HR1259 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1259 LRB096 22348 KXB 41489 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the staff of the Glen Carbon Centennial Library on the library being voted the Best Small Library in America in 2010 by the Library Journal and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Glen Carbon Centennial library services started in a one room Reading Center established in 1975, staffed by volunteers; in 1976, officials of the Village of Glen Carbon moved the Reading Center to a 100 year old former school house; a successful referendum in November of 1992 established a village library tax; in 2002, village residents overwhelmingly passed a $2.6 million bond issue to build a new library, and, after nearly two years of construction, the 14,000 square foot library opened on October 4, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Lighting fixtures resembling coal mine lamps, exposed wood beams, and rafters throughout the building incorporate the theme of coal mining, reflecting Glen Carbon's history of coal mining; and

WHEREAS, The library features glassed-in study rooms, a community room, a teen area, wireless access, computer workstations located throughout the building, and a floor to ceiling double-sided fireplace that greets visitors from the lobby; and

WHEREAS, The award "showcases the exemplary work of public libraries serving populations under 25,000 whose high standards, innovative services, and commitment to their community make them extraordinary"; and

WHEREAS, The Glen Carbon Centennial Library serves a community of 12,000; it was chosen for the award based on its positive and dedicated staff; its creative patron and community outreach programs; its well-chosen resources; and its many initiatives that serve the varying needs of the community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the staff of the Glen Carbon Centennial Library and wish them continued success in all their endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Anne Hughes, Library Director, as a symbol of our respect and esteem.