HR0448 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0448 LRB096 12957 GRL 26966 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Erik Blomstedt on the occasion of his retirement as Director of the Three Rivers Library District; and

WHEREAS, Erik Blomstedt moved to the United States from Sweden in 1956; he received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Northeastern University, his master's degree in library science from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, and another master's degree in public administration from Roosevelt University; and

WHEREAS, Erik Blomstedt served our country with pride and distinction as a member of the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division from 1969 to 1972; during his tenure, he served as an interrogator and interpreter in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star for his service; and

WHEREAS, Erik Blomstedt was previously employed with the Chicago Public Library, a position that included time working at the Law Library in the Cook County Jail; and

WHEREAS, On August 29, 1977, Erik Blomstedt was hired to serve as the Head Librarian of the Tri-County Public Library District; the district was later renamed the Three Rivers Library; and

WHEREAS, As Director of the Three Rivers Library District, Erik Blomstedt oversaw the establishment of the first library on Tryon Street in Channahon; he supervised the construction of the new library on Channon Drive in Channahon, which opened in 1981; he also facilitated the addition of the Minooka Branch Library in 1992; and

WHEREAS, Erik Blomstedt is an avid stamp collector and is a handyman at home; he also enjoys cooking and dulcimer music; and

WHEREAS, Erik Blomstedt married his wife, Lily, on May 18, 1974; he is the father of Jennifer and James and the grandfather of Lorelai and Adam; and

WHEREAS, Erik Blomstedt's accomplishments will be honored by the Three Rivers Library Board, the library's staff, and members of his community on June 19 and 20, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Erik Blomstedt has served as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Erik Blomstedt on the occasion of his retirement and wish him many happy and healthy retirement years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Erik Blomstedt as a symbol of our esteem and respect.