What Pekin Public Library does

Pekin Public Library is a tax-funded public library district serving the Pekin, Illinois community within an established library tax district. The institution provides free access to physical and digital materials, public computing resources, community programming, and meeting spaces, governed by a nine-member Board of Library Trustees under Illinois state law and subject to Freedom of Information Act requirements. Its service portfolio spans core library lending (books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines), digital lending through Libby and Boundless, research database access via Gale, meeting room reservations, home delivery for homebound patrons, and age-segmented programming including storytimes, teen volunteer programs, adult reading challenges, and the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten early literacy initiative.

The library operates on a SirsiDynix Symphony integrated library system for catalog and patron management, supported by LibCal for event scheduling, Google Analytics 4 and Tag Manager for web analytics, Meta Pixel for social engagement tracking, and an ePrintIt mobile printing portal. Its technology stack reflects standard public-sector library automation rather than proprietary platform development. The institution holds multiple accessibility and privacy certifications including WCAG 2.2 AA, ADA Title III, Section 508, COPPA, and the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act compliance.

Pekin Public Library's revenue model is primarily tax-funded rather than market-driven. The FY 2027 operating budget totals $2,137,943, sourced from property and personal property replacement taxes within the library tax district, supplemented by state and federal grants, non-resident annual fees, overdue fines ($0.10 per day per item, $2.50 maximum on DVDs and books), donations, and proceeds from the Friends of the Pekin Public Library used book sales. The institution employs 26 staff (14 full-time and 12 part-time) and operates from a single headquarters location at 301 South 4th Street, Pekin, IL, with extended weekday hours, Saturday hours, and a 24/7 book drop. Distribution occurs through physical access, digital platforms, monthly home delivery on the first Tuesday, and school outreach programs serving the Pekin School District and surrounding educational institutions.

Name

Pekin Public Library

Legal name

Pekin Public Library

Website

https://pekinpubliclibrary.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pekin Public Library is a tax-funded public library district serving Pekin, Illinois residents with physical and digital lending, community programming, and outreach services. It operates from a single location with 26 staff and a $2.1 million FY 2027 operating budget funded by property taxes, grants, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (519210), Libraries and Archives (51921), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (519)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community lending
• Digital library access
• Youth programming
• Research databases

Headquarters

HQ city

Pekin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Property and Replacement Taxes: Primary funding source from property and personal property replacement taxes paid by residents within the library tax district
2. Government Grants: State and federal grants from the Illinois State Library and other government sources
3. Non-Resident Fees: Annual fee charged to residents outside the Pekin library tax district to access library services for their entire household
4. Fines and Late Fees: Overdue fines of $0.10 per day per item with a $2.50 maximum limit on DVDs and books
5. Overdue Charges for DVDs: DVDs checked out for one week with $0.10 per day late fees up to $2.50 maximum
6. Donations: Monetary gifts and donations from the community, including memorial gifts and honorariums
7. Friends of the Library: Proceeds from the Used Book Sale Room operated by the volunteer Friends organization, with memberships starting at $1

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Pekin Public Library is a tax-funded public library providing free access to physical and digital book collections, audiobooks, movies, and streaming media, supplemented by public computers, Wi-Fi, printing, and meeting room reservations. The library delivers age-specific programming for children, teens, and adults, along with research assistance, home delivery for homebound patrons, and accessibility services such as large print and Talking Book support. Operations are sustained by property taxes, state and federal grants, donations, and modest user fees including non-resident cards and overdue fines.

