History of the Main Library
History of the Dole Branch Library

On October 5, 1915 the Oak Park Public Library opened the South Branch Library in a rented store building at 429 Harrison Street. In April of 1935 a bond issue referendum passed by a vote ratio of 2 to 1 allowing for $50,000 to purchase land and build a south branch library building. Twenty-one months later, on November 1, 1936, the south branch library moved to a new facility at its present location at the corner of Gunderson Avenue and Harrison Street.

A local architectural firm of note, E. E. Roberts and Elmer C. Roberts, designed the building and its ornaments. The building is early Georgian design of the Regency period of English architecture. It is constructed of red Old Virginia brick with white stone trim. Completed as a WPA project in 1936, the Maze is known for it's beautiful main reading room, featuring built-in white oak shelving around the perimeter of the room, white oak beams and carved lintels, and fireplace with a pink Tennessee marble hearth and specially designed sconces.

The Maze Branch was rededicated with a plaque honoring Adele H. Maze:
"Children came to her for learning - and she gave them inspiration.
Scholars came to her for knowledge - and she gave them wisdom.
Teachers came to her for research - and she gave them guidance.
Parents came to her for counsel - and she gave them comfort.
Always in all ways for 38 years she gave much more than was asked of her.
She did this with a smile, with patience and with a devotion that will long be remembered.
This building, its books and the people who came here for study or for pleasure are the everlasting monument to a beloved librarian."

The E. E. and Elmer C. Roberts designed building withstood the test of time, but mechanical and electrical features and accessibility needed updating by the new millennium. Thirty-eight years after the building was re-named the Adele H. Maze Branch Library, the decision was made to close the building for renovation.

On July 30, 2005 the Maze Branch Library closed for renovation. The Maze Branch collection was moved off-site then asbestos was removed as part of the environmental remediation. A small ground-breaking ceremony on September 17, 2005 marked the start of the renovation project. The original western extension of the building was then demolished and an addition was constructed in its place. The new addition includes expanded shelving for the collection, an elevator accessible to all levels, and glass block windows on the lower level to improve lighting. Other renovations to the building included upgrades to heating, air-conditioning, and wiring; repairing drainage problems; and constructing a front entrance ramp to further improve accessibility. The Village Board of Trustees designated the Maze Branch Library an Oak Park Landmark on November 7, 2005. The Library will receive a bronze plaque for placement on the historic building. Commemorative, engraved bricks purchased to support the Maze Branch renovation were installed at the south west corner of the lot to create a storytime plaza near the existing terrace. On June 3, 2006 the Adele H. Maze Branch Library re-opened for the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Maze Branch was honored with a 2007 "Calvacade of Pride" award from the Community Design Commission of the Village of Oak Park on November 20, 2006. The annual awards are given to home and business owners of properties that demonstrate excellence in their maintenance and beautification.

The Maze Branch Library Building Today
This tradition set out by Adele H. Maze continues today. The inviting main reading room is divided into adult and children's areas, physically by oak bookcases and the circulation/information desk, and visually by steps up to the children's area on the south. The children's area features a "Little House" constructed in 1991 to hold picture books and provides a cozy place for small readers. The 2005-2006 renovations retained the charm of the original design, yet added accessibility with a ramp and elevator, so all can enjoy this area. A games computer for children and Library Catalog computer are available in addition to books and magazines for pre-readers through 5th grade.

The adult services area on the north features popular easy chairs by the fireplace, refurbished original library seating, current newspapers, current and back issues of magazines, paperbacks, gardening and cook books, and books about pets, decorating, and other popular topics. Our newest items for adults are on display in this area.

The renovated west wing of the main floor has movies and music for all ages, special items for young adults and our fiction collection. All mysteries, romance, and science fiction books are filed together with fiction and short stories by author's last name. The new elevator to the lower level is on the south side, opposite the staircase.

A copier and computers for Internet access are located on the lower level along with restrooms, meeting room, a group study room, and more nonfiction, biographies and seasonal items. The Maze meeting room hosts a range of community interest meetings and presentations as well as popular storytimes for infant through kindergarten ages.

Outside the inviting landscape includes benches and a story/reading plaza with commemorative bricks. The curbside book drop is open 24 hours to receive returned Library items.