About Us

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Mission Statement
The mission of the Charles B. Phillips Public Library District is to provide sources of information and recreational reading for all ages. We will strive to provide a variety of current event materials as well as genealogical and local information. We will maintain a professional and inviting atmosphere so all members of the community may become lifelong learners.

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History
In 1924, the library began as a service of a "Mother's Club," later known as the Newark Women's Club. The first books were donated by the members who shared librarian duties. The library was housed in many different homes over the years. In 1960, the need arose for a dedicated library building. Thanks to the generosity of former resident Charles B. Phillips, the finances were available. The community raised the remaining cost and donated the labor to build the current library building which was dedicated in May, 1961. The library continued under volunteer management. In 1999, the Newark Women's Club became the "Friends of the Charles B. Phillips Library." Three years later, the FOLA members successfully passed a referendum creating the new tax-supported Charles B. Phillips Public Library District. In July of 2003, the library's first Director, Rebekah Jones, was hired. The library joined Heritage Trail Library System (soon to be named Prairie Area Library System) in March, 2004.

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Library Board

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Library Staff

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Location: 6 N. Jackson St., P.O. Box 156, Newark, IL 60541
Phone: 815-695-5851 / Fax: 815-695-5804
Hours