Lombard s love affair with lilacs began in 1927 when Col. William R. Plum, a Civil War veteran, donated his collection to the village. Nearly a century later, Lombardians still celebrate his gift with a 16-day festival opening on this first weekend in May.
Lombard s public library will open a new chapter Saturday when patrons get their first look inside a modern, two-story building at the gateway into the village s downtown.