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Chicago Public Library’s Branches Are BoomingAs libraries in other parts of the country are struggling to preserve funding for hours and staff, Chicago’s library system is in the midst of its largest single-year expansion. Chicago Public Library officials report that the city will add two new branches and renovate five old ones this year for a total of 80 branches in addition to the Harold Washington Library Center downtown.The June 24 Chicago Tribune reported that a new West Chicago Avenue branch is scheduled to open on the west side of the city July 16 and a West Pullman branch on the south side in the fall. Funding for these projects has come primarily from two bond measures in 1997 and 1999, which added $109 million into CPL’s construction budget. At the dedication of the renovated Garfield Ridge branch in May, Mayor Richard Daley called the city’s libraries the most important anchors in the community. “We build libraries not only as a keeper of our history, but also offering Chicagoans free access to information of all types to improve quality of life,” he said. “If you don’t keep [children] on a positive path, unfortunately, gangs, guns, and drugs take them over.” This year’s construction will use up most of the remaining bond money, said Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey, who was named the city’s interim purchasing chief in February. But Dempsey told the Tribune she already has a list of 10 more neighborhoods that are candidates for getting new libraries. Posted June 24, 2005. |
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