SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse
White today announced that a public hearing will be held on
Monday, Oct. 2, regarding Illinois residents who do not have
public library service.
The hearing will be held in the atrium of the Illinois State
Library, 300 S. Second St. in Springfield, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
"The issue of citizens without public library service has
challenged the library community for many years," said White.
"It’s important that all citizens have access to a public library
and I hope this public hearing will help resolve some of the
problems that exist."
More than 600 public libraries have been established in
Illinois, but there are still many pockets of land, in rural and
suburban areas, that are not included in library service areas.
The hearing will be held in conjunction with a meeting
convened by the State Library to discuss and develop
recommendations regarding the issue of more than 1 million
Illinois residents who do not have public library service.
The hearing will be structured to allow as many people as
possible to present their views. Oral testimony will be limited
to five minutes per person. The testimony also should be
submitted in writing.
People are encouraged to submit testimony by mail by Oct. 2
to Jean Wilkins, Director, Illinois State Library, 300 S. Second
St., Springfield, IL 62701.
