Education and Library
St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 serves 14,000 students in grades K through 12 from St. Charles and the surrounding area. The St. Charles Library is your gateway to information, reading enjoyment, cultural enrichment, community involvement, and lifelong learning.
Education
Since 1835, when school was held in one room of Warren Tyler’s log cabin, quality education has been a priority for St. Charles residents. Today, St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 serves 14,000 students in grades K through 12 from St. Charles and the surrounding area.
It has earned a reputation for excellence in education due largely to student achievements in academics, music and athletics, the outstanding quality of district teachers, a high level of community involvement, a solid financial base, and a comprehensive, working strategic plan. St. Charles School District currently has 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, and cooperates with other area school districts to operate one special education school.
Higher Education
Elgin Community College is a fully accredited two-year community college serving more than 200,000 residents in District 509, offering more than 100 vocational and academic programs. ECC’s Business/Industry Training Center provides customized on-site training, needs assessments, Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and brokerage services to secure state grants.
The college’s Business Conference Center offers a comprehensive slate of business training seminars.
The facility is available for business functions and can accommodate groups of 10 to 250 with an award-winning catering service.
Webster University’s Elgin Metropolitan Campus is located in Elgin. All classes are graduate programs and are offered in the evening to accommodate working adults. Accelerated graduate degrees offered include: MBA; MA in Human Resources Development; Management & Leadership; and MA in Teaching. Courses are held in classrooms and/or online in 9-week terms..
Library
Mission Statement: Discover Your Library: Your gateway to information, reading enjoyment, cultural enrichment, community involvement, and lifelong learning.
Discover Your Library! is the news and program guide sent to Library District residents three times per year, with copies available in the Library and online.
Adult Services
Print and online collections contain a rich variety and depth of resources to meet your reading and information needs. Librarians can help you locate materials and information in the Library and beyond. Get reference help by phone, email, text, or chatting online with a Librarian. Internet access computers are available as well as free wifi for your laptop.
Looking for Something to Read? The Readers Services Staff offers reading suggestions, can create personalized reading lists, or find background materials for local book discussion groups. Check out our reader’s blog, Read@SCPL, on our website.
For Businesses: Services include research assistance, paper and electronic directories, trade magazines, investment information, business plans, and start-up and management guides.
Programs for Adults: Enjoy Sunday concerts, lectures, book discussions, a writers group, author readings, a variety of beginning computer classes, and programs cosponsored with area organizations.
Outreach Services: 630-584-0076 ext. 219 or ext. 269: The Outreach Services Department facilitates Library services to those with limited mobility, prolonged illness, low vision, or recent surgery. Call for details about this free service to Library District residents.
For Young Adults
The Loft, located on the mezzanine, contains a collection of fiction, audiobooks, graphic novels, and magazines for high school teens. In reference, nonfiction books, and databases, students can find numerous resources along with information for assignments. The Teen Services web pages offer research guides, reading suggestions, resources on teen issues, and the newsletter, BTW (By the Way).
Youth Services
Just for Kids—Infants through Grade 8
Youth Services is the place for information, reference assistance, homework help, good reads and programs like story times, reading clubs, workshops, storytellers, puppet shows, concerts, gaming, and seasonal events. Our collection of materials includes books, audiobooks, music, puzzles, educational computer games, video games, and downloadable books and music.
At stcharleslibrary.org, mouse over YOUTH on the toolbar of the Library’s home page and scroll down—you will be just a click away from programs and events for everyone in the family; reference, homework help, and Internet links; good reads including our book review database You’ve Got to Read This! and beginning reader books by reading level; our Game On! blog; as well as services for parents, teachers, and scout leaders.
For more information on the St. Charles Public Library, please call 630-584-0076 or visit stcharleslibrary.org.