HR1164 LRB093 23184 KEF 53154 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3 Representatives wish to recognize the Aurora Public Library on
4 its 100th anniversary of service to the Aurora community; and
 
5     WHEREAS, The Aurora Public Library first opened its doors
6 on June 1, 1882; it was established by city ordinance as a
7 service-oriented, tax-supported library, which is responsive
8 to the needs of individuals and groups that are a part of its
9 community; and
 
10     WHEREAS, The current main library building was erected in
11 1904 through a gift from Andrew Carnegie; the library was
12 housed in the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) building at 23
13 East Downer in Aurora for twenty-two years; in 1953, Bookmobile
14 service was added to extend the library services to sites
15 underserved by the main library building; in 1969, the building
16 was completely remodeled and refurbished, two three-story
17 wings and a completely new facade were added; in 1977, two
18 vehicles traveled the city with a collection of 3,000-4,000
19 items each; in 1980, the Young People's Department was expanded
20 and refurbished; in 1992, service was scaled back to one
21 vehicle; and in 1993, the Eola Road Branch opened to the public
22 on the east side of the city; and
 
23     WHEREAS, In 2002, the Cataloging and Extension Services
24 Department were moved to a leased facility on Church Road in
25 order to create additional space at the main library for a
26 growing staff and collections; also in 2002, The Bill and
27 Melinda Gates Foundation donated several thousands of dollars
28 for computer technology to the library; the Gates donation
29 included an eleven-seat computer training facility for the
30 public at the main library as well as additional PCs for the
31 branch locations; and
 

 

 

HR1164 - 2 - LRB093 23184 KEF 53154 r

1     WHEREAS, In 2003, the library purchased a new bookmobile to
2 replace the one in use to continue serving patrons at over 28
3 stops throughout the city and the building was expanded from
4 14,000 square feet to 27,000 square feet; and
 
5     WHEREAS, The current head librarian and executive director
6 of the library is Janet Pillifant Plaza, the sixth librarian in
7 the library's 114 year history; therefore, be it
 
8     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
9 NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
10 recognize the Aurora Public Library on its centennial
11 celebration and its dedicated service to the citizens of
12 Aurora; and be it further
 
13     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
14 presented to head librarian Janet Pillifant Plaza as an
15 expression of our respect.