HPKCC
program home. Committees.
About HPKCC. Blackstone
Branch Library. Phone 312 747-1105. Location 4904 S. Lake Park Avenue.
Branch Manager Anne Keogh; children's library Tina Carter, 312 747-0511, elcarter@chipublib.org
.
For
history and architecture of Blackstone Branch Library visit our Blackstone
page.
Chicago Public
Library website, search branches.
Friends website http://friendsofblackstone.wordpress.com/
Welcome
to Friends of Blackstone Library, which became a committee of Hyde Park-Kenwood
Community Conference August 7, 2008. FOBL president Brenda
Sawyer was elected to the HPKCC Board December 4, 2008.
Join Friends and you automatically become a member
of HPKCC!
Friends
of Blackstone Library meets first Wednesdays, 6 pm, downstairs at the Library.
President Brenda (Mrs. Roderick) Sawyer
Help support the library: contact Brenda to buy a tee-shirt. View
tee-shirt, drawn by a local artist.
Friends
of Blackstone's Despres Family Author Series: Next February 24, Wednesday,
6:30 Tyrone Hayes on environment.
For
more information about upcoming lectures, visit http://friendsofblackstone.workpress.com/.
To
schedule of other events and programs
Library:
New hours for Blackstone Library (48 hours per week only): M, W 12-8 pm. T,
Th 10 am-6 pm. F and Sat 9 am-5 pm.
Blackstone Branch . 4904
S. Lake Park Avenue . Chicago, IL 60615 . (312) 747-0511
Library hours: Monday & Wednesday 12:00 pm. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday Closed.
Blackstone Branch Library.
Phone 312 747-1105. Location 4904 S. Lake Park Avenue.
Branch Manager Anne Keogh; children's library Tina Carter,
312 747-0511, elcarter@chipublib.org
.
Friends:
Friends of Blackstone
elected officers:
Brenda Sawyer (Mrs Roderick),
President
Vicky Long, Vice President
Website: http://friendsofblackstone.wordpress.com/
The offices of Treasurer and Secretary are open at this time.
Hyde Park-Kenwood Community
Conference is pleased to act as fiscal agent for Friends of Blackstone. Those
who join Friends of Blackstone automatically become members of the Conference
and receive the quarterly Reporter. Be sure to give your
form and check directly to Brenda.
___________________________________________________
News
Big
budget cuts are disturbing. Effects include cuts to at most 68 hours operation
a day. CPL says staff is overextended from layoff of the pages (book movers)
and others, and book retrieval and turnaround. Also, with very few evenings
open, the library cannot fulfill its secondary function of serving not only
patrons but community groups and programs
Events
and programs at the library, Friends of Blackstone events. By
date
Events
by date
It's here: The
Despres Family Author Series.
March
31, Wednesday, 6:30 pm. Friends
of Blackstone Library Despres Family Lecture Series at Blackstone Library.
"Chicago Folk in Black and White." YOU MISSED THEM AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
U. OF C. FOLK FEST, SEE THEM HERE!
The ‘60s were a time of great change and upheaval in our nation. That
unrest was often heard in the music known as folk. Captured in hundreds
of photos, Ray Flerlage recorded the Chicago folk scene as it became
the 2nd largest in the country. Join us as the editors of Chicago
Folk: Images of the Sixties Music Scene (2009), Ronald D. Cohen and Bob Riesman,
share an evening of music and photos of this historic time.
The
Despres Family Memorial Lecture Series honors the contributions to civic and
cultural life made by the Despres Family. The series encourages civic discourse
and cultural engagement. 4904 S. Lake Park Ave.
April
7,
Wednesday, 6 pm. Next Friends
of Blackstone Library Despres Family Lecture Series. Panel including vocal
star Nichole Mitchell, John Corbitt, and others- co-sp. by MCA.4904
S. Lake Park. A Passport to Jazz program (http://www.hypachicago.org/passport).
Watch for April 28 Creative Writing Alliance poetry reading, probably at 6:30
pm.
Recurring programs- check
with the library or http://www.chicagopubliclibrary.org.
