Elmwood Park Public Library
Digital Archive Collection
Proud recipients of a 2009 LSTA Digitization Grant, the Elmwood Park Public Library has digitized 408 selected photographs which represent the history project, “A Village Grows: 50 Years of Life in Elmwood Park.” These special photos offer a glimpse of early area pioneers, early businesses, government officials, street scenes and various other aspects of the Village from the period of 1914-1964. The Village of Elmwood Park incorporated in 1914, and its citizens celebrated their Golden Jubilee in 1964.
The digitized images are among the inventory of archival materials housed in the History Center of the Elmwood Park Library. The collection of pictures belonging to this Project all relate to Illinois history and culture. One of the major aims of this Digitization Project is to create an awareness and enthusiasm for local history, and to enlighten our citizens regarding our local heritage.
Project Mgr. Russell Parker organized the historical photos and applied descriptions to each item. Some rare color slides of the 1954-1964 era were included in the Project. Most of the other materials are black and white prints. There are a few advertisements and articles included from local newspapers. Backstage Library Works, of Provo, Utah, digitized the collection at the Library, a process completed over a period of three days. The Library staff completed the required compilation of metadata for each digitized image. This is a lengthy process, but it is necessary for proper identification and cataloging.
Our Library had two wonderful articles in our local Elm Leaves newspaper, informing readers about the progress of our Project. In January, we offered a public showing of the digitized photos, which drew an enthusiastic adult audience of 55 people. This was so successful, that we are planning on future programs to highlight the remainder of our Digitization Grant photographs. Local students also viewed several of the photos in their classroom, as part of a program bringing local history to our schools.
It is also a requirement to submit to the Illinois State Library periodic Financial and Programmatic reports. As a result, the LSTA Grant Project continues for one-year duration. The Grant requires a bit of work to keep up with everything, but it is also very rewarding in knowing that we have contributed to the knowledge, encouragement and preservation of our statewide heritage. Thanks very much to the wonderful and helpful staff at the Illinois State Library in Springfield.
