OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT
MAYOR
April 19, 2023
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF T HE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
1 transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Coleman, Gardiner, Moore, Mitts, Osterman, Scott, Rodriguez Sanchez, Hairston, Abarca, Ramirez-Rosa, Rodriguez, Sposato, Villegas, Hadden, Vasquez, O'Shea, Capplcman, Waguespack, Knudsen, Dowell, La Spata and Martin, a resolution celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Chicago Public library.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Chicago Public Library marks its 150th anniversary, a monumental milestone that speaks to the enduring legacy of generations of City leaders, aldermen, and residents whose dedication has fostered the intellectual and cultural growth of generations of Chicagoans; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Library has transformed from a modest beginning in an abandoned water tank to a robust network of 81 community hubs that provide free and equitable access to a wealth of resources, information, early literacy programming, broadband and cultural opportunities, thanks to a commitment to continuous innovation; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Public Library has been a pillar of the City's educational, social, and economic development, and a global model for libraries, introducing pioneering service models like One Book, One Chicago, YOUmedia, Teacher in the Library and award-winning architectural design; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Library has been a trailblazer in promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity, actively breaking down barriers to access, becoming the largest city library in the country to go fine free, establishing libraries as Book Sanctuaries, and offering culturally responsive services to all community members; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Library has fostered community and lifelong learning by partnering with schools and organizations, providing simplified and unlimited library access to all Chicago Public Schools students through The 81 Club; and
WHEREAS, in the face of unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chicago Public Library stood tall and kept the City connected to knowledge, broadband and learning through innovative programs like Live from the Library. With unwavering support from Chicago's celebrities, civic leaders, and library staff, the program garnered millions of views from people in dozens of countries around the world; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Library Foundation's civic and philanthropic partnership has been crucial to the Library's growth as an international leader, and has enabled unprecedented programming improvements over the past three decades; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Library has received numerous awards and accolades, including a National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2014; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Library celebrates its 150th anniversary with a year-long series of public events across the City to showcase the Library's collections, programs, and services, with a special focus on Chicago performers, authors, and artists who have enriched the City's cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Public Library is committed to shaping the future of libraries by continuously reimagining what they can offer through innovative design, enriched collections, and inspiring authors that captivate the City; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this nineteenth day of April, 2023, do hereby honor the Chicago Public Library on its 150th anniversary; celebrate its many achievements in providing world-class learning resources and cultural events; and extend to it our best wishes for continued growth and success.