Dongola Public Library

The Dongola Public Library District is the place to be in Dongola. New Director Heather Miller and Assistant Michael Rowe are working to get the library in tip top shape. WiFi access from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. so school work can be done even outside of library hours. A great collection of books for all ages available for checkout. Union County collection of genealogy resources plus some on surrounding counties.nA great boost for the community.

As a new resident of Dongola, Illinois, I was a bit disheartened that a once flourishing village had fallen into near ruins. I was told by my neighbor who is a lifetime resident that Dongola once was a busy little town with a mill and a mill village. There was a train depot and department store, movie theatre, hotel, bowling alley, a legendary restaurant called the Dinner Bell and of course a business district with a bank, post office and shops and boutiques. When I drove downtown all I could see was a hull of the past. Burnt buildings that have not been cleared, no cinema or bowling alley. You can forget about a department store. If you want groceries in Dongola there is a 1940s style market that sits on a hill with dusty provender and produce at prices not exactly marked for a public that is nearly 30% under the poverty line.nnBut, let's talk about the Dongola Public Library. On Front Street in a row of shops that must have once been haberdasheries and boutiques or drug stores. I don't know exactly what type of businesses inhabited this row of businesses on Front Street, but the Dongola Public Library is right in the middle of this village piazza.nnThe librarian, Alison, is such a remarkable woman. Whilst the village of Dongola seems to be on its way out of business, Alison has created this library that offers so many valuable resources for the citizens of Dongola. From computer lessons and computer usage to book readings for children and other festivities. There are always books for sale at extremely cheap prices and Alison is helpful with helping one with any thing and answering any questions.nnFor such a sad village that seems to be on its way to being lost to history, there is vibrant life at the Dongola Public Library. Should you be in Dongola do drop in and visit.

I wasn't there. I was on Dongola but not at the library.

I grew up in dongola, the library was my favorite place to be. Mrs. Alison was always very nice and helpful when it can to helping with my book collection. I have a bit of a hard time deciding, so she would give me references ans help me out. Needless to say I spent alot of time at the dongola library throughout my childhood