Our Story
1953 Building Dedication
South Beloit Public Library is a municipal library serving the community of South Beloit and the surrounding areas. Prior to 1948, most of South Beloit paid a circulating library tax that allowed use of the library in the neighboring community of Rockton. On August 10, 1948 after months of work by Civic Improvement League members, a temporary library, located in the Schroeder store at 1016 Blackhawk Blvd., opened. In 1951, a $57,000 bond issue was passed to build a $50,000 municipal library and equip the building with shelves, furniture and accessories. Ground was broken in early summer of 1952, and the official dedication was held on March 21, 1953. By the time the library opened, 5,000 books had been donated. The library’s first flag was donated by the Woman’s Club of South Beloit.
1975 Addition Dedication
By 1967, a much-needed addition was being planned due to overcrowding and extensive library use. The new addition costing $56,000 was dedicated on March 16, 1975.
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In 1988, a grant was obtained to address ADA compliance issues. The grant covered 80% of the cost of the ramp with the library paying 20%. The total cost was $55,000. In addition to the ramp along the south side of the building, restrooms, door handles, signage, and a water fountain were added.
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In 2002, a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant was received to add computers to our services for the public.
2020 New Walkway and Name Wall
The access ramp that was added in 1988 was crumbling and not user-friendly due to its tight turn radii and steep incline. In 2019, work began on a new ramp. The new ramp was designed as a long walkway that begins at the rear corner of the library, runs along the side of the library, circles around the front of the library, and leads to the button for the automatic door opener. This new design also provided for a curved name wall for higher visibility of the library. The project was completed in the spring of 2020 for the cost of $213,775.
Miss Elizabeth Ogan
Librarians
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The first librarian was Miss Elizabeth Ogan. The first President of the South Beloit Public Library Board was Dallas Busey, with associate members: W.W. Weirick, Secretary; Norman Boss; Mrs. Robert Smith; Mrs. Jack Warden; Herman Rice; Maynard Cook; E.E. Earl, and Charles French. Mr. John Evans was assistant librarian.
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Our second librarian was Miss Clara Devor in August 1953. Mrs. Dorothy Brady began her library career as an assistant in September 1953. On March 19, 1963, Miss Clara Devor died after serving the community for 10 years. Both Miss Devor and her mother remembered the library in their wills. They left a sizable amount of money to the library in an endowment fund from which we can use only the interest, and it’s only to be used to buy books. Mrs. Dora Mih became head librarian on September 3, 1963. In August 1965, she went to the Janesville Public Library.
Miss Clara Devor
Miss Elizabeth Ogan
Librarians
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The first librarian was Miss Elizabeth Ogan. The first President of the South Beloit Public Library Board was Dallas Busey with associate members: W.W. Weirick, Secretary: Norman Boss; Mrs. Robert Smith; Mrs. Jack Warden; Herman Rice; Maynard Cook; E.E. Earl and Charles French. Mr. John Evans was assistant librarian.
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Our second librarian was Miss Clara Devor in August, 1953. Mrs. Dorothy Brady began her library career as assistant in September, 1953. On March 19, 1963 Miss Clara Devor died after serving the community for 10 years. Both Miss Devor and her mother remembered the library in their wills. They left a sizable amount of money to the library in an endowment fund from which we can use only the interest and it’s only to be used to buy books. Mrs. Dora Mih became head librarian September 3, 1963. In August 1965 she went to the Janesville Public Library.
September 15, 1965 Mrs Cathryn Hayes became librarian. She is known for her love of the library and her attractive displays and programs for the children which she enjoyed immensely and the history of South Beloit. Mrs. Hayes retired in 1976.​
Miss Clara Devor
Mrs Cathryn Hayes
Ortus Dunbar
On September 15, 1965, Mrs Cathryn Hayes became librarian. She is known for her love of the library and her attractive displays and programs for the children, which she enjoyed immensely, and the history of South Beloit. Mrs. Hayes retired in 1976.​
Eunice Marks became librarian in 1976, retiring after 26 years of employment, 10 of those years as head librarian. On January 2nd, 1986, Mrs. Alice Targo became the librarian. She was previously head librarian at the Winnebago Public Library. Mrs. Targo died in 1990.
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Victoria Cogswell became librarian in 1991, leaving in 1993 to take a position at the Beloit Public Library.
Ortus Dunbar replaced Ms. Cogswell on May 31, 1993, as head librarian and retired on November 14, 2013. She started her career in the library in 1976.
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Doreen Dalman became the head librarian on April 1, 2014. She previously worked at Beloit College and the Beloit Public Library. She retired June 1, 2018.
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Upon Doreen’s retirement, Brenda Weinberg, Program Director at the library, was named Interim Director. In October of 2018, she was selected as the candidate for the Director position at the library. Brenda worked at the library for 5 years before becoming Director.
Eunice Marks