HR0722 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0722 LRB096 15168 KXB 30230 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the staff of the Gail Borden Library on winning the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service; and

WHEREAS, The Institute of Museum and Library Service has selected five museums and five libraries to receive the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service; the National Medal is the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions; and

WHEREAS, The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums; the Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas; and

WHEREAS, The Gail Borden Public Library is the heart and hub of exciting activities in Elgin; its motto, "Learning is a Journey...Start It Here," has been the inspiration behind many activities, including the Dr. Torres Library Card Challenge, a month-long program that resulted in 8,000 new library cards for local kids; the "A Tapestry of Freedom" project, which encouraged residents, especially foreign-born patrons, to share their stories of struggle and triumph with fellow Elgin citizens; and the GIANTS: African Dinosaurs and SPACE: Dare to Dream programs that brought to the library prehistoric visitors and objects from far-flung galaxies; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the National Medal, which will be awarded in an upcoming Washington, D.C. ceremony, each institution receives a $10,000 award; 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 Gail Borden Library on this award and thank them for their work in the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the staff of the Gail Borden Library in Elgin as a symbol of our respect and esteem.