No stranger to Evergreen Park, Frank Murray is a well-known name in the neighborhood. As the director of the Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave., he has spent the last three years ensuring that the library is a welcoming and innovative inclusive space for all of its patrons.
It’s no surprise that now the community has given back, proudly naming Murray Evergreen Park’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
“I honestly don’t feel like I deserve the award,” Murray said with humility. “There are so many more deserving people. But I am honored to have received it.”
Murray, who has been a proud resident of Evergreen Park for 29 years, was honored with the award at the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday luncheon in December, held at St. Xavier University in Chicago.
His journey to the library began with a simple love of history and education.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in history with a teaching certification from Eastern Illinois University. After a brief stint as a teacher, Murray pursued a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Dominican University, a decision that eventually led him to his current role as director of the Evergreen Park Public Library.
Since stepping into the role three years ago, Murray has found joy in serving his hometown.
“I love helping people, and to be fortunate enough to serve my home community is very special,” he said. “We also have a fantastic team at the library who are so dedicated and always willing to try new ideas to engage our community.”
Through the library, he has partnered with Evergreen Park School District 124 to provide library cards for students.
“We teamed up on a grant that aims to help support the emotional and social wellbeing of students,” Murray said. “The library card project ensures every student will have access to the resources and tools they need for academic success.”
Murray’s fellow library colleagues could not praise him enough.
“We were thrilled to hear the news,” Jenna Harte-Wisniewski, Head of Adult Services at the Evergreen Park Public Library, said. “Frank has really been working tirelessly, finding balance between library director and working with the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce. For him to be recognized as Citizen of the Year also recognizes that the library has a strong and steady leader with a clear vision for what it means to be an integral part of Evergreen Park.”
However, Murray’s leadership extends beyond the library walls.
Shortly after becoming director, Murray joined the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce and quickly became an active member. He served as the chamber board president for two years and now holds the title of past president.
Murray’s dedication to Evergreen Park is also deeply rooted in Evergreen Park beyond the library. He and his wife, Danielle, have been married for nearly 13 years and are raising their two children, Nora, 11, and Ben, 8, in the area they cherish.
Laura Shallow, vice president of the chamber, highlighted Murray’s contributions as both a civic leader and advocate for the community.
“Frank is the Evergreen Park Citizen of the Year for many great reasons,” she said. “He is a true, honest, caring, and committed professional in every way. He performs his job, as director of the Evergreen Park Public Library, with a strong passion, great interest and knowledge of library services, and an unwavering commitment to his profession and community. He continues to bring together library services, the chamber, and both the residential and business community in all his work. He was a very strong president of the Evergreen Park Chamber in 2023, and his dedication to commerce and community has resulted in his continuing service as a past president and member. The Evergreen Park Library, Chamber, and community are very grateful for Frank.”
While Murray may not feel deserving of the Citizen of the Year title, the community begs to differ. His leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication to Evergreen Park have made a lasting impact and one that will be felt for years to come.