The mural on the back wall over the Reference Desk at the Robert A. Pastrick Branch (1008 W. Chicago Avenue) was painted by Ernest Kasas of Indiana Harbor (East Chicago). "The Gift of the Book to Mankind" was commissioned as a Federal Art Project, a New Deal era program sponsored by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The painter and radio announcer in the mural is Ernest Kasas and the man with the beard is his father. Other models were students from high school. The size of this mural is 36" by 64" long. It was completed May 1934 and was unveiled on January 24, 1935. The Hungarian Consul in Chicago and Frank V. Dudley, noted Indiana Dunes artist, were present at the unveiling. The central figure is represented as awarding all those who enter the library and who have made a wise use of books and reading.
The East Chicago Public Library was established as the result of the dedicated efforts of members of the East Chicago Women's Club. The first two library buildings, one at 3601 Grand Boulevard and the other at Chicago and Baring Avenue, were constructed in 1912. The money for the buildings were donated by Mr. Andrew Carnegie. Both buildings were dedicated in May 1913. The Grand Boulevard Library was expanded in 1931 and an addition was built into the Baring Avenue Library in 1939.
East Chicago Public Library grows with the Times
In 1960, plans were made for future expansion and a Library Improvement Fund was established. The Roxana Branch Library was built in 1964. Construction of the Main Library at 2401 E. Columbus Drive began in 1966, and the building opened in May 1967.
In 1982, under Dr. Theodore D. Mason's direction, renovation and additions to the main Library and Baring Avenue Branch Library were completed following at $3.5 Million bond issue. The bond issue included funds to install an automated circulation system and an online catalog to make holdings at both libraries accessible from either location.
On November 1, 1986, after renovation was complete, the Baring Avenue Branch was officially reopened and renamed the Robert A. Pastrick Branch Library in honor of the city's mayor.
The 2 year, $1.6 million renovation project gave the Carnegie building a new children's room, a large public meeting room with adjacent kitchen facilities, an elevator, a computerized catalog, full Audio-Visual and Reference Services, and many other features designed to provide up-to-date service to patrons.
ECPL Today
The Main Library and the Robert A. Pastrick Branch Library are the primary libraries for the city of East Chicago.
The system's primary Administrative and Business Offices, the East Chicago History Room, and the Technical Services Department are located at the Main Library.
There are additional library facilities in the city. Each facility is staff and supervised. Library facility locations are as follows:
Outreach Centers
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center: 4802 Melville Avenue
Bessie Owens Community Center: 4001 Alexander Avenue
Markstown Center: 3509 Spruce Street
Roxana Center: 900 Shell Street.