Illinois State Library Building Is One Of Nation's Best

By Tom Emery

It is a public building that is not only beautiful in design, but was constructed under budget. Few other public facilities can make those claims.

The current Illinois State Library building, at the corner of Second and Monroe Streets in Springfield, is a striking five-story structure that reflects the library’s place both as center for state librarianship as well as its standing among the greatest of American state libraries.

The building is the fifth location the State Library has occupied since its creation on Feb. 22, 1839. Its original home was in the Old State Capitol, a roo...