Product overview

Pekin Public Library operates as a community public library offering a unified suite of services centered around traditional library lending and digital content access. The core offering combines physical materials (books, media, DVDs) with digital resources (e-books, audiobooks, streaming) through platforms like Libby and Boundless. Supporting services include meeting room reservations, technology assistance (Tech Tuesday), and outreach programs for homebound patrons and educators. Youth and teen services feature age-specific programming including storytimes, summer reading challenges, and volunteer opportunities. The library maintains public art installations and hosts community events through partnerships with local organizations, all accessible with a library card for district residents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library Card Services Card registration and account management for Pekin residents within the library tax district (free), children ages 0-18 in the Pekin school district (free), and non-residents (annual fee covers entire household). Cards grant borrowing privileges, digital access, and meeting room reservations.
• Books and Media Collection Physical and digital collection of books, audiobooks, movies, and other media materials available for borrowing by library cardholders of all ages.
• Digital Library (E-books and Audiobooks) Electronic lending of e-books, audiobooks, and streaming content through the Libby and Boundless platforms, with font size adjustments available for accessibility.
• Meeting Room Reservations Reservable study rooms (1-6 people, first-come first-served) and larger rooms (Community Room, Conference Room, Lounge) available for community gatherings, meetings, and events.
• Teen Services Programming and services for grades 7-12 including art, craft, and tech programs, summer reading logs with prizes, curated book collections, video game nights, and teen volunteer opportunities.
• Youth Services Early learning programs for children including storytimes (Baby Bounce, Listen and Wiggle), sensory play activities, summer reading programs, and the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative with milestone rewards.
• Home Delivery Service Free monthly delivery of library materials to homebound patrons including non-drivers, people with disabilities, seniors, and those temporarily home-bound due to injury or illness. Delivered on the first Tuesday of each month.
• Vision Support Services Low-vision equipment (desktop magnifier, magnifying floor lamp), large print book collections, and access to the Illinois Talking Book and Braille Service for patrons unable to read standard print.
• Tech Tuesday One-on-one technology assistance sessions covering email accounts, internet searching, device setup, PowerPoint, Facebook, and other basic tech questions for patrons needing digital literacy support.
• Teacher Cards and Teacher Packs Free teacher cards enabling educators to check out materials for classroom use with 4-week checkout periods, no late fees, and unlimited items. Teacher Packs are subject-themed book collections curated for classroom curriculum units.
• Events and Programs Recurring and seasonal events including storytimes, book clubs, workshops, author visits, puzzle swaps, video game nights, seasonal book sales, and special community programming.
• Public Art Collection On-site art installations including sculptures, murals, and rotating exhibits by local artists displayed throughout the library building, including the Macro Photography Billboard on Broadway Street funded by the Friends of the Library.
• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program Early literacy program encouraging families to read 1000 books before kindergarten; children receive a free book at 100 reads and a special tote bag upon reaching 1000 reads.
• Summer Adventure Reading Program Annual summer reading program for all ages running May 30 through July 30 with reading incentives, prizes, and special events and activities supported by the Friends of the Library.

Quantifiable outcome

• Provides materials and services for recreational, social, informational, and educational needs of the community
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Friends of the Pekin Public LibrarycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerA volunteer-run non-profit organization funded by membership dues and proceeds from the Used Book Sale Room. Monetary gifts from the organization to the library support books, materials, furnishings, events, and the Summer Adventure program. The group holds regular book sales and has funded public art installations including the Macro Photography Billboard on Broadway Street.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• SirsiDynix: Provider of the Symphony integrated library system used by Pekin Public Library for catalog, patron, and circulation management. Core technology vendor enabling the library's operations.
• OverDrive (Libby): Digital lending platform provider whose Libby app powers Pekin Public Library's e-book, audiobook, and streaming services. Key enabling technology for the library's digital collection.
• Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS): Regional library consortium serving northern and central Illinois including Tazewell County. Provides shared services, continuing education, and cooperative programs that Pekin Public Library participates in.

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Public Library: Largest public library system in Illinois. Operates under the same state regulatory environment and offers overlapping services (digital lending, community programming, accessibility) at vastly greater scale.
• Illinois State Library: State library agency that administers state aid and grants to Illinois public libraries including Pekin. Functions as the principal oversight body referenced in the library's FOIA documentation.

Direct peers

• Washington District Library: Public library serving Washington, Illinois — another Tazewell County community near Pekin. Operates a similar small-city tax-district model with comparable digital lending and children's programming.
• Peoria Public Library: Public library serving Peoria, Illinois — a neighboring Central Illinois city with a similar tax-district funding model and comparable community programming focus. Most directly comparable public library in the region.
• Morton Public Library: Public library in Morton, Illinois, a small Tazewell County community adjacent to Pekin. Closest geographic and demographic peer with similar tax-funded operations and small-town programming model.
• East Peoria Public Library: Public library in East Peoria, Illinois, also in Tazewell County. Same state funding environment and community library service model as Pekin Public Library.
• Lincoln Public Library (Illinois): Public library serving Lincoln, Illinois — a similar small Central Illinois city. Comparable operating scale, tax-district funding, and community programming footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pekinlibrary
• Facebookfacebook.com/PekinLibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pekin-public-library

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pekin Public Library