Pankhurst Memorial Library
🏢 Lee County · Amboy, Illinois
Pankhurst Memorial Library
Founded through a 1928 bequest by local citizen J. W. Pankhurst and opened in 1929, Pankhurst Memorial Library has served Amboy and Lee County for nearly a century — offering books, DVDs, internet access, interlibrary loan, and Illinois's growing suite of free digital resources.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 11:30am–6:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–3pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30am–6:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am–3pm |
| Friday | 9am–1pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 3 SOUTH JEFFERSON AVENUE, AMBOY, IL 61310
Phone: +1815-857-3925
Website: amboy.lib.il.us
Plus Code: 86HGPM7C+VW (AMBOY, IL)
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📖 About Pankhurst Memorial Library
Pankhurst Memorial Library was born from a community gift: in 1928, Amboy resident J. W. Pankhurst donated funds to construct a dedicated library building, which was dedicated on May 27, 1929 — and circulated its very first book on July 6, 1929. Today the library holds more than 12,600 volumes and circulates over 7,600 items each year for Amboy's 2,500 residents. The collection includes books, best-sellers, DVDs, audiobooks, and eBooks, with interlibrary loan (ILL) deliveries arriving on Tuesdays and Thursdays from libraries across Illinois. As a member of ILLINET (Illinois Library and Information Network), Pankhurst Memorial Library can locate and borrow nearly any title in the state. The library also offers photocopying, fax service, and free internet access, making it a full-service community hub in the heart of Lee County.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened May 27, 1929 — built entirely from a bequest by Amboy citizen J. W. Pankhurst
- First book circulated July 6, 1929; over 95 years of continuous community service
- Collection of 12,600+ volumes with 7,600+ items circulated annually
- ILLINET member — ILL deliveries every Tuesday & Thursday from statewide network
- Fax machine, photocopier & free internet access on-site
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your Illinois library card unlocks the state's expanding digital collection:
📚 Services
- Free Illinois library card (reciprocal borrowing statewide)
- Book, DVD & audiobook lending (12,600+ items)
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) — deliveries Tuesdays & Thursdays
- eBooks & digital audiobooks via IRIS and Libby
- Photocopier & fax machine
- Free public internet access
- Best-seller collection
🎸 Programs
- Adult & children's programming throughout the year
- Summer reading program
- Community story-time events
📍 Nearby Libraries in Northern Illinois
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pankhurst Memorial Library get its name?
The library is named for J. W. Pankhurst, an Amboy resident who donated funds to construct a dedicated library building in 1928. The building was dedicated on May 27, 1929, and the first book was circulated on July 6, 1929 — making it one of the few Illinois public libraries founded entirely through a private citizen's bequest.
Can Pankhurst Memorial Library find a book that isn't on its shelves?
Yes. As an ILLINET member, the library can request almost any title from libraries across Illinois through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Just ask at the desk — ILL items are delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays and there is no charge to patrons.
What are the current hours at Pankhurst Memorial Library?
The library is open Monday and Wednesday 11:30 am–6:30 pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9 am–3 pm; Friday and Saturday 9 am–1 pm; closed Sunday. Call (815) 857-3925 to confirm holiday schedules.
Does Pankhurst Memorial Library offer digital eBooks and streaming?
Yes. Illinois launched IRIS in 2026, giving all state residents free eBooks and digital audiobooks. The library also offers hoopla (movies, music, audiobooks) and Libby/OverDrive (eBooks). All are free with your library card and accessible from any device.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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