General Operating Information

Our Mission

Waukegan Public Library puts quality in people’s lives, first and foremost, through reading and educational support, as well as by providing opportunities to gather and be entertained.

We accomplish this by listening to constituent’s needs, identifying community issues, and responding with relevant solutions while managing resources responsibly.

Locations

The Library currently serves the public from three locations. The Main Library is located in downtown Waukegan at 128 North County Street. The Hinkston Park Branch is located inside of the Waukegan Park District’s Field House at 800 Baldwin Avenue in western Waukegan. The School Bookmobile serves all Waukegan Public School District #60 in grades one through three.

Employees

The Library currently employs 34 full time staff and 23 part time staff. The literacy program, which is funded by grants, includes one full time and two part time staff.

Board of Trustees

The Waukegan Public Library is a component of the City of Waukegan. It is governed by a nine member board who are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Waukegan. Current Board of Trustees

Foundation Board

The Library has a separate Foundation which is a 501(c)(3). The purposes of the Foundation, as stated in the Articles of Incorporation, “…include the development of programs to: focus public attention on library services, facilities and needs in the Waukegan area; stimulate and encourage the gifts of funds, books, desirable collections, endowments and bequests to the library; and receive, hold, manage, use and dispose of funds and properties of all kinds, whether given absolutely or in trust, for the benefit of Waukegan Public Library. The Foundation is governed by a seven member Board of Directors, appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Waukegan Public Library.

Freedom of Information Act Requests

The public may request information and records by submitting a written request to the attention of WPL FOIA officer, Linda Gfesser. Requests by mail should be directed to: 

At this time, there will be no fee assessed for any FOIA request.