Park Ridge Public Library
Park Ridge Public Library is a municipal public library serving Park Ridge, Illinois, with free physical and digital collections, age-segmented programming, makerspaces, and a 31-library consortium — funded by taxes and Friends of the Library donations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1924
- HeadquartersPark Ridge, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Park Ridge Public Library does
Park Ridge Public Library is a municipal public library established in 1924 and operated as a government entity serving the residents of Park Ridge, Illinois (headquarters at 20 South Prospect Avenue). The library provides free access to physical and digital collections, programming for all age segments (children, teens, adults, seniors, and local educators), and community services including makerspaces (The Studio, The Media Lab) and an Exploration Library. It serves five primary segments — adults, children (birth–5th grade), teens (grades 6–12), seniors/retirees, and schools/educators — through dedicated departments such as Children's Services, Teen Loft, and Adult Services.
The library's technology platform spans a modernized Bibliocommons online catalog, a native iOS/Android mobile app (launched June 2026), the Beanstack reading tracker, and the Palace Project e-book/audiobook app (launched December 2025 to replace Hoopla). It operates within the RAILS Library System consortium of 31 Chicago-area libraries, expanding patron access to a shared catalog. Digital engagement is material: virtual checkouts reached 239,355 in 2024, a 25% year-over-year increase from 183,810 in FY2023.
The library is funded primarily through municipal taxation and donations, with services offered free to Park Ridge residents (three-year library cards). Supplemental funding is generated by the Friends of the Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that contributes more than $20,000 annually through membership tiers ($25 annual, $50 patron, $125 lifetime) and book sales (raising $7,458, $8,734, and $6,000 across spring/fall 2025–2026 sales). The library adopted a 2026–2030 Strategic Plan on August 19, 2025, and continues to expand digital and creative programming under Director Joanna Bertucci.
Park Ridge Public Library firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Park Ridge Public Library
- Legal name
- Park Ridge Public Library
- Website
- https://parkridgelibrary.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1924
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Park Ridge Public Library is a municipal public library serving Park Ridge, Illinois, with free physical and digital collections, age-segmented programming, makerspaces, and a 31-library consortium — funded by taxes and Friends of the Library donations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Park Ridge Public Library industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (519210), Libraries and Archives (51921), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)
Keywords
Where Park Ridge Public Library is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Park Ridge
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Park Ridge Public Library business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Free library card for Park Ridge residents |
| Subscription | Annual | Friends of the Library membership tiers |
| Other | Other | Museum passes available for patron checkout |
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Park Ridge Public Library product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Park Ridge Public Library is a municipal public library providing free access to physical and digital collections including books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, and research databases to Park Ridge, Illinois residents. It operates reading programs for all ages, creative learning spaces (The Studio makerspace, The Media Lab, Exploration Library), and personalized reader services such as Book Match. Library cards are free to residents and the institution is part of the 31-library RAILS consortium.
Product overview
Park Ridge Public Library offers a unified service platform combining physical and digital resources. Core offerings include the public library catalog, mobile app for patron services (iOS/Android), and digital library access including e-books and audiobooks through the Palace Project. The library provides reading programs for all ages (Summer Reading, Winter Reading, and seasonal clubs) tracked through Beanstack. Creative spaces include The Studio makerspace and The Media Lab. Book Match service provides personalized recommendations. The library also maintains research databases and digital resources accessible through its website.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Library Catalog Online catalog system for searching and discovering library materials, including books, media, and digital resources; modernized experience via Bibliocommons for patrons of Park Ridge Public Library.
- Mobile App Native mobile application for iOS and Android enabling program registration, catalog browsing, holds placement, digital barcode access, and book recommendations for library patrons.
- Digital Library Online collection of e-books, audiobooks, databases, and digital resources accessible through the library website and mobile app for Park Ridge Public Library patrons.
- The Studio Makerspace State-of-the-art makerspace offering creative classes and access to creative equipment for patrons to engage in crafts and creative projects.
- The Media Lab Dedicated space with technology resources and equipment for media creation and digital learning by library patrons.
- Book Match Personalized book recommendation service available for adults, kids (grades 1-5), and teens (grades 6-12). Patrons fill out a form to receive custom reading lists from library staff.
- Summer Reading Program Annual reading challenge for kids, teens, and adults with prizes, tracking reading days through Beanstack platform. Originally established as the Vacation Reading Club in 1924.
- Winter Reading Program Seasonal reading challenge during winter months with prizes for participating readers of all ages.
- Doorstep Delivery / Homebound Delivery Home delivery service for patrons who cannot visit the library due to mobility, health, or other constraints.
- Museum Passes Passes to local museums available for lending/checkout to library patrons.
- Interlibrary Loan Service enabling patrons to borrow materials from libraries beyond the Park Ridge collection through the RAILS consortium and broader networks.
- Databases Research databases and digital resources including Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Consumer Reports, Value Line, PressReader, and other subscription services accessible to library patrons.
- Exploration Library Hands-on learning space with tactile learning experiences and curriculum-aligned materials for patrons.
- Palace Project E-Reading App E-book and audiobook lending platform accessible via mobile app, offering digital content from the library collection, launched to replace Hoopla.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2,000+ participants in Summer Reading program
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Park Ridge Public Library
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Park Ridge Public Library technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature7 records
Park Ridge Public Library partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.
