LaDonna Gass had a dream for years of opening a public library in Emden. In 2006 she approached Mayor Ivan Rademaker, pictured with Gass, about using the old freight depot to house books for the community. The mayor and city officials agreed, and as they say, you can "book" the rest of the story. The Whistle Stop Library opened in May of 2007 and relies strictly on donations of both funds and books. For her efforts, Gass was nominated by Rademaker to receive the prestigious award, and he was delighted when he found out the Illinois Humanities Council agreed that LaDonna deserved this special recognition for "single-handedly" bringing a public library to Emden. To read the mayor's proclamation, click here.

Pictures by Mike Fak

The sign proves that Emden has a public library.

One of the rooms is a young children's book room.

There are also books for older children in the back room.

And the collection keeps growing.

The depot once suffered fire damage, and old plywood with stage prop paintings was used to cover the damage. It fits the library perfectly.

A loose-leaf notebook is how records on books loaned out is kept.

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The outside of the former depot, now the library. Donations are needed to rebuild the library's foundation. Cash donations can be sent to the Farmers Bank of Emden. Those wishing to drop off books can do so at  Kroger's in Lincoln, where LaDonna works.

The library was packed with well-wishers. In the center is

Kristan H. McKinsey, VP of collections and exhibitions at Lake View Museum of Arts and

Sciences in Peoria. She represented the  Illinois Humanities Council.

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