Mayor Daley Dedicates New Logan Square Branch Of The Chicago Public Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2005

Mayor's Press Office: (312) 744-3334
Maggie Killackey, CPL Press Secretary: (312) 747-4051

48th New or Renovated Library to Open Since 1989

Mayor Richard M. Daley, 35th Ward Alderman Rey Colón and Chicago Public Library First Deputy Commissioner Karen Danczak Lyons joined community leaders and residents, for the dedication of the newly constructed Logan Square Branch of the Chicago Public Library at 3030 W. Fullerton Ave.

“Libraries are one of the most important anchors in revitalizing a community because they symbolize education, reading and are a safe haven for positive, constructive activities,” said Mayor Daley. “The Logan Square Branch couldn’t be opening at a better time since today is the kick-off of our sixth annual Chicago Book Festival, a month long celebration of Chicago’s rich and diverse literary heritage past, present and future.”

At 14,000 square feet, the full service Logan Square Branch expands and enhances library services in a diverse and thriving residential, school and business community. Included among the library’s many new features are free Internet (there are 12 Internet Stations - two Express stations for adults; seven Internet Stations for children; and two Find It! catalogues), free WiFi access, online research databases, audio books and a new $400,000 opening day collection of books and materials containing bestsellers, children’s books, reference books, career materials, newspapers, magazines, educational and entertainment DVDs, and Spanish Language materials for adults and children.

“The Chicago Public Library is thrilled to have this new facility for the Logan Square Community,” commented First Deputy Commissioner Karen Danczak Lyons. “This celebration coincides with the kickoff of the Chicago Book Festival, the month-long celebration of our rich and diverse literary heritage-which includes author events, children’s programs, exhibits, tours and more throughout the city.”

The new branch, which began serving the public on September 6, 2005, will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.

The library will offer a variety of programs and services including Children’s programs such as the Summer Reading Program, storytimes, family programs, crafts and holiday celebrations. Adult Services programs will include book discussions, author appearances and a host of educational and cultural programs of community interest.

Logan Square Branch is also equipped with a large capacity meeting room/auditorium, photocopier, air-conditioning, free parking and brand new magnifier reader donated by the Logan Square Lions Club and Liberty Bank Savings. The library meets the Americans with Disabilities Act standards and is accessible to several public transportation routes.

The Chicago Public Library is comprised of the Harold Washington Library Center, two regional libraries and 76 neighborhood branches. The Chicago Public Library provides free access to the Internet and WiFi in all of its locations and offers a rich resource of books, DVDs, videos and more, as well as free public programs for children, teens and adults.

The Harold Washington Library Center is open 7 days a week and patrons can access all of the library ’s collections online 24 hours a day. For more information, visit the Chicago Public Library's web site at www.chicagopubliclibrary.org, or call the Chicago Public Library’s Marketing/Press Office at (312) 747-4050.