The Townships of the Quincy Area Public Library District (TQ) is committed to providing access to library services in a cost effective manner to residents of Melrose, Riverside and Ellington Townships living in School District #172 and residents of Gilmer Township living in the Liberty School District. This is achieved through a contract for services from the Quincy Public Library.
TQ strives to develop new services and alternative delivery methods to meet the ever-changing informational, cultural, leisure and educational needs of the residents.
It intends to educate all residents about available services and how to use current technology to meet their library needs.
The Townships of the Quincy Area Public Library District has no building of its own. However, under its contract with the Quincy Public Library, residents of the four townships may use all Quincy Public Library facilities and receive the same privileges offered to any patron.
The Townships of the Quincy Area (TQ) Public Library District was formed in the early 1990s after a year-long trial period under a state grant that provided library services through the Quincy Public Library to residents of Melrose, Riverside, and Ellington townships living in School District #172.
The issue went before the public in a referendum and was voted into law in 1992. A Board of Directors was established and an ad hoc planning committee comprised of representatives of all three townships was selected to determine the District’s goals and its mission statement.
In November of 2004, voters in Gilmer, Ellington, Melrose, and Riverside Townships voted to annex Gilmer Township into the Townships of the Quincy Area Public Library District.
In January of 2008, the TQ Board of Trustees voted on a name change that reflected their growth and commitment to the unserved areas of School District #172. On July 1, 2008, they officially changed the name from the Tri-Quincy Public Library District to the Townships of the Quincy Area Public Library District.
The Townships of the Quincy Area Public Library District is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees, elected by the residents of the District. TQAPLD has three standing committees: Finance, Policy, and Public Relations. In addition, members serve on Quincy Public Library Board of Trustee committees.