Local History

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The following resources are dedicated to preserving the history of Granite City, Pontoon Beach, Mitchell, and other unincorporated areas that fall within our district.

Granite City Press-Record Archives

The Granite City Press-Record was published from April 22, 1903, when it was called the Granite City Press, until December 26, 2012, as the Press-Record. The Granite City Press-Record covered the news and human-interest stories about Granite City, Pontoon Beach, Mitchell, Madison, and Venice, Illinois.

The Granite City Press-Record archives were digitally transferred from the Library’s microfilm collection in a massive undertaking requiring many hours of work by SMRLD staff and others. It is our pleasure to make these archives available for public use, free-of-charge.

For assistance in searching the Granite City Press-Record Archives, please reach out to an SMRLD Research Librarian at [email protected], 618-452-6238 ext. 730, or by visiting us at 2001 Delmar Avenue, Granite City, IL 62040.

Granite City High School Yearbooks

Digitized yearbooks from Granite City High School (including the North years).

Six Miles of Local History

SMRLD’s own local history website, with articles, video, audio, GCHS yearbooks, and cemetery records.

Madison County Historical Society

MCHS oversees the county museum and archival library in Edwardsville and maintains a large archive of historic items related to the history of Madison County.

Lincoln Place Heritage Association

Dedicated to preserving the history of the Lincoln Place neighborhood, located between the railroad tracks on Niedringhaus Avenue and Illinois Route 3, they also host the annual Lincoln Place Heritage Festival every September.

Old Six Mile Museum

Purchased by the Old Six Mile Historical Society in 1984, the historic Emmert-Zippel House now serves as the Old Six Mile Museum, which preserves the history of the home and other items that were from the Granite City area.  The Emmert-Zippel House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Learn more about the Indigenous Peoples of 62040

2001 Delmar

OpenToday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

2145 Johnson

OpenToday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Upcoming Events

  • 2025 Summer Reading Challenge June 1, 2025 – July 21, 2025 2025 Summer Reading ChallengeJune 1 - July 21Challenges for all agesRegister online at smrld.beanstack.com, with the Beanstack Tracker App, or at either library locationThe Kids Challenge babies-6th gradeParticipants need to read 10 books to receive a finishing bag with prizes, and receive a ticket to attend the 2025 Summer Reading Finale movie at the Granite City…
  • Story Time June 16, 2025 at 10:00 am – 10:30 am 2145 Johnson Rd, Granite City, IL 62040, USA Story TimeEnjoy stories, music and crafts!Mondays at 10 AMSMRLD 2145 Johnson RoadQuestions? Email [email protected] or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238
  • SMRLD Walking Club June 16, 2025 at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Wilson Park, Granite City, IL 62040 SMRLD Walking ClubJoin us for a walk aroundWilson Parkevery 3rd MondayApril - October5 PMMeet at Ice Rink parking lotApril 21; May 19; June 16; July 21; August 18; September 15; and October 20Cancellations due to weather will be announced via Facebook by 2 PM on the day of the event.Questions? Call 618-452-6238 ext 730 or email [email protected]
  • Digital Tuesday @ Pontoon Beach June 17, 2025 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pontoon Beach Administration Building Board Room 1 Regency Parkway, Pontoon Beach, IL, United States Registration Required Call 618-452-6238, Ext 303 to register. Seating is limited.
  • Job Search Training Session Series June 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Six Mile Regional Library District, 2001 Delmar Ave, Granite City, IL 62040, USA Job Search Training Session Series presented by expert, Frank AlanizArtificial Intelligence Tools for your job search - Tuesday, June 17th 12 PM - 1:30 PMCreating your resume - Tuesday, July 15th 12 PM - 1:30 PMJob Search Techniques - Tuesday, August 19th 12 PM - 1:30 PMLibrary Training and Events Room, 2001 Delmar Ave, In person and via Zoom.Come in person and receive a…

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