A Brief Timeline

1876 - Braidwood Library

The first city library was organized at a public meeting with financial support from private patrons, coal companies, and other local establishments. In 1885, a new City Hall was built, and provisions were made to move the library room to the second floor to save on rent. Due to the decline of the population after the deep shaft mining ended in our area, the library was disbanded around 1915.

1970 - We're back after 60 years!

On March 24, 1970, the Braidwood Public Library and Board were re-established during a city council meeting, marking a momentous occasion for the community. After 60 years without a library, the new one opened on November 2, 1970, in a storefront building at 220 E. Main Street. This achievement was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and generous donations from Braidwood residents and surrounding areas. Today, the library serves multiple townships and villages, including the city of Braidwood itself. 

Since its opening in 1970, the Braidwood Public Library has adapted and grown impressively. The increase in registered borrowers and cardholders and the circulation of materials highlight the library's value as a community resource. The Braidwood Public Library has undoubtedly come a long way since its opening in 1970. In the early years, the library was only open 15 hours per week, but it has since expanded its hours of operation to serve the growing number of patrons better.

1980 – The Fossil Ridge Public Library District 

The library's expansion in 1980 included all of Reed Township and became the Fossil Ridge Public Library District! This was a clear indication of its dedication to meeting the needs of its community. In 1983 Fossil Ridge broke ground for a new library, and construction began shortly after. The library opened its doors in December of the same year and has undergone several expansions over time. Today, the library serves multiple townships and communities, making it a hub of the area. The district offers an At-Home Delivery service, hosts various workshops and programs, and is home to an extensive collection of fossils. James Keiser, a designer from Geneva, Illinois, was responsible for the new Fossil Ridge Public Library District additions. John Marshall, also from Geneva, oversaw the construction, with Ray Serena Construction from Gardner, Illinois, as the general contractor. The project began in July 1989 and was completed by December of the same year.

In 2017, Fossil Ridge underwent an extensive renovation project that significantly changed its layout and collection. 

Bookmobile History 

The Fossil Ridge Public Library District established a bookmobile service on February 20, 1995, to serve the communities in the district. In addition, the bookmobile also made bi-monthly visits to several schools in the library district. In 2022, the library board discontinued this service and replaced it with an At-Home Delivery service that provides deliveries to the patron's door at no cost. 

Surrounding Areas 

There are three schools located in Braidwood which are all in the Reed-Custer Unit School District. One is in Custer Park, Braceville, Bonfield, South Wilmington, and two in Gardner. Churches are found in all the communities within the district. Additionally, several community clubs exist, such as the Friends of the Library, Lions, Lioness Club, PTO, CCW, Ladies Aid Society, Masons, Senior Citizens Group, Knights of Columbus, Boy and Girl Scouts, and soccer and baseball organizations within the library district. The district only has a nuclear power plant and two small factories in Gardner as its large industries, while residential and farm acreage makes up the rest of the district.

The Braidwood Park District and the Godley Park District are within the Reed-Custer Unit School District. The district boasts several natural attractions, including the Braidwood Dunes, Braidwood Savannah, Braidwood Lake, and Mazonia. Residents enjoy various recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, fossil hunting, golf, tennis, camping, and more. Bicycling is also a popular pastime in the district. During the summer, little league, minor league baseball, and soccer are among the most popular activities. The library offers a great summer reading program and activities that cater to all ages.

Braidwood History

Braidwood is a fascinating place with a rich history. It was an old coal mining community that did both underground and surface mining in Reed Township. James Braidwood, a civil engineer and coal mine operator, lent his name to the town, first discovered as a coal source in 1864. Interestingly, strip mining changed the area's geography, and after the coal was mined, trees were planted, and pits were stocked with fish. These pits were later converted to lakes, and recreation areas developed around them. 

“Tully monster”

The district is also famous for its fossils, some known worldwide. The library owns an extensive display of fossils from the area, including the Illinois State Fossil, "Tully Monster." 

Wildlife Exhibit

The library once housed the Bolin Family Wildlife exhibit, which contained over 194 specimens of birds that Eastern Illinois University has identified.