David Moore Connects With Galesburg During National Library Week
David Moore Connects With Galesburg During National Library Week (Galesburg, IL) — Candidate for Secretary of State Attends New Public Library Groundbreaking
The theme of National Library Week 2022 is “Connect with your Library.” For residents in Galesburg, Illinois, that describes the groundbreaking ceremony that took place Thursday, April 7, for a new public library. After waiting for six decades, residents and elected officials braved the wind and rain to jump-start the construction project, which is expected to be built by the end of next year.
The library was awarded a $15.3 million Public Library Construction Act Grant from the Illinois State Library in 2021. The current location was originally built in 1961 as a temporary replacement for the Carnegie Library, which was destroyed by fire in 1958.
The secretary of state is considered the state’s chief librarian. Chicago Alderman David Moore (17th) who is running to replace retiring secretary of state Jesse White was the only candidate in the race to attend the groundbreaking. Since 1839, the State Library has served as the principal library for Illinois state government officials and employees, and over the years its role has expanded to include library development in Illinois.
“All of the residents felt like it was a very historical moment, since they’ve been waiting so long for a state-of-the-art library,” said Moore. “All of the children who were there were excited, the people who work for the library and community leaders see it as the biggest thing to happen to Galesburg in a long time and it’s going to help to revitalize the city.”
Moore said Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman was very appreciative he traveled there for the groundbreaking. He said they hope whoever the next secretary of state is that he or she will not forget the people downstate, especially the people in Galesburg.
“I told them of my relationships with people in Galesburg since college and gave my commitment to continue to fight to get as much money from the federal government for grants and make sure they’re included when we give out those grant dollars,” promised Moore, who is one of three Democratic candidates running for secretary of state in the June 28 primary election.
The state library works to promote and enhance library services throughout Illinois and awarded more than $43 million in grant funds for library and literacy programs in 2019.
David Moore Connects With Galesburg During National Library Week
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