HR0010 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0010 LRB095 04638 KXB 24696 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The George Cleveland Hall Branch of the Chicago Public Library was named in honor of the late Dr. George Cleveland Hall, a former member of the Chicago Public Library's Board of Directors, activist, surgeon, and chief of staff for Provident Hospital, who played a vital role in connecting the African-American community with resources needed to learn, live, thrive, and work; and

WHEREAS, Dr. George Cleveland Hall convinced a generous philanthropist to support the library by donating funds to purchase the property for a proposed library to serve a predominately large African-American community located on the south side of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, On January 18, 1932, the George Cleveland Hall Branch Library opened to the public for service under the direction of branch head Vivian Gordon Harsh, the first appointed African-American librarian at the Chicago Public Library and Charlemae Hill Rollins, a world-renowned children's librarian, writer, and storyteller; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, the George Cleveland Hall Branch Library was rededicated to the Bronzeville community after being modernized and refurbished; the Branch maintained the integrity and beauty of the original architectural structure, and added a new spacious Young Adult Reading Room; and

WHEREAS, In 2000, the George Cleveland Hall Branch Library was named a National Literary Landmark by the Friends of the Library, USA, and the Illinois Center for the Book because of its close association with distinguished African-American authors and writers; and

WHEREAS, In celebration of 75 years of public service to the Bronzeville community and the City of Chicago, the Chicago Public Library, George Cleveland Hall Branch, and the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature will present a series of informative, entertaining and educational programs and exhibits examining African-American culture and history; and

WHEREAS, The Chicago Public Library encourages and supports all programs, services and activities associated with the observance of the 75th "Diamond Jubilee" Anniversary; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the staff of the Chicago Public Library on the 75th anniversary of the George Cleveland Hall Branch; and we extend our sincere appreciation to the Chicago Public Library administration and staff for their support and diligence in public service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to a representative of the George Cleveland Hall Branch of the Chicago Public Library.