On Saturday, Sept. 23, more than 850 people gathered at our Central Library (with another 300 joining us online) to watch as we unveiled the contents of a time capsule that was placed in the cornerstone of our Library when it was built in 1998. It's safe to say our community was really looking forward to this event! Wondering what was in that time capsule? The contents will be on display at our Central Library until Oct. 23, or there's a complete list for you below.

We then put a time capsule, created in 2023, into the cornerstone of our Central Library - this one to be opened in 50 years in 2073. We're sending good vibes to Library workers of the future as we can imagine how excited the community will be to see that time capsule opened after waiting for 50 years! Wonderinf what's in this new time capsule? A complete list is below.

We worked hard to document all the activity around this time capsule over the last few weeks, as we know you've been eager for us to open that time capsule so you could see what was inside. 

1998 Time Capsule Contents

  • "Letter to the Future" by Library Board President Deborah Miller
  • 1998-1999 Library Budget
  • 1998 Grammy Nominees for Record of the Year on CD-ROM
  • 1998 Library Staff Directory
  • 60-year photographs given as gift to Library Director Michael Madden
  • Audiovisual Department Information (bookmarks and publication)
  • Autographed "Grassroots" Children's Book
  • Clip from Library July/August 1998 Mosaics Magazine which featured the induction of the Schaumburg Township District Library card into the Smithsonian Institute
  • Color printout of Library website homepage
  • Copies of Library newsletter "Browsing" which discuss the approval, construction and opening of the new Central Library
  • Copy of employee newsletter "Footnotes"
  • Daily Herald newspaper insert from Sept. 26, 1998, produced exclusively for the new Central Library
  • Database brochures, listing databases available at each Library location
  • Engraved business card case
  • Fast facts about the Central Library
  • Floor map of the Central Library
  • Guide to the original illustrations gallery in the Youth Department
  • Letter from the Chicago Bulls confirming a visit from Benny the Bull for the Cental Library Grand Opening festivities on Sept. 26, 1998
  • "Libraries Take Us Far" book by Lee Sullivan HIll which included a page dedicated to the construction of the new Central Library
  • 19 different Library brochures
  • Library bylaws and policies
  • Map of Schaumburg Township
  • Minutes of November 1998 Board Meeting
  • Newspaper clips covering the move and opening of the new Central Library
  • North Suburban Library System Union Database on CD-ROM
  • Original illustrations gallery grand opening brochure from Oct. 24, 1998
  • Personnel policy manual
  • Photograph of 25-year employees
  • Photograph of literacy group
  • Photographs featuring the groundbreaking, constructions, move and grand opening of the Central Library
  • Pin of the new Central Library, produced by architect Phillips Swager Associates
  • Postcard from President Bill Clinton declining invitation to attend the Grand Opening festivities of the new Central Library on Sept. 26, 1998
  • Printout of first page of Unicorn Public Access database
  • Reader Services information (bibliography and bookmarks)
  • Serials Department information (microfiche, holdings list, newsletter and bookmarks)
  • Signed guest book from Sept. 25, 1998, dedication dinner for the new Central Library
  • Schaumburg Township District Library card
  • The New York Times Book Review, Nov. 22, 1998
  • United Way Fundraising information and photos
  • Village of Schaumburg "Cracker Barrel" newsletter, Winter 1998
  • Youth Services Information (brochures and pamphlets)

 

2023 Time Capsule Contents

  • iPad featuring Libby, hoopla, Kanopy and other apps to access Library materials
  • "Songs & Rhymes from our Community" original picture book including rhymes submitted by the Schaumburg Township community, representing the many different cultures of our residents
  • "Community Book 2023" including submissions from the community with their thoughts on the future of our community, technology and libraries
  • Banner including photos of all current Library staff, signed by staff members
  • Letter from Executive Director Annie Miskewitch
  • Letter from Library Board of Trustees President Theresa Seyring
  • Information and brochures from Schaumburg Township
  • Letter from former Library Board Trustee Ruth Jonen
  • Letter from the Schweiker House
  • Schaumburg Township District Library card
  • Fall 2023 Library Guide
  • Photos of Library events from the summer of 2023
  • Winning artwork from Community Tiny Art Show

Time Capsule