HR1164 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1164 LRB093 23184 KEF 53154 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the Aurora Public Library on its 100th anniversary of service to the Aurora community; and

WHEREAS, The Aurora Public Library first opened its doors on June 1, 1882; it was established by city ordinance as a service-oriented, tax-supported library, which is responsive to the needs of individuals and groups that are a part of its community; and

WHEREAS, The current main library building was erected in 1904 through a gift from Andrew Carnegie; the library was housed in the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) building at 23 East Downer in Aurora for twenty-two years; in 1953, Bookmobile service was added to extend the library services to sites underserved by the main library building; in 1969, the building was completely remodeled and refurbished, two three-story wings and a completely new facade were added; in 1977, two vehicles traveled the city with a collection of 3,000-4,000 items each; in 1980, the Young People's Department was expanded and refurbished; in 1992, service was scaled back to one vehicle; and in 1993, the Eola Road Branch opened to the public on the east side of the city; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, the Cataloging and Extension Services Department were moved to a leased facility on Church Road in order to create additional space at the main library for a growing staff and collections; also in 2002, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donated several thousands of dollars for computer technology to the library; the Gates donation included an eleven-seat computer training facility for the public at the main library as well as additional PCs for the branch locations; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, the library purchased a new bookmobile to replace the one in use to continue serving patrons at over 28 stops throughout the city and the building was expanded from 14,000 square feet to 27,000 square feet; and

WHEREAS, The current head librarian and executive director of the library is Janet Pillifant Plaza, the sixth librarian in the library's 114 year history; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Aurora Public Library on its centennial celebration and its dedicated service to the citizens of Aurora; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to head librarian Janet Pillifant Plaza as an expression of our respect.