CL100Years: Our Library Mystery Cache

This cache is placed as part of the Crystal Lake 100-Years Geocoin Challenge created to celebrate Crystal Lake's centennial anniversary of incorporation (1914-2014). The Challenge will take you throughout the city where you will discover twelve (12) hidden caches and explore some Crystal Lake history along the way. Be one of the first 250 geocachers* to complete the Challenge and receive a limited edition trackable CL100Years Geocoin.

The Crystal Lake 100-Years Geocoin Challenge Passport contains instructions, a list of the geocaches, and designated areas for recording the code words you discover in each cache. You can print your Passport HERE or pick one up in the specially marked box located just outside the front entrance to Crystal Lake City Hall at 100 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Here are the 12 caches: GC4XNGQ, GC4Y2WH, GC4XM0N, GC4Y96C, GC4XKNN, GC4XK2V, GC4ZFZM, GC4XTYZ, GC4XPNZ, GC4ZAKQ, GC4XPM5, GC4XQQY

*limit one per registered geocaching account/household please
------------------------------code words are located on inside cover of logbooks------------------------------

(L) Dodge Home and (R) current Crystal Lake Public Library

It all began in 1913 with 200 books and some magazines in a vacant home belonging to the Dodge family, located on the corner of Grove and Pomeroy. This circulating library was open to the public 1 day per week and was operated by young church volunteers. In 1914, the library moved from the Dodge home to a room in the local high school building. It was incorporated in 1926, and a board of eleven members was selected to control and manage the affairs of the library.

By the 1930s, the number of books had grown so much that the collection was moved from the high school building to its heating plant. In 1937, the American Legion planned to build a combined library and legion headquarters. These plans fell through, but the Legion generously donated the land to the library.

The Library became a tax-supported agency in 1942 when the citizens of Crystal Lake approved a library tax. The mayor appointed the first board, and the first paid librarian was hired. In 1952, the first new library building, separate from the high school, was finally completed at the current location of 126 Paddock St. The library was expanded in 1958 when meeting rooms in the lower level were converted into a children's library.

In 1965, a library bond issue was approved by Crystal Lake citizens to build a new library. The collection was moved temporarily to the high school while construction was completed. The 1952 building was razed and a new building erected on the same site was completed in 1966. A branch library was opened in the West Park Beach House in 1970, but it was destroyed in a fire in July 1971, and was never reopened.

A major renovation and expansion program was completed in 1986. During this period, the Library received the Thomas Ames Trust Fund, which helped assure the library's fiscal future. Another building expansion in 1995 added 13,000 square feet to the existing structure, it up to its current 40,000 square feet.

In 2007, following the 2004 failed referendum to build a new library, a reorganization project was developed in an effort to best utilize space within the confines of the current building for the next few years.

- Compiled information from Crystal Lake Public Library's History webpage

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