Ransom Memorial Public Library

Ransom Memorial Public Library Visit the link for our RSA website to browse our online catalog. VISIT THE LINK FOR OUR RSA WEBSITE TO BROWSE OUR ONLINE CATALOG. Ransom. The original $6,000 ?

Ransom Memorial Public Library had it's beginning in 1887 with the death of George W. He was born in 1809 in New York and came to this area down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Upon his death his estate was to be left to Walnut Grove Township if a free public library would be established. He also left $6,000 asking the township to use the interest off of the money to help operate the library. The

building was dedicated on March 28,1890 and the library opened its doors on June1,1892. The first librarian received 50 cents a day. A total of 13 librarians have served the community. The upstairs of the building has been used for Altona High School graduations, Altona Grain Co. meetings, community dances and opera/minstrel shows. The basement was a barber shop and lawyers office at one time. Well it is still in an account and the interest it makes helps to supplement our budget. We now have 5 computers available for public use and shelves full of great books for adults, teens and children. We have 7 people who are voted in by the public that serve on our library board. They do a terrific job ! Visit the library in Altona soon. We make every effort to be a vital part of this community and to serve YOU!

We are closed Monday, September 7th, for Labor Day. See you on Wednesday when our regular hours resume!
09/07/2026

We are closed Monday, September 7th, for Labor Day. See you on Wednesday when our regular hours resume!

Ransom Memorial Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 7th, for Labor Day. Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, September 9th.

What are your plans for ROWVA's early dismissal day next week? Why not join us for LEGO Club here at the library!From 1:...
09/04/2026

What are your plans for ROWVA's early dismissal day next week? Why not join us for LEGO Club here at the library!

From 1:00-3:00pm, children of all ages can show off their creativity and building skills. Follow this month’s prompt or free build. Come and go as you please within the time frame. Children of all ages are welcome to join. Adult supervision is required for children under 10. We have LEGO Duplo blocks available, so bring the little ones along!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and we're here to share more information about library cards with you! Did you ...
09/04/2026

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and we're here to share more information about library cards with you!

Did you know… that children who are at least five years old can sign up for their very own library card at Ransom Memorial Public Library? A library card is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child--books open up a world of learning and possibilities for your little (or not-so-little) one!

Residents of Walnut Grove Township and ROWVA students without a home library can get these cards for free. For non-residents, an RMPL card costs $40 per year.

Have questions? Want to sign up for your own library card? Stop by the library during regular library hours—we would love to help!

Ransom Memorial Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 7th, for Labor Day. Regular hours will resume on Wedn...
09/04/2026

Ransom Memorial Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 7th, for Labor Day. Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, September 9th.

September is here, and that means it is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Visit the library to get your library card today, an...
09/03/2026

September is here, and that means it is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Visit the library to get your library card today, and then check out the other events we have coming up this month.

📆 SEPTEMBER 7: Library Closed, All Day - In observance of Labor Day, the library will be closed.

🔨 SEPTEMBER 9: LEGO Club, 1:00-3:00pm - What are your plans for ROWVA's early dismissal day this month? Why not join us here for LEGO Club! Children of all ages can show off their creativity and building skills. Follow this month’s prompt or free build. Come and go as you please within the time frame. (Children of all ages, adult supervision required for children under 10)

📘 SEPTEMBER 14: Library Board Meeting, 6:30pm - Monthly RMPL board meeting held at the library.

💬 SEPTEMBER 16: Book Club Meeting, 7:00pm - Join our book club for a discussion about this month’s pick, “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi. (Adults)

🎶 SEPTEMBER 28: Children’s Story Time, 11:00am - Join us for stories, songs, and activities. (Targeted ages 2-5 years old, but all are welcome)

Thank you, Mid Century, for supporting libraries like ours! We are so appreciative!
09/01/2026

Thank you, Mid Century, for supporting libraries like ours! We are so appreciative!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Check back in over the next few weeks to learn more about getting a library car...
09/01/2026

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Check back in over the next few weeks to learn more about getting a library card here at Ransom Memorial Public Library.

Did you know… that residents of Walnut Grove Township can sign up for a RMPL library card for FREE?

If you don’t live in Walnut Grove Township, check to see if you live in another library’s service area, or you can sign up for a non-resident card at Ransom Memorial Public Library for $40 per year.

We also waive the yearly fee for ROWVA students without a home library (for example, students living in Rio or Wataga), so these students can have a card for FREE!

Have questions? Want to sign up for your own library card? Stop by the library during regular library hours—we would love to help!

Back by popular demand! 🎉This Saturday, August 29th, at 10:30am, join us for our bonus book club where you choose what t...
08/27/2026

Back by popular demand! 🎉

This Saturday, August 29th, at 10:30am, join us for our bonus book club where you choose what to read! Share about a book you recently (or not-so-recently) read and loved. If you are new to book clubs or don't love reading one specific book, this is a great opportunity to connect with other book-lovers and share your favorites in a laid-back setting. When we met over the summer, so many great recommendations were shared!

Bring along your own tea or coffee, and get ready to add some books to your TBR! 📚

We’ve had fun at the library lately with Lego Club and Story Time! 🐟 Visit us this week to check out our newest books an...
08/24/2026

We’ve had fun at the library lately with Lego Club and Story Time! 🐟

Visit us this week to check out our newest books and try out some activities!

We hope you can join us for Story Time this week on Monday, August 24th, at 11:00am. We will read stories, sing songs, a...
08/23/2026

We hope you can join us for Story Time this week on Monday, August 24th, at 11:00am. We will read stories, sing songs, and do an activity. 🐟 All are welcome!

Address

110 E. Main Street
Altona, IL
61414

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm

Telephone

+13094846193

Website

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