Pekin Public Library is drawing visitors at a faster pace this year, while new safety measures and the relocation of a local outreach initiative appear to have reduced problems involving unhoused people spending extended periods inside the facility. Library Director Jeff Brooks presented the updates during the Pekin City Council’s annual report.
Key takeaways
Brooks said:
- Library visits had surpassed 118,600 by mid-July, reaching about 84% of 2025’s total.
- De-escalation training, updated conduct rules, security upgrades and a new fence have improved conditions.
- The council approved several business grants, infrastructure purchases and road projects.
- A citywide traffic-signal assessment and new waste-route software also received approval.
Library use continues to grow
Library visits have increased for four consecutive years, rising from approximately 95,000 in 2023 to 126,350 in 2024 and 140,800 in 2025. The pace recorded through mid-July suggests 2026 could set another annual record.
The library’s 2025 activity also included more than 170,600 circulated materials, nearly 15,000 public-computer sessions and program attendance exceeding 21,400.
Safety steps address facility concerns
Brooks said the library experienced increased use by unhoused individuals between the winter of 2023 and spring 2025, including repeated trips outside and use of the Children’s Garden. In response, the library provided professional de-escalation training for employees, revised its Rules of Conduct and upgraded security systems.
The library also used $48,000 in grant funding to install an artificial-intelligence-assisted camera system covering interior and exterior areas. A security fence was added around the Children’s Garden. Brooks said these steps, along with the Pekin Outreach Initiative’s move to Derby Street, have contributed to fewer people spending several hours at the library over the past 18 months.
Council approves downtown improvement grants
The council approved six recommended tax-increment-financing commercial improvement grants totaling $196,000. The awards included $100,000 for 343 Court Street, $50,000 for Pekin Alignment and Autobody, $32,000 for Yesterday’s Bar and Grill, and smaller grants of $9,000, $4,000 and $1,000 for three other properties.
The grants still require final council approval after formal TIF agreements are prepared.
Road, traffic and equipment projects move forward
The city approved Routeware software for solid-waste route management at $34,320 for its first year and $19,320 annually afterward. Officials said the system should improve driver efficiency. The council also authorized a $28,000 assessment of city traffic signals to support future timing improvements and replacement estimates.
Other approvals included a $1.35 million chip-seal road contract with R.A. Cullinan and Son, the purchase of a 2027 Western Star dump truck and snowplow for slightly more than $288,800, and a $22,300 utility compactor for road repairs. The city also authorized up to $10,000 to bid on five tax-delinquent properties and up to $12,500 to study whether a right-of-way near Davis and Melvina streets should be vacated.
Lightning damage continues to affect Court Street signal
The traffic signal at Court Street and Allentown Road remains out of sync after a lightning strike damaged its control equipment several weeks ago. City officials said replacement components are on the way and that the system’s internal hardware must be replaced.
Council members also described the broader traffic-signal study as overdue, while another member called the new waste-routing system long needed.
