Dave Humphreys served on the Downers Grove Library Board of Trustees longer than anyone in its history.

In May, after more than 32 years, he stepped down.

At his final board meeting, Board President Matt Topic read a formal resolution honoring Humphreys for more than three decades of leadership, dedication and commitment to literacy and intellectual freedom, Shaw Local reported Aug. 14.

Humphreys joined the board in 1994 after another trustee recruited him. During his tenure, voters approved an $8.2 million referendum in 1996 that led to the current 67,738-square-foot library building, which opened in February 1999. A $2.4 million renovation followed in 2014. The library now circulates more than 1.1 million items annually and logged 438,000 visits in 2025, according to the library's updates page.

Colleagues described Humphreys as a quiet advocate who used his institutional memory to guide newer trustees. Former board member Carissa Dougherty said a central theme of his work was speaking up for people without a voice in public discourse, calling him "a particularly strong advocate and ally for the LGBTQ community, helping make our library a welcoming, safe and inclusive place for everyone."

Trustee Nathan Williams said Humphreys sees his role as enabling others to shine and treats people with respect, especially those with whom he disagrees. Trustee Barnali Khuntia recalled that when she joined the board, Humphreys sat down with her and walked her through how things worked. Trustee Swapna Gigani, who served alongside him for nearly a decade including during the pandemic, said he often acted as the board's historian, recalling pivotal moments from three decades of library decisions.

Beyond the boardroom, Humphreys is a founding member and treasurer of EQuality Downers Grove, a nonprofit that advocates for LGBTQ+ residents through education, support and social action. The organization regularly holds workshops and events at the library.

He also puts together the main stage music lineup for the annual Rotary GroveFest, which ran June 25–28 in downtown Downers Grove and directs profits to 27 nonprofits in and around the village.

Humphreys, a lifelong Downers Grove native who now lives at Oak Trace, a senior living community in town, said he felt comfortable stepping away because the board is strong and has a solid strategic plan in place. The library also named Heather-Marie Montilla as its new director in February, with her tenure beginning April 13.

"I have no intention of leaving. I am not done yet," Humphreys told Shaw Local. "I am continuing to volunteer in other ways."

He still visits the library regularly to chat with staff, use its resources and attend community meetings held there. The building, he noted, now houses the only public art collection in Downers Grove.

Upcoming community events

• EQuality Downers Grove holds regular workshops and events at the Downers Grove Public Library. Visit the library's events calendar for dates.
• Downers Grove Farmers Market runs Saturdays through October at the downtown Downers Grove train station.
• Westmont Special Events and Woodridge community programming continue through fall. Check each village's website for schedules.