HR1259

LRB096 22348 KXB 41489 r





  
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HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
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Representatives are pleased to congratulate the staff of the 
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Glen Carbon Centennial Library on the library being voted the 
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Best Small Library in America in 2010 by the Library Journal 
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and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Glen Carbon Centennial library services started 
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in a one room Reading Center established in 1975, staffed by 
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volunteers; in 1976, officials of the Village of Glen Carbon 
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moved the Reading Center to a 100 year old former school house; 
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a successful referendum in November of 1992 established a 
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village library tax; in 2002, village residents overwhelmingly 
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passed a $2.6 million bond issue to build a new library, and, 
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after nearly two years of construction, the 14,000 square foot 
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library opened on October 4, 2004; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Lighting fixtures resembling coal mine lamps, 
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exposed wood beams, and rafters throughout the building 
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incorporate the theme of coal mining, reflecting Glen Carbon's 
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history of coal mining; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The library features glassed-in study rooms, a 
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community room, a teen area, wireless access, computer 
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workstations located throughout the building, and a floor to 
 


 






HR1259
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LRB096 22348 KXB 41489 r




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ceiling double-sided fireplace that greets visitors from the 
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lobby; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The award "showcases the exemplary work of public 
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libraries serving populations under 25,000 whose high 
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standards, innovative services, and commitment to their 
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community make them extraordinary"; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The Glen Carbon Centennial Library serves a 
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community of 12,000; it was chosen for the award based on its 
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positive and dedicated staff; its creative patron and community 
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outreach programs; its well-chosen resources; and its many 
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initiatives that serve the varying needs of the community; 
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therefore, be it
  
 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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congratulate the staff of the Glen Carbon Centennial Library 
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and wish them continued success in all their endeavors; and be 
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it further
  
 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to Anne Hughes, Library Director, as a symbol of our 
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respect and esteem.