Library History
In 1922, the Sempre Fidelis Club of the Morton Community United Church of Christ began to campaign for a library to serve Morton. In April 1924, the citizens of the Village of Morton voted in favor of the library becoming a public, tax-supported body. The first Board of Trustees of Morton Public Library was elected in 1925.
In 1979, after decades of occupying various locations downtown, the Board of Trustees purchased the former Morton Pottery Company property on the corner of Jefferson and Pershing Streets. Designed by architect Don Westlake and constructed by Diversified Buildings, Inc. The original 9,500 sq. ft. building opened in March 1982. In 1998, a 9,700 sq. ft. addition was completed.
The 1980s and 1990s saw a significant increase in the use of technology by both the library and the public, and services expanded to include more audio-visual materials as well as public computer and internet access. The Morton History Collection was added in 1998.
In September 1991, Morton Public Library became a district library. Hannah's Reading Garden was installed in 2015. And in 2018 the interior was completely renovated to create a dedicated young adult area, consolidate and add 700 square feet to youth services, and allow for an extra meeting room by relocating the History Collection.
For 100 years, Morton Library has provided the community with access to books, computers and other resources. The introduction of ebooks, mobile apps, and virtual programming in the 21st Century, along with services such as home delivery and outreach, has enabled MPL to enhance patron experiences and better serve the community.
