Vespasian Warner Public Library Podcast

The tragic death of Margherita Trainor in the Magill House in Clinton, IL in 1913 due to complications from an abortion saw a well-known local doctor and the young man who'd allegedly gotten her into trouble on trial for her demise.

Local history is an important part of the Vespasian Warner Library and there's a whole section dedicated to it that patrons can explore.

In 1895, the village of Weldon, IL was rocked by a shooting involving two of the town's most prominent citizens-- Postmaster John A. Pace and State Representative Dr. W.H. Taylor. And the reason behind the shooting was just as shocking.

Thanks to Vespasian Warner Library Program Coordinator Marie Maltby, Cassandra Meyen of the DeWitt County 4-H, and the 4-H volunteers, the library's sunken gardens got a much needed beautification.

In July of 1910, Night Captain Tony Musser witnessed the murder of Clinton, IL police chief John Struble. Three years later, after his own stint as police chief, Musser would testify at Struble's murder trial. And only weeks after that Tony Musser would be shot dead, in part due to a rumor about his involvement with Chief Struble's death.

Thanks to the combined efforts of The Vespasian Warner Library, the U of I Extension Office, and the DeWitt County Master Gardeners, the dream of the library having its very own pollinator garden is now a reality.

In July of 1910, Clinton, IL police chief John Struble was murdered attempting to apprehend a sneak thief. It would take years before a man was brought to trial for the crime, but the verdict did little to solve the mystery.

Find out more about the library apps patrons should be using to enhance their library experience.

Though now mostly forgotten, Clinton mayor Dr. B.M. Pugh once led the headlines with his economic savvy, his dedication to John Warner Hospital, and his political and personal scandals.

The library offers many free services to better serve and support the community.

The railroad was a popular and convenient method of traveling and shipping in DeWitt County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and it was a source of employment for many local residents as well. However, there were times that working and riding the rails could be dangerous -and even deadly.

Learn a little more about the Weinberg Collection and the man who donated the books, Dr. Harold Weinberg.

Two unlikely 14 inch rainfalls caused massive flooding in Clinton almost exactly seven years apart. Listen to learn a little more about what happened during those floods.

Read or seen anything good lately? Well, the staff of the Vespasian Warner Library have. Here are a few recommendations that the staff have read or watched within the last year as they discovered -or rediscovered- some great reads and watches.

Learn about the book discussion groups hosted by the Vespasian Warner Public Library District.

Libraries are magical places, but the Vespasian Warner library is truly enchanted. Learn a little bit about our library fairies.

On May 15, 1968, a tornado devastated the town of Wapella, heavily damaged Waynesville, and caused some destruction in Farmer City. Listen to learn a little more about that terrifying spring evening.

In this episode, learn a little bit about the history of DeWitt County's third courthouse, which stood in the center of the Square for nearly 100 years.

You don't have to wait until Halloween to enjoy something spooky, scary, creepy, or gory. Check out these screams that the staff recommend.

Listen as Circulation Clerk Rachel Deavers discusses the work she does at the Vespasian Warner Library.

In this episode, the responsibilities of the part-time evening clerks of the Vespasian Warner Library are detailed.

Listen as Youth Services Assistant Melissa Snow discusses a few of her duties for the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Circulation Clerk Wendy West describes her typical week at the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Assistant Business Manager Logan Janicki explains how his work impacts the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Maintenance Supervisor Lucas Snow explains everything he does to keep the Vespasian Warner Library in shape.

Listen as Program Coordinator Marie Maltby explains what it takes to make a great program as well as her other responsibilities at the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Circulation Supervisor Aric Monkman outlines his duties for the Vespasian Warner Library.

Listen as Youth Services Manager Corey Campbell describes his work for the Vespasian Warner Library.

Business Manager Samantha Rusk details the duties she performs for the Vespasian Warner Library.

Executive Director Bobbie Perryman gives you a little insight into her duties at the Vespasian Warner Library.

Get to know all about the Library of Things and the unique items you can check out at the library.

A list of movie, TV, music, and video game recommendations that the staff of the Vespasian Warner Public Library District feel are absolute musts. For book recommendations, please listen to part one of the Must List.

Book recommendations that the staff of the Vespasian Warner Library District are absolute musts. For movie, TV, music, and video game recommendations, please listen to part two of the Must List.

In 1855, Isaac Wyant shot Anson Rusk dead in the DeWitt County courthouse. The ensuing trial featured several prominent men, an innovative defense, and a surprising verdict.

Learn what the staff of the Vespasian Warner Library did during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic to continue to serve their patrons and community.

Learn more about the doll collection on display at the Vespasian Warner Library.

Find out about some of the items and collections in The Vespasian Warner Public Library District's archive.

The library staff have a few recommendations for exploring subjects that you weren't taught about in school.

Everything you need to know about the Vespasian Warner Public Library District's seed library.

This is the story of Patsy Devine, the only man known to be publicly executed in Clinton, IL.

Get to know a little bit about what to expect from the podcast.