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HONORING AND CELEBRATING DEBBIE SMART, RECIPIENT OF THE 2019 ILLINOIS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEE OF YEAR AWARD, FOR HER COMMUNITY SERVICE TO RESIDENTS OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart is the recipient of the 2019 Illinois Library Association (ILA) Trustee of the Year Award, an annual recognition to a public library trustee for achievement, leadership and service to libraries. And
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart has served as a member of the Library Board of Trustees of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library since 2011, including as board president and treasurer; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart spearheaded the strategic planning process and search for a new executive director; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart inspired the development of a new “makerspace” building to promote STEAM education and entrepreneurship that will include 3-D printers, laser cutters and vinyl cutters, as well as a small business incubator space and commercial kitchen; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart supported the creation of the nonprofit Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation to enhance the capacity of the library to support new programming; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart volunteers for numerous community organizations including the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights Historical Society, Questers, Kappa Delta Sorority, Arlington Heights Art Commission, St. John UCC Church, the Chamber of Commerce and as chair of an independent task force that studied the Metropolis Performing Arts Theatre; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart, in 2014, received a Hearts of Gold award from Arlington Heights for her volunteer service making a difference in the lives of others and enriching the quality of life for residents through her generous contributions and acts of kindness; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart is a member of the Program and Awards Committee for the United for Libraries division of the American Library Association (ALA), and presented a program on financial stewardship at the 2019 national ALA conference; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart is a vocal champion of her library, and every library, as the place that brings the community together; and
WHEREAS, Debbie Smart is a 28-year Arlington Heights resident, living, working and serving the community she calls home; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Scott Britton, Cook County Commissioner of the 14th District, and the entirety of Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby honor Debbie Smart, congratulate her on the 2019 Illinois Library Association Trustee of Year Award and praise her legacy of service in District 14 and all of Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the text of this resolution be spread across the journal of proceedings of this honorable body and that a suitable copy hereof be presented to Debbie Smart.
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