Presidents’ Day

Monday, February 17, 2025

The origin of Presidents’ Day lies in the 1880s, when the February 22nd birthday of George Washington—commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first President of the United States—was first celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved a number of federal holidays to Mondays. During debate on the bill, it was proposed that Washington’s Birthday be renamed Presidents’ Day to honor the birthdays of both Washington (February 22) and Lincoln (February 12); although Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states (including Illinois), it was never an official federal holiday. Following much discussion, Congress rejected the name change. After the bill went into effect in 1971, however, Presidents’ Day became the commonly accepted name, due in part to retailers’ use of that name to promote sales and the holiday’s proximity to Lincoln’s birthday. Presidents’ Day is usually marked by public ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country.

Source: Britannica.com

Celebrate!

Herblock Presidential Cartoon Exhibit

Feb. 1-28
Library's Second Floor
Herblock, one of America’s most influential political cartoonists, insisted that no president was 'above caricature or comment,' making 'president-watching' his mission. From Roosevelt to Bush, he spent over seven decades chronicling American history with a keen eye, sharp wit, and a bottle of ink—portraying thirteen presidents in clever, often biting cartoons designed to inspire change.

Enjoy a display of his iconic work throughout the years, showcasing his unique and enduring impact on political dialogue.

Marble Run Mania at Fremont Library

Monday, Feb. 17, 10:30am-12:00pm, 2:30-4:00pm
Grades K-5
Enjoy the day off school by harnessing the power of kinetic energy to build a thrilling marble run! The only limit is your imagination. Drop in!

Chicago History Museum

Feb. 17, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Free admission for IL residents this day.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Sat., Feb. 8 and Wed., Feb. 12, 9:00am-5:00pm
Free admission on both days!
Located in Springfield, Illinois. Fremont Library offers discounted passes through the Explore More Illinois program if you want to visit on other days at fremonlibrary.org/museum-passes.