The Chillicothe Public Library District has partnered with the Illinois Fire Service Institute Library (IFSI Library) and the Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District (CCFPD) to house and circulate a part of their collection. This collection includes training and leadership materials for first responders as well as a small selection of children’s books.

The idea for the collection came from former CCFPD Chief Marvin Roderick, a Peoria firefighter at the time, who worked with his chief to come up with a list of materials for circulation, and IFSI was able to provide 53 titles for the original collection at the Peoria Fire Department.

Marvin continued to maintain, organize, and oversee the collection during his time at Peoria, and relocated the collection to his office in Chillicothe when he became the Fire Chief there. With limited space and service times and a desire to reach a broader audience, a partnership with Chillicothe Public Library was born. 

Moving the collection to Chillicothe Public Library created an opportunity for those not already studying fire safety to engage with fire safety materials. This unique partnership supports the library’s mission of enriching lives, building community, and encouraging success by bringing people, information, and ideas together.

There are now approximately 100 items from the IFSI collection on permanent loan and in circulation at Chillicothe Public Library. While this special collection consists mostly of training manuals, there are also children’s books, DVDs, and fiction items. All are available for check out to anyone with a library card. 

When asked about the partnership with the library, CCFPD stated, “This collection brings fire safety into everyday life—helping children, families, and neighbors build the knowledge, trust, and habits that will keep our community safe for years to come.” 

For more information, stop by Chillicothe Public Library at 430 N. Bradley Ave., Chillicothe, IL or call 309-274-2719.