RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, While we will greatly miss her, the Members of this Body are pleased to congratulate Andrea Telli on her retirement as Commissioner of Chicago Public Library on August 31, 2020, after nearly 30 years of exemplary service with the library system; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Telli was born and raised in Chicago. She received a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Drake University, a master's degree in Spanish Literature from Georgetown University, and a master's degree in Library Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Commissioner Telli began her career with Chicago Public Library in the Special Collections and Preservation Division, where she helped to showcase rare and unique materials focusing on the history of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, In her time with Chicago Public Library, Commissioner Telli served as manager ofthe Humboldt Park Branch Library, Central District Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Neighborhood Services, and Deputy Commissioner of Public Services; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Commissioner Telli to the position of Commissioner of Chicago Public Library effective June 15, 2019. During Commissioner Telli's tenure, Chicago Public Library eliminated fines for overdue materials and expanded Sunday hours, increasing resident access to the library system and City services; and
WHEREAS, Managing an annual budget of $130 million, Commissioner Telli oversaw numerous capital projects dedicated to ensuring that City neighborhoods have access to state-of-the-art, safe places to read and learn; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Telli administered one of the largest library systems in the United States with three regional hubs, 77 neighborhood branches, and the system's flagship central library, the Harold Washington Library Center; and
r WHEREAS, A recognized champion of urban libraries, Commissioner Telli will enjoy retirement with her husband, a fellow librarian whom she met during her time in the Special Collections and Preservation Division; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this sixteenth day of November, 2020, do hereby congratulate Andrea Telli on the occasion of her retirement and commend her for her remarkable leadership over our great library system and within the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Andrea Telli as a token of our appreciation and esteem.