News

Lincoln Library celebrates its 140th birthday

Lincoln Library celebrates its 140th birthday

Artifacts taken out of the recently opened Time Capsule sealed since '76 Photo: Saga Communications/Will Stevenson


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Monday was the celebration of the 140th birthday of the Lincoln Library. even though the actual birthday for the library fell on the February 1, February 2, was the day for the festivities.

Lincoln Library’s Lana Shovlin, spoke on the WTAX Morning Newswatch about what they will be doing for the library’s big birthday.

“It’s really just absolutely mind blowing when you think about how far libraries have come and how they have worked to grow with technology. Today we are celebrating that.”

Another part of the celebration included the opening of a time capsule that had been sealed since 1976.

“We’re opening a time capsule from 1976. It’s just like this rare opportunity to look back in time and see what Springfield thought was important 50 years ago.” Shovlin stated.

Among the items within the time capsule included old newspapers, photographs, documentations, a book, and sheet music with the Illinois State Song on it.

The celebration also played a historical slideshow on loop for those wanting to lean about the library’s history.

The Lincoln Library also hosts a program called Civil Civics: Drafting a New America. This has been a yearlong program where you could take part in rewriting the first three articles of the U.S. Constitution. The first 2026 session was held earlier in January, if you missed that session, not to worry, the next session will be Tuesday, February 10 from 6:00 to 7:30pm.

The program will be held at the Lincoln Library located at 326 S 7th St. For questions or to receive further information, you can visit the Library’s Website or by calling the Lincoln Library directly at (217) 753-4900.

Recent Headlines

14 hours ago in Olympics, Sports, Trending

The Milan Cortina Olympics will start with a four-site and two-cauldron opening ceremony

An unprecedented four-site, dual-cauldron Winter Olympics opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture — plus American pop diva Mariah Carey — was scheduled to officially start the Milan Cortina Games on Friday as the sports spectacle returns to a nation that last hosted the event 20 years ago.

14 hours ago in Features, Trending

3 fans. 60 Super Bowls. This might be their last time going to the big game

It just wouldn't feel like the Super Bowl for them if they weren't all there. And this might be the last time they all do it. That's what three old friends were coming to grips with just before this year's Super Bowl. The trio of octogenarians are the only fans left in the exclusive "never missed a Super Bowl" club.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Not just pups this time: ‘Puppy Bowl’ embraces older dogs

This year, the Puppy Bowl isn't just about puppies. Older dogs are getting some attention, too. There will be a halftime showdown between Team Oldies and Team Goldies, offering a showcase for senior dogs as a reminder that they also need adoption and love.