In the heart of Galesburg, in 1936, a young boy named Gerald "Gerry" Ingraham faced an unimaginable loss. His mother passed away, and his world changed overnight. School, which should have been a place of learning and connection, became overwhelming. Unsure of where to turn, Gerry made a decision that would shape the rest of his life—he found solace in the Galesburg Public Library.
At just twelve years old, Gerry discovered that the library was more than a building filled with books—it was a place of refuge, curiosity, and endless possibilities. Day after day, he immersed himself in the stacks, exploring everything from history and biography to philosophy and logic. The scent of old books, the soft light filtering through the windows, and the distant melodies drifting in from Knox College’s music conservatory created a space where he felt safe, inspired, and free to learn at his own pace.
Gerry read voraciously, teaching himself about the world through the words of great thinkers and storytellers. Each book he opened expanded his perspective, helping him understand that for every idea, there were different ways to see the world. He wasn’t just reading—he was growing, discovering, and shaping his own beliefs and dreams.
While many of his peers sat in classrooms, Gerry sat in the library, absorbing knowledge that would carry him far beyond the walls of Galesburg. His love of learning stayed with him throughout his life. He later served in the Navy, worked in the medical field, and built a personal library of over 2,000 books—a testament to the impact that one library had on a young boy’s journey.
During his time in the Navy, Gerry served in combat on Okinawa during World War II. His experiences during the war left a lasting impact on him, and he later wrote a book about his time in service titled To the Banks of the Bishi Gawa. This book, which provides a firsthand account of his experiences, can be found in the new Local Indie collection at the Galesburg Public Library.
The Galesburg Public Library was more than just a collection of books for Gerry—it was a guiding light. It offered him the tools to educate himself, the comfort to heal, and the inspiration to pursue a meaningful life. His story is a testament to the power of libraries and the incredible ways they shape the lives of those who step through their doors.
For young readers today, Gerry’s story is a reminder that a library is not just a quiet place to study—it is a gateway to adventure, discovery, and lifelong learning. Just like it saved Gerry, the library continues to be a place where anyone, no matter their background, can find knowledge, encouragement, and hope for the future.
**Gerry’s story was generously shared by his family, who wanted others to know how deeply the library shaped his life.
