Green Hills Library Grows...and Grows
Many firsts occurred during the Library’s first two years of service. The Green Hills Public Library issued over 900 library cards to children and 700 to adults. Circulation increased by almost 1,500 during the Library’s second year. The district the Library served also increased when Hickory Hills annexed the Forest Hills subdivision. In 1964, the Library held its first-ever Summer Reading Program for young students on vacation. By 1965, the Library’s collection had increased to around 5000 volumes.
In October 1966, the Library could no longer grow in its original home and moved to a larger storefront at 10708 S Roberts Rd. This change of venue also included new shelving, a circulation desk, tables, and chairs over the next few months. Shortly after the move, the Library hosted its first Story Hour.
The Library installed a Gaylord Charger automatic checkout machine in 1967. This machine significantly sped up checkout time but required all patrons to reregister under the new system. Once these new registrations were complete, the Library had a count of 2,289 registered borrowers. 1967 was also the year that the Library joined the Suburban Library System. This system allowed the Library to provide its patrons with an interlibrary loan program and the ability to check out 16mm films.
By the end of the 1960s, the Library was yet again growing too rapidly for its home. Circulation had increased to more than 27,000 total circulations. The number of hours the Library was open also increased from 12 hours a week in 1963 to 35.5 hours, and the collection grew to over 13,000 books, periodicals, newspapers, and microfilms by 1971