Ransom Memorial Public Library

Ransom Memorial Public Library Visit the link for our RSA website to browse our online catalog. VISIT THE LINK FOR OUR RSA WEBSITE TO BROWSE OUR ONLINE CATALOG. Ransom. The original $6,000 ?

Ransom Memorial Public Library had it's beginning in 1887 with the death of George W. He was born in 1809 in New York and came to this area down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Upon his death his estate was to be left to Walnut Grove Township if a free public library would be established. He also left $6,000 asking the township to use the interest off of the money to help operate the library. The

building was dedicated on March 28,1890 and the library opened its doors on June1,1892. The first librarian received 50 cents a day. A total of 13 librarians have served the community. The upstairs of the building has been used for Altona High School graduations, Altona Grain Co. meetings, community dances and opera/minstrel shows. The basement was a barber shop and lawyers office at one time. Well it is still in an account and the interest it makes helps to supplement our budget. We now have 5 computers available for public use and shelves full of great books for adults, teens and children. We have 7 people who are voted in by the public that serve on our library board. They do a terrific job ! Visit the library in Altona soon. We make every effort to be a vital part of this community and to serve YOU!

Summer Reading is off to a great start! Kids and adults can still sign up anytime during regular library hours by visiti...
06/03/2026

Summer Reading is off to a great start! Kids and adults can still sign up anytime during regular library hours by visiting the front desk. It's going to be a great summer of reading, learning, and growing together!

Here's what's coming up at the library next week:

🌿 June 8th (10:30am-12:00pm): Explore with FFA (Plants & Seeds) - Rowva FFA officers will be here with an activity to teach us about plants and seeds. This is a drop-in activity, so feel free to join us anytime within the timeframe.

🌿 June 10th (10:30am): Planting a Rainbow with Illinois Extension - Join Shelby for a story and activity to learn about plants and printmaking. This event is designed with children ages 4-7 in mind, but children of all ages are welcome to participate!

Follow along on our page as we share more about all of the fun we'll be having this summer. 🌻

With a Summer Reading theme of “Plant a Seed, Read,” it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get the local FFA chapter...
06/03/2026

With a Summer Reading theme of “Plant a Seed, Read,” it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get the local FFA chapter involved!

This morning, kids had the opportunity to check out some worms and soil right here at the library. 🪱

Rowva FFA officers will be back with other activities throughout the month of June, so check out our calendar and plan to visit them when they are here. They will be back next Monday, June 8th, with an activity about plants and seeds! 🌱 It will be another drop-in event, so you can come and go as you please.

Don’t forget about this drop-in event happening from 10:30-12:00 today, June 3rd!
06/03/2026

Don’t forget about this drop-in event happening from 10:30-12:00 today, June 3rd!

Our calendar for June is jam-packed with activities for all ages! Book clubs, story times, LEGO club, and more--there is...
06/01/2026

Our calendar for June is jam-packed with activities for all ages! Book clubs, story times, LEGO club, and more--there is something for everyone. We hope you will join us this summer! 🌻🦋

Summer Reading is officially here, and we have already had so many people stop by to join in on the fun! When you sign u...
06/01/2026

Summer Reading is officially here, and we have already had so many people stop by to join in on the fun!

When you sign up for our Summer Reading program, you will get to take home your very own copy of the winning bookmark from our bookmark contest. Sara did an amazing job with her design—check it out! 🌸

Summer Reading is almost here! The Summer Reading Program at Ransom Memorial Public Library begins next Monday, June 1st...
05/30/2026

Summer Reading is almost here!

The Summer Reading Program at Ransom Memorial Public Library begins next Monday, June 1st, and we are so excited for this year's theme: Plant a Seed, Read 🌿

Here's what's happening next week:

🌿 June 1st (During regular library hours): Summer Reading sign up begins! Just stop by the library to get started. Readers of all ages--kids and adults--are welcome to join in on the fun!

🌿 June 3rd (10:30am-12:00pm): Rowva FFA officers will be here at the library to teach us all about worms and soil. This is a drop-in activity, so feel free to join us anytime within the timeframe. The FFA officers have several fun events planned here at the library this summer, and we hope you will visit us to learn from them!

Follow along on our page as we share more about all of the fun we'll be having this summer. We hope you will join us for a summer of growth as we read, create, and learn together! 🌻

We are closed today, Monday May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.
05/25/2026

We are closed today, Monday May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.

Ransom Memorial Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, May 27th.

🌱 Summer Reading is only TEN DAYS away! 🌱The Summer Reading Program at Ransom Memorial Public Library will take place fr...
05/22/2026

🌱 Summer Reading is only TEN DAYS away! 🌱

The Summer Reading Program at Ransom Memorial Public Library will take place from June 1-July 6, and we are so excited for this year's theme: Plant a Seed, Read 🌿

Signing up and participating is easy--just stop by the library to get started! Each week during the Summer Reading program, kids can visit the library to check out books, take home a craft (or work on it here at the library), enjoy programs and activities, and enter their name to try to win one of our awesome grand prizes.

Adults can visit the library desk to grab a Summer Reading Checklist, full of all kinds of activities (not just reading!) related to the "Plant a Seed, Read" theme. Check off enough items on the checklist to earn entries for our adult prize drawing!

Make sure to keep an eye out for our event calendar, coming soon. We have lots of fun programs and events planned for all ages!

Follow along on our page as we share more about all of the fun we'll be having this summer. We hope you will join us for a summer of growth as we read, create, and learn together! 🌿

Our book club pick for June is “This Book Made Me Think of You” by Libby Page. We would love for you to join us on Wedne...
05/21/2026

Our book club pick for June is “This Book Made Me Think of You” by Libby Page. We would love for you to join us on Wednesday, June 17th, at 7:00pm for our discussion. All are welcome to join! 📚

Stop by the library to check out a physical copy, place a hold for a digital copy on the Palace app, or contact the library if you need help placing a physical hold.

And if reading books from a set list isn’t your thing or our regular book club meetings don’t work with your schedule, stay tuned for information about a special, bonus book club coming this summer! ☀️

Ransom Memorial Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular hours will res...
05/20/2026

Ransom Memorial Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, May 27th.

Address

110 E. Main Street
Altona, IL
61414

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm

Telephone

+13094846193

Website

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