The Kirkland Public Library is located south and east of Rockford, Illinois on Illinois Route 72. The library serves a population of 1,011 people. The collection consists of 11,450 items with annual circulation of 6,326 items. The library's annual budget is $24,851.

A group of young women in Kirkland organized the "Lorene Club" shortly before 1920 for the purpose of founding and maintaining a library and helping in community welfare. A house to house canvas was made to ask citizens to contribute books.

Two rooms above the grocery store on the corner of Main and Fifth Streets were rented. For several years members volunteered to serve as librarians. Various means of raising money were used. Probably the most lucrative and long lasting was the cookbook that was compiled by members about 50 years ago. Another cookbook was compiled again in 1984.

On June 1, 1925, the library moved to the corner of Sixth and Main Streets; the library became tax supported in 1934. On November 1, 1954, it was moved to the Town Hall which was in a large upstairs room over the fire station and jail.

On August 6, 1971, the Kirkland Public Library joined the Northern Illinois Library System.

In 1975 the Kirkland Public Library moved into the former State Bank of Kirkland building. The Village of Kirkland had purchased the building and the Funderburg Foundation and the State Bank of Kirkland renovated it. It is truly a functional and beautiful structure with the charm of the bank retained.

The library board has sponsored book sales and chili suppers to help with funds.

In 1984 the Friends of the Library group was organized. They have held bake sales, sponsored a story-telling hour, helped with summer reading programs and parties and held a quilt show.