- Friends of the LibrarycoreNonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the library through annual membership drives and book sales. Raises over $20,000 annually to fund special programs, collections, and services including Summer Reading prizes and concert series.
- Center of ConcerncoreDes Plaines-based nonprofit organization working to inform, advocate, and intervene on behalf of residents struggling with challenges related to aging, homelessness, and social isolation. Named library as Partner of the Year for senior programming.
- Go Green Park RidgesecondaryCommunity group focused on raising environmental awareness and inspiring sustainable living. Named library as Changemaker for management team's environmental initiatives.
- Clean Up - Give BacksecondaryDes Plaines-based organization running large-scale collection drives for pliable plastic recycling. Library serves as collection site for grocery bags, bubble wrap, and bread bags.
- WINGS ProgramsecondaryLocal nonprofit serving children and families. Library partners for Cozy Comforts donation drives supporting WINGS Program participants.
- Toys for TotssecondaryHoliday donation program. Library serves as collection site for toy donations during winter season.
- Good Food PantrysecondaryLocal food pantry. Library partners with Junior Board to host food drives during holiday season.
- Maine East High SchoolminorLocal high school students partner with library for community service projects including donation drives.
- Rainbow Animal Assisted TherapyminorProvides therapy dogs for library study sessions, particularly during finals periods for teen students.
- ReThinking LibrariessecondaryConsulting firm engaged to facilitate strategic planning process with community input from patrons, local business owners, and school leadership.
- RAILS Library SystemcoreLibrary system consortium providing access to shared catalog and materials across 31 libraries in the Chicago area, including recent additions of Mount Prospect and Waukegan Public Libraries.
- BeanstackcoreReading program tracking platform used for Summer Reading, Winter Reading, and other reading clubs across all age groups.
- BibliocommonscoreOnline catalog platform provider enabling modern catalog experience with mobile-friendly design and integrated patron services.
- Palace ProjectsecondaryE-book and audiobook platform app providing access to digital content, being integrated as alternative to Hoopla.
- Baker & TaylorcoreLeading supplier of library content, software, and services. Recently announced closure requiring library to research and partner with new suppliers.
- Fire + WineminorLocal restaurant hosting Dine & Donate events where Friends of the Library receives percentage of proceeds.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Park Ridge Public Library competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Waukegan Public Library: Recently added RAILS consortium member; comparable municipal public library serving a Chicago-area community with similar digital lending and programming services.
- Des Plaines Public Library: Neighboring municipal public library serving a similar Chicago-area suburb with comparable collections, programs, and consortium (RAILS) participation; closest geographic and demographic comparable.
- Skokie Public Library: Adjacent suburb public library system with similar RAILS consortium membership, digital catalog, and community programming focus.
- Evanston Public Library: Suburban Chicago municipal library with similar age-segment programming, makerspace offerings, and consortium participation; operates as a comparable mid-size public library system.
- Oak Park Public Library: Nearby Chicago suburb public library with comparable resident-funded model, multi-generational programming, and digital lending platform; highly comparable in scale and offerings.
- Niles-Maine District Library: District library in adjacent Park Ridge-bordering community with comparable suburban resident base, programming breadth, and digital lending.
- Mount Prospect Public Library: RAILS consortium partner library in the Chicago area with similar size, programming structure, and recent integration into the shared catalog.
Broad incumbents
- Chicago Public Library: The regional anchor library system serving Chicago with a much larger footprint; serves as the broad incumbent in the same metropolitan area and consortium umbrella as Park Ridge.
- New York Public Library: Large, multi-branch urban public library system operating physical and digital lending at scale; relevant as an industry benchmark for public-library digital transformation and program breadth.
Others
- Bibliocommons: Catalog and patron-engagement platform provider used by Park Ridge and many peer libraries; relevant as the enabling technology layer rather than a direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Park Ridge Public Library social profiles
Digital presencePark Ridge Public Library financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Park Ridge Public Library leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Park Ridge Public Library funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Park Ridge Public Library M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Park Ridge Public Library
What does Park Ridge Public Library do?
Park Ridge Public Library is a municipal public library providing free access to physical and digital collections including books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, and research databases to Park Ridge, Illinois residents. It operates reading programs for all ages, creative learning spaces (The Studio makerspace, The Media Lab, Exploration Library), and personalized reader services such as Book Match. Library cards are free to residents and the institution is part of the 31-library RAILS consortium.
Is Park Ridge Public Library a public or private company?
Park Ridge Public Library is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Park Ridge Public Library founded?
Park Ridge Public Library was founded in 1924.
Where is Park Ridge Public Library based?
Park Ridge Public Library is headquartered in Park Ridge, United States, in the North America region.
Who are Park Ridge Public Library's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Waukegan Public Library, Des Plaines Public Library, Skokie Public Library, Evanston Public Library, Oak Park Public Library, Niles-Maine District Library and Mount Prospect Public Library. Broad incumbents are Chicago Public Library and New York Public Library. Bibliocommons is listed as an others.
Does Park Ridge Public Library have an API?
No public API is recorded for Park Ridge Public Library.
What industry is Park Ridge Public Library in?
Park Ridge Public Library's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management, with a secondary code of BPAIACAO, Public Libraries & Information Services. Its NAICS code is 519210.