Toddler Time
two Mondays 10 am
Preschool Story Time two Tuesdays 10 am
Green Gardening Club certain Wednesdays in summer 9:30
Crafts and Conversation two Wednesdays 6:30
Book Discussion for Adults 3rd Saturdays 1 pm
Teen Book Volume
Crafts and stories for kids
Music
Teachers of Hyde Park 4th Monday concerts
Toastmasters Mondays at 7
smARTkids@Blackstone
Library
Is at the Coleman library 10-12, Blackstone 2-4 2nd Saturdays.
One
Book, One Chicago-
MARCH 2010 SCHEDULE:
Event: Toddler Time
Date and Time: Tuesdays, March 2, 16, and 30, 10:00 a.m.
About this event: This program will be designed around a theme and will include
picture books, action activities or flannel board stories. Open to children
0-3 years and their caregivers. Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Dr. Seuss Day
Story Craft
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 2, 3:30 p.m.
About this event: Join us for stories and a craft in celebration of Dr. Seuss’
birthday.
For children ages 5 and up.
Event: Crafts and Conversation
Date and Time: Wednesdays, March 3 and 17, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
About this event: Bring your current craft project. Meet other crafters in
the community. Get inspired to finish those projects! Enjoy great conversation.
Share tips and resources.
Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Preschool Story
Time
Date and Time: Thursdays, March 4, 11 and 18, 10:30 a.m.
About this event: This program will be designed around a theme and will include
picture books, action activities or flannel board stories. Open to children
ages 3-6 and their caregivers. Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Adult Readers’
Party
Date and Time: Saturday, March 6, 2010, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
About this event: Love to read? Come share with others! Read any book that
you want and bring it to the party if possible. Talk about your book with
the group – share comments, highlights, a favorite passage, etc. Mingle
and discuss everything books with fellow book lovers. We will develop a reading
list of books discussed. Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Poetry Cafe
Date and Time: Monday, March 8, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
About this event: Come Read your original poems or poems by favorite poets.
Each poem should be no longer than 4 minutes and must be appropriate for a
general audience. Please bring several poems. Poetry books will be available
to read from and check out. For adults.
Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Women’s
Heritage Month Quiz
Date and Time: Thursday, March 11, 3:30 p.m.
About this event: Test your knowledge about famous women in celebration on
Women’s Heritage Month. For children ages 9 and up.
Event: Smart Museum Presents:
Smart Kids
Date and Time: Saturday, March 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
About this event: Join us for a free drop in family program presented by the
Smart Museum of Art. Open to children ages 4-12 and their families.
Event: Teen Volume Book
Discussion
Date and Time: Tuesday, February 16, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
About this event: Join us for a discussion of How to Build a House by Dana
Reinhardt. For ages 14-19.
Event: St. Patrick’s
Day Story Craft
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 17, 3:30 p.m.
About this event: Join us for stories and a craft in celebration of St. Patrick’s
Day! For children ages 5 and up.
Event: Adult Book Discussion
Date and Time: Saturday, March 20, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
About this event: Join your neighbors for a lively discussion of the book
The Florist’s Daughter by Patricia Hampl. Stop in and pick up a copy
of the book.
Event: Music Teachers
of Hyde Park 4th Monday Concert
Date and Time: Monday, March 22, 2010, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
About this event: Music Teachers of Hyde Park GALA Concert featuring various
performers.
Blackstone Branch . 4904
S. Lake Park Avenue . Chicago, IL 60615 . (312) 747-0511
Library hours: Monday & Wednesday 12:00 pm. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday Closed.
April 2010 Schedule
Event: Fair Talk about
Fair Trade
Date and Time: Saturday, April 3, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
About this event: The Chicago City Council has just unanimously passed a resolution
to make Chicago a Fair Trade City. Cindy Pardo, co-owner of The Fair Trader
in Hyde Park, will talk about what Fair Trade means to our city and the international
community. What makes something Fair Trade? Who is participating in this growing
movement? Why is it a good way to do business? Sample Fair Trade coffee and
chocolate. Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Toddler Time
Date and Time: Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27, 10:00 a.m.
About this event: This program will be designed around a theme and will include
picture books, action activities or flannel board stories. Open to children
0-3 years and their caregivers. Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Crafts and Conversation
Date and Time:
Wednesdays, April 7 & 21, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
About this event: Bring your current craft project. Meet other crafters in
the community. Get inspired to finish those projects! Enjoy great conversation.
Share tips and resources.
Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Preschool Story
Time
Date and Time: Thursdays, April 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30 a.m.
About this event: This program will be designed around a theme and will include
picture books, action activities or flannel board stories. Open to children
ages 3-6 and their caregivers. Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Teen Storytellers
Speak Out!
Date and Time: Thursday April 8, 4:30 p.m.
About this event: Join us as Harlan Academy Storytellers share traditional
tales and urbanized updates of old classic stories. Open to children ages
10 and up!
Event: Smart Museum Presents:
Smart Kids
Date and Time: Saturday, April 10, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
About this event: Join us for a free drop in family program presented by the
Smart Museum of Art. Open to children ages 4-12 and their families
Event: Poetry Cafe
Date and Time: Monday, April 12, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
About this event: Come read your original poems or poems by favorite poets.
Each poem should be no longer than 4 minutes and must be appropriate for a
general audience. Please bring several poems. Poetry books will be available
to read from and check out. For adults.
Call 312-747-0511 to sign up.
Event: Blackstone Branch
Jr. Book Club
Date and time: Wednesday, April 14, 3:30 p.m.
About this event: Join us for a discussion of When You Reach Me by Rebecca
Stead.
Open to children ages 9-11.
Event: Adult Book Discussion
Date and Time: Saturday, April 17, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
About this event: Join your neighbors for a lively discussion of the spring
2010 One Book, One Chicago selection, Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. Stop
in and pick up a copy of the book.
Event: Teen Volume Book
Discussion
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 20, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
About this event: Join us for a discussion of Uglies by Scott Westerfield.
For ages 14-19.
Event: Earth Day Celebration
Date and time: Thursday, April 22, 3:30 p.m.
About this event: School age children are invited to listen to stories and
complete a craft in celebration of Earth Day!
Event: Music Teachers
of Hyde Park 4th Monday Concert
Date and Time: Monday, April 26, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
About this event: Concert featuring Irene Claude on flute, Meg Lauterbach
on cello and Clara Christensen on piano.
Friends
of Blackstone Library was
formed in 2003 by a diverse set of concerned neighbors to serve as an advisory
council for Chicago's first branch library, promote use and improvement of the
library, and provide volunteer and fundraising services for Blackstone. FBL
gratefully acknowledges the efforts of previous volunteer support groups at
the library and the many organizations, businesses, and individuals and families
that support the FBL and the library. The Friends, which elected officers in
January, 2005, has:
- organized
and raised community and business support for celebrations of the library's
centennial,
- successfully
sought a grant from Replogle Foundation for a new, lighted globe and seeks
restoration of the vintage globe (see below),
- hosted
discussions with distinguished authors and in 2010 renamed the series
the Leon Despres Author Series
- works
with staff to increase the library's books and materials, programs and outreach,
- works
to ensure efficient, highest quality and welcoming customer service,
- seeks ways to serve
the afterschool clientele at the library.
Hyde Park-Kenwood
Community Conference has long been interested in the success and growth
of the library and has published information and promotion about the library
and its support groups. In the middle decades of the 20th century, HPKCC monitored
use, efficiency, and a serious book loss at the branch. In 2010 HPKCC became
fiscal agent for FOB and is looking at ways to help.
Residents joined those
who secured library physical restoration, ADA compliance and program commitments
from Chicago Public Library. As a result, the branch is now very internet-connected,
having a bank of public terminals, and has more programs and partners. There
has been long-standing observation that the many kids coming to the library
after school (many of them "latchkey") could be much better assisted
to make full use of the library- a concern of the Conference from the middle
1990s when a previous set of "friends" came to us.
From the Friends' brochure:
Mission:
- To build a partnership
between the library and the community
- To build awareness of
the library's resources and services
- To encourage volunteer
services and activities on behalf of the library
- To raise funds and solicit
gifts to provide m ore pre-school and after school programs
- To maintain Blackstone
as a key cultural institution in Hyde Park and the city of Chicago
Activities:
- Provide volunteer for
CPL summer reading program, Chicago Humanities Fest, Hyde Park Book Sale,
Hyde Park Jazz Fest
- Sponsor quarterly author
series
Benefits of being a Friend
- