Come visit this free genealogical library. Regular hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and the first Saturday of each month during the same hours. This family history library contains a large collection of historical Bureau County Records consisting of obituaries, burial locations, marriage records, historical plat
EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
30
The library has programs each month on the fourth Thursday at 7:00 pm. The final two months are combined into one program on the first Thursday following Thanksgiving. All programs are free and open to the public and feature genealogical or historical topics. Many visitors have said this is perhaps the best county genealogical library they have ever visited.
BUREAU COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Serving the Area for 41 Years!
FARRELL CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
Pictured from left: Dr. Lori Schultz, Dr. Dennis Farrell, Dr. Jarred Farrell
maps, county and town histories, county newspapers, farm records, and so much more. If desired, an experienced volunteer will assist you in using its vast collection of Bureau County records to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Be sure to check out their website, www. bcgenealogy.org, for helpful tips on how to get started on your ancestry journey.
682 E. Peru St., Princeton 815-875-4408
• Unique Full Service Floral Shop • Fresh And Silk Flowers and Plants • Home Decor • Gifts • Delivery Service
Family owned business • Two floors of merchandise for your gift buying needs • 815-875-3819 811 E Peru St • Princeton • flowersbyjuliaprinceton.com
PRINCETON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND MAIN STREET
Princeton Chamber 2021.indd 30
6/28/21 2:49 PM
