Waukegan Public Library

Providing the path to support and empower learning and discovery.

The Waukegan Public Library (WPL) has evolved into a multi-faceted cultural institution unlike any other in Lake County. Along with our large and extensive collection, the Library has become more of a cultural center offering free opportunities to learn through relevant classes, interactive exhibits and the performing arts.

To provide continuing education to patrons of all ages and economic strata and respond to community and social challenges, we have created an array of unique and award-winning services, resources and classes. We know that an educated, informed citizenry will translate into more successful students and a stronger, relevant work force. We provide services and materials that residents of Waukegan could otherwise not afford, including a pathway to literacy, education and job resources, computers and the internet, classes, books, movies and music.

Our innovative, new strategic plan and vision for the future prioritizes the Library’s commitment to literacy for preschoolers through adults. Known as Literacy 2020, the Library’s future direction will concentrate on classes, services and resources that help community members become empowered and successful as literate individuals, employees and citizens, regardless of barriers such as language, income or age. Through WPL’s outcome-based programming that focuses on Kindergarten Readiness, Grade Level Reading, Career and College Readiness and Adult Learning, our goal is to increase literacy levels by 25% by the year 2020.