The Whiting Public Library – Part Four (One Hundred Years of Growth) Anthony Borgo February 2024

During the 1990s the library’s top spot seemed to have a revolving door with several short term and interim directors.  Claudia Wachel stepped down in June, 1991.  Linda Biagi who served as an interim director from June 1991 to September 1991 replaced her.  The Board of Trustees then hired Dr. Carol Truett on September 6, 1991.  Truett stayed as Director until July 15, 1992.  Once again Linda Biagi served as interim director from July 16, 1992 to September 1, 1992.  At this time, the Library Board hired Janet Boyle.  Boyle remained at the Whiting Public Library until June, 1994.  For the third time, Linda Biagi stepped in to serve as the interim director, this time she was assisted by Mary Kershner.  The two served in this capacity from June 1994 to May 1995.  On May 16, 1995, Christina Young, was hired to serve as the Library Director, a position she continues to serve today.

The Whiting Public Library was again in need of a renovation toward the end of the Twentieth Century.  The project, which began in the Summer of 1999, added an additional 2,300 square feet.  The total cost of the construction was approximately $495,000.  The new expansion included a two-story addition which enclosed the 1,000 square-foot outdoor reading court.  In addition, a multipurpose room and study room was established in the Children’s Department.  Likewise, the expansion opened up the adult browsing area and provided office space. 

In the fall of 1999, the Whiting Public Library was forever immortalized in the form if Mitch Markovitz’s South Shore poster.  The poster features the library’s arched entrance on Oliver Street with its turret towering overhead dwarfing the row houses found on Ohio Avenue.  You can see banners of this poster decorating the lamp posts on 119th Street.

The Whiting Public Library engaged in a Centennial Celebration throughout 2006.  But, the festivities were kicked off with a rededication of the laying of the library cornerstone in December 2005.  On December 2, 2005, exactly 100 years to the day that the cornerstone was first dedicated, a rededication ceremony was held. 

Staying true to the participants and events of 1905, Mayor Stahura read a proclamation from the steps of City Hall.  A horse-drawn carriage, then drove local dignitaries and individuals representing the original organizations and city officials, to the Library.  Upon arrival, a copper box containing articles reflecting those in the 1905 cornerstone were sealed and placed beneath the rededication cornerstone.  The Indiana freemasons then followed their ceremonial rituals of declaring the cornerstone to be plumb, level, and square.

There were several other festivities that were held throughout the year.  The Library held a formal dinner banquet at the Dynasty Banquet facility located in Hammond.  At the event there was a raffle and live entertainment.  The Library also established a Centennial garden and brick walkway, where individuals could purchase bricks to commemorate their name or a loved one.  In addition, the Library sponsored several guest speakers from a Mark Twain impersonator to a Children’s author.  And, in the summer a garden party was held in conjunction with the dedication of the Centennial Garden.  After the dedication proceedings, free hotdogs and lemonade were distributed to all picnickers.  In addition, there were complimentary helium balloons and musical entertainment.

In 2010 long-time Whiting Public Library employee Rachael DeLuna replace Christina Young as Library Director.  Rachael started her career at the library in October 1982 serving the community she called home for 37 years.  She first worked part-time at the library while pursuing a degree in education.  Upon graduating from Calumet College in 1992, the Whiting Library Board offered her a full-time position with a salary comparable to a first year teacher.

Over the years DeLuna was a Circulation Clerk, Head of Adult Services, and Head of Circulation before becoming Library Director.  When she first started working at the Whiting Public Library it was just a house of books.  However, under her leadership it became a destination that is open 24-hours a day providing patrons with access to ebooks, digital magazines, music downloads, audiobooks and even streaming video with a click of the mouse or tap of a smartphone.

After serving the Whiting population as director for 11 years, Rachael DeLuna decided to close the book on her library career.  And just as one book closes a new chapter must begin.  Montserrat Inglada was selected by the Whiting Public Library Board to become the city’s next Library Director.  Inglada had been the Youth Service Librarian at the Whiting Public Library for the previous 10 years.  She came to the library with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and computer programming, as well as a master’s degree in elementary education and library science.

The Whiting Public Library since its inception was an institution built by the people for the people.  The city’s forefathers and mothers knew that for the city to advance a public library was a necessity.  Over the years the library provided information, recreation and entertainment.  The community has relied on the library for its growth and development.  In the future, the library will continue to be a resource for this generation and the next.