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June 1, 2009

Pat McGuckin
Henry Haupt

White Announces New Display Chronicling Construction Of Illinois State Library

SPRINGFIELD –To commemorate next year’s 20th anniversary of the opening of the Illinois State Library in its current location at 300 South 2nd Street in Springfield, Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced a new display that chronicles the construction of the facility.

“The State Library is unquestionably one of the most beautiful buildings in Springfield,” White said. “As we prepare to mark the 20th anniversary of the completion of the library, patrons now have the opportunity to see in words, photos and architectural drawings how this magnificent facility came into being. It is a fascinating story that merits attention, and I encourage visitors to stop by the library and learn some of its history.”

The display will run through June 30th and is located on the 2nd floor center bridge, and includes initial and final blueprints of the structure and outdoor photos tracing the building’s various phases of construction. There are photos showing the evolution of the building’s impressive five story marble atrium, and photos of the installation of the library’s 15 miles of compact shelving. The display also features stories on the selection of the 35 authors whose names are inscribed on the library’s fourth floor frieze and the selection of artwork by Illinois artists that is displayed throughout the building. Also on display is the “building beam” signed by numerous dignitaries when construction began on the library.

The State Library building was designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White to blend with other buildings in Springfield's Capitol complex. Although $36 million dollars was appropriated for location and actual construction of the building, the entire project was completed approximately $500,000 under budget. Construction took nearly five years to complete. The building was officially dedicated in June of 1990.

In June of 2003, the library was named the Gwendolyn Brooks Building in honor of the late Illinois Poet Laureate. The State Library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except state holidays, and tours may be arranged by telephoning 217-782-2994.