Utica Public Library District

Utica Public Library District Welcome to the Utica Public Library District! This structure was then the Utica Township Hall and with the cooperation of Mr. Mrs.

"February 23, 1956 was the opening day of the Utica Public Library in the little white frame building on West Canal Street, which was formerly a one-room school. Dee Bennett, Township Supervisor at the time, and others of his board and under the sponsorship of the Utica Community Women's Club, a library for Utica became a reality. At the time 800 books has been donated by friends and neighboring l

ibraries. Many local citizens donated hours of hard work, painting and renovating the building. Minetta Pearson became Librarian and the first month's circulation was 107 books. At the time the library had no steady income and was dependent upon the generosity of the Village Board, the Township Board and local organizations for support." "In July, 1962, the library became tax supported and the number of books had increased to 3,676 with a monthly circulation in excess of 300 books. Pearson had moved from Utica and Mrs. Marlene Ernat became librarian." (Welcome to the Utica Public Library Board of Trustees, A Short History p. 1)

The present library was built in 1972 with addition built in 1987. In 1988 the library became a district library, annexing Deer Park Township. Another addition was built in 1996, expanding the existing building by 33 percent. Both additions were partially funded through grants from the Illinois State Library. Today, the Utica Public Library encompasses Utica, Utica Township, Waltham Township and Deer Park Township. We check out over 100,000 books a year and provide internet services, have computers available for public use, e-book program available as well as countless books. Please stop in and see us, even if it's just to chat!

06/23/2026

We have 49 adults & 93 young readers in our Summer Reading program so far!! You can still sign up.

I can't figure out why my paper airplane won't take off...I guess it's just stationary.
06/23/2026

I can't figure out why my paper airplane won't take off...I guess it's just stationary.

Just students? I don't 100% agree. Adults constantly learn too. 😋 Summer Reading is going great!! Over 90 kids and 38 ad...
06/23/2026

Just students? I don't 100% agree. Adults constantly learn too. 😋 Summer Reading is going great!! Over 90 kids and 38 adults are reading, earning tickets and receiving great prizes along the way. Not signed up yet? Come on in! You do not have to be a Utica patron-just bring your RAILS member library card.

Did you know some of Illinois' most vital pollinators aren't bees at all?Let's spotlighting hoverflies! Also known as sy...
06/22/2026

Did you know some of Illinois' most vital pollinators aren't bees at all?
Let's spotlighting hoverflies! Also known as syrphid flies, these members of the Syrphidae family play an essential role in pollination while often going unnoticed.
Flies are frequently overlooked but are the second most important pollinators, second only to bees. Syrphid/hoverflies mimic bees in appearance and behavior, oftentimes visiting flowers to feed on pollen and nectar, but they can be distinguished by:
-Wing Count: Hoverflies have two wings, and bees have four
-Antenna Length and Shape: Hoverflies have short antennae, and bees have longer, bent antennae
-Flight Pattern: Hoverflies hover in place, while bees tend to move from one direction to the next.

Did you know some of Illinois' most vital pollinators aren't bees at all?

For , we're spotlighting hoverflies! Also known as syrphid flies, these members of the Syrphidae family play an essential role in pollination while often going unnoticed.

Flies are frequently overlooked but are the second most important pollinators, second only to bees. Syrphid/hoverflies mimic bees in appearance and behavior, oftentimes visiting flowers to feed on pollen and nectar, but they can be distinguished by:

-Wing Count: Hoverflies have two wings, and bees have four
-Antenna Length and Shape: Hoverflies have short antennae, and bees have longer, bent antennae
-Flight Pattern: Hoverflies hover in place, while bees tend to move from one direction to the next

🔗 Find out more about hoverflies as pollinators at https://illinoispollinators.org/what-are-pollinators/flies/

🔗 Read 3 things you never knew about hover flies https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/flowers-fruits-and-frass/2021-08-06-3-things-you-never-knew-about-hover-flies

🔗 Explore more pollinators and plants at Illinois Pollinators at https://pollinators.illinois.edu

Photo Credit: horticulture educator Ken Johnson

Summer Reading has started for everyone 3yrs & up. Come in and sign up. Plenty of weeks left to earn tickets for prizes.
06/22/2026

Summer Reading has started for everyone 3yrs & up. Come in and sign up. Plenty of weeks left to earn tickets for prizes.

SUMMER SOLSTICE — WE ARE AT THE LONGEST DAYS OF THE YEARAs the sun sets this evening, we’re wrapping up one of the longe...
06/21/2026

SUMMER SOLSTICE — WE ARE AT THE LONGEST DAYS OF THE YEAR
As the sun sets this evening, we’re wrapping up one of the longest days of the year. Depending on where you live, this weekend brings anywhere from around 14 hours of daylight across parts of the South to more than 16 hours across portions of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
The Summer Solstice officially arrived early Sunday morning at 3:24 AM CDT, marking the peak of the sun's path and the start of astronomical summer. Because this astronomical moment happens overnight, Sunday will technically be the longest day of the year, though the amount of daylight today and tomorrow will be virtually identical.
From this weekend forward, daylight slowly begins decreasing as we start the long trek back toward shorter days and longer nights.

Here are the trivia questions for those who have signed up for our Summer Reading. Kids-you have the first question. Whe...
06/21/2026

Here are the trivia questions for those who have signed up for our Summer Reading. Kids-you have the first question. When you come in and tell us the answer, you will earn a grand prize ticket. Please do not post answers on Facebook.

06/20/2026
Newest additions!
06/19/2026

Newest additions!

We are open today. Come in 1 to 6pm if you haven't signed up for Summer Reading yet. Trivia questions and earning grand ...
06/19/2026

We are open today. Come in 1 to 6pm if you haven't signed up for Summer Reading yet. Trivia questions and earning grand prize tickets start soon!!

Address

224 Mill Street
Utica, IL
61373

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 1pm - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 1pm - 6pm

Telephone

+18156674509

Website

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