A $10,000 Deathbed Bequest in 1895 Still Defines Naperville's Library History
James L. Nichols left money for a public library on his deathbed, and the original building where that collection began still stands in downtown Naperville.
By Lauren Foster ·
James L. Nichols died in August 1895 with a specific financial condition attached to his final wishes.
According to reports cited in a recent newsletter, Nichols left $10,000 to the City of Naperville on his deathbed. His intention was to establish a public library so children could access books he had not been able to read in his own youth. Nichols was born in Germany and migrated to America in 1857 at age 6. He graduated from North Western College, now known as North Central College, in 1880.
The funding from Nichols led to the opening of the original Nichols Library on September 22, 1898. The building was located at 110 S. Washington Street. Today, that historic landmark structure houses the GIA MIA. It remains standing next to the Veterans Valor Century Walk sculpture, which designer Shirley McWorter Moss created in 2006. The sculpture honors five World War II servicemen who grew up in close proximity in Naperville.
Stephanie Penick, publisher of Positively Naperville, highlighted Nichols’ civic legacy in a recent editor’s note. She noted that the General Midterm Election Season has concluded and the Consolidated Election Season is beginning. Penick referenced a quote from Nichols’ 1895 book, Safe Citizenship or 500 Lessons in American Politics. In the text, Nichols advises citizens to obey laws they believe are unjust until a majority votes to repeal them. He cited General Grant’s view that rigorously enforcing an unwise law is the best way to procure its repeal.
Penick wrote that Nichols began the Naperville Public Library System. The newsletter also reminded readers to observe Veterans Day at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Penick stated that the publication aims to be an authentic source of information published monthly. She noted that the newspaper started in the late 1990s during the dot-com era, providing a complimentary printed edition and a daily online presence.
The original library building at 110 S. Washington Street continues to serve as a central point for community history in Naperville. The $10,000 bequest from 1895 provided the capital for that first facility. The building now sits adjacent to the 2006 sculpture dedicated to local veterans.
