Sterling Public Library, established in 1878, has grown and progressed along with the city. To keep up with this growth, the library has had several homes within the community as its collection of reading materials and number of patrons has increased. The current building was opened in November 1905, thanks to a donation by Andrew Carnegie. It was expanded in 1985, and again in 1995. Three main departments serve patrons of all ages. The library even offers items in Spanish, and has extensive local history and genealogy resources. There is a community room and small study room available for public use. The library houses about 57,000 items in many formats: print, audio, DVD, and electronic books. Newspapers, periodicals, public computers with Internet access, wi-fi, and microfilm of local newspapers is also available. The library offers a host of digital library services on its website There is a summer reading program for children and adults, and weekly story time for preschoolers year-round. Library cards are available at no charge to residents within city limits, and for a fee to people outside city limits. Cards are valid for 2 years. People who live outside the city limits, but own property within the city limits, can get a free, 1-year library card with proof of property ownership.
STERLING LIBRARY cont’d to page 16
How We Work For You! Solar Panels:
Total KWH’s produced since 2012 - 1,262,000 Enough energy to operate a TV for 36,553 days The energy to power 970.97 computers for one year
Hydro Plant: Has produced the following KWH’s over the years: 2021 - 9,891,000 / 2020 - 9,938,000 / 2019 - 7,121,000 Average household uses 600 KWH’s/month The City of Rock Falls uses approximately 5,807,726 KWH’s/month.
Rock Falls Electric Utilities
Est. 1895
Nationally recognized Municipal Electric Agency One of only Three Communities in Illinois
Get To Know Us: Sterling/Rock Falls | 2022-23
15