Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Today was the celebration of the 140th birthday of the Lincoln Library. even though the actual birthday for the library fell on the Feb 1, today Feb 2, is the day for the festivities.

Lincoln Library’s Lana Shovlin, spoke on the WTAX Morning Newswatch about what they will be doing for the library’s big birthday.

“It’s really just absolutely mind blowing when you think about how far libraries have come and how they have worked to grow with technology. Today we are celebrating that. So, from eleven to four pm at Lincoln Library, we are going to be serving cake for the public, so come and get a slice and celebrate.” Shovlin happily exclaimed.

Another part of the celebration included the opening of a time capsule that had been sealed since 1976.

“We’re opening a time capsule from 1976. It’s just like this rare opportunity to look back in time and see what Springfield thought was important 50 years ago.” Shovlin stated.

Among the items within the time capsule included old newspapers, photographs, documentations, a book, and even a sheet music page with the Illinois at the top of it.

The celebration also played a historical slideshow on loop for those wanting to lean about the library’s history.

The Lincoln Library also hosts a program called Civil Civics: Drafting a New America. This has been a yearlong program where you could take part in rewriting the first three articles of the U.S. Constitution. The first 2026 session was held earlier in January, if you missed that session, not to worry, the next session will be Tuesday, February 10 from 6:00 to 7:30pm.

The program will be held at the Lincoln Library located at 326 S 7th St. For questions or to receive further information, you can visit the Library’s Website or by calling the Lincoln Library directly at (217) 753-4900.