Libraries = Strong Communities

Leadership from Friends of the Edgewater Library and the Edgewater Branch Library shared the stage on Saturday, April 13 at an open house to celebrate National Library Week and its theme of “Libraries =Strong Communities.” Friends’ volunteers armed with gift bags welcomed guests from around the neighborhood to the Betty A. Barclay Community Room for the event.

Branch Librarian, Joanna Hazelden offered opening remarks about importance of the Edgewater Branch in the life of this community, and the many people that it serves in many different ways.

“From parents with young children to teens, young adults, adults, seniors, and many others - the Edgewater library is a place to gather, explore, learn, and experience life in the Edgewater neighborhood,” said Joanna.

She went on to introduce The Honorable Harry Osterman, 48th Ward Alderman, who added his personal thoughts about how the Edgewater library plays such an integral role in creating a cohesive community, and how important it has been in his life and that of his family.

He also offered the bigger picture of what libraries have meant in the ever-evolving city of Chicago and closed by reading the poem, “Chicago” in tribute to one of the city’s best known authors and poets, Carl Sandburg.

This was followed by Friends’ President Michael Meyers giving everyone an overview of how the Friends’ group works with the library’s staff, often providing financial and volunteers for various Library and community programs and events hosted at the library. Friends’ is currently funding the purchase of new furniture as a part of the renovation of the Teen Lounge.

“There are many upcoming programs and so much going on, I encourage everyone to get involved with the lIbrary and Friends to continue to make the Edgewater Library a vital part of our vibrant community, “ said Michael.

Michael then turned the program back to librarian, Joanna Hazelden, who walked guests through how to use the library website to find what they need at the Edgewater library and through the Chicago Public Library system.

Joanna H. introduced Friends’ member, Joanna Broussard, who developed the new Friends’ website, with the help of Friends’ Communications Chair, Joanne Kitsos, and community volunteer, Teresa Neumann, who works with Loyola’s Center for Urban Research and Learning. Joanna B took the guests on a brief tour of the new website and was then surprised by Friends’ President Michael Meyers, who stepped up to present her with a certificate of thanks, naming her as the first “Friend For Life” for her work to get the new website up and running.

With the program ended, guests enjoyed light refreshments and conversation.

Photos top to bottom: Joanna Hazelden, Alderman Harry Osterman, Michael Meyers, Joanna Broussard with Michael Meyers, Teresa Neumann and husband Sean.

Chicago
by Carl Sandburg

Hog Butcher for the World,
Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler;
Stormy, husky, brawling
City of the Big Shoulders:

They tell me you are wicked and I believe them,
for I have seen your painted women under the gas lamps luring the farm boys.
And they tell me you are crooked and I answer:
Yes, it is true I have seen the gunman kill and go free to kill again.
And they tell me you are brutal and my reply is:
On the faces of women and children I have seen the marks of wanton hunger.
And having answered so I turn once more to those who sneer at this my city,
and I give them back the sneer and say to them.
Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive
and coarse and strong and cunning.
Flinging magnetic curses amid the toil of piling job on job,
here is a tall bold slugger set vivid against the little soft cities;
Fierce as a dog with tongue lapping for action,
cunning as a savage pitted against the wilderness,
 Bareheaded,
 Shoveling,
 Wrecking,
Planning,
Building, breaking, rebuilding,
Under the smoke, dust all over his mouth, laughing with white teeth,
Under the terrible burden of destiny laughing as a young man laughs,
Laughing even as an ignorant fighter laughs who has never lost a battle,
Bragging and laughing that under his wrist is the pulse, and under his ribs the heart of the people,
    Laughing!
Laughing the stormy, husky, brawling laughter of Youth, half-naked, sweating, proud to be
Hog Butcher, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and Freight Handler to the Nation.