Belleville Public Library | Belleville

The Belleville Public Library is a civic building located in Belleville, Illinois, USA.

This structure serves as a public repository for books and other media, offering educational and informational resources to the community.

Visual Characteristics

The library is a two-story brick building with a flat roof. The primary facade features large, rectangular windows framed by light-colored stone. The main entrance is recessed and accessed via a short set of concrete steps. The building's dimensions are approximately 150 feet in length and 80 feet in width.

Location & Access Logistics

The Belleville Public Library is situated at 110 North Jackson Street, Belleville, Illinois. It is located approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) north of the Belleville city center. On-site parking is available in a dedicated lot to the west of the building, with capacity for approximately 50 vehicles. Public transport options include the Belleville MetroLink station, located 0.8 miles (1.3 km) to the southeast, and local bus routes that stop within a 0.1-mile (0.16 km) radius of the library.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Belleville Public Library was constructed in 1968. The architect was John Smith of Smith & Associates, and the original purpose was to provide a modern facility for public library services to the growing population of Belleville. The site was previously occupied by a commercial property.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can access the main collection of books, periodicals, and digital media. The library offers public computer terminals with internet access. A dedicated children's section is located on the first floor. Community meeting rooms are available for reservation. Regular programming includes story times for young children and adult book clubs.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on both floors. Limited seating areas are provided throughout the building. Wi-Fi access is available to patrons. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the building. No on-site food vendors are present, but several cafes and restaurants are located within a 0.2-mile (0.3 km) radius.

Best Time to Visit

The library is open Monday through Saturday. For optimal lighting for reading or computer use, daytime hours are recommended. The quietest periods are typically weekday mornings between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that a rare first edition of a historical Illinois text was once discovered in the library's donation bin, though its current whereabouts are unconfirmed.

Nearby Landmarks

• 0.1km South: Belleville City Hall
• 0.3km Southwest: St. Clair County Historical Society Museum
• 0.5km East: Lincoln Theater
• 0.7km Northwest: Public Square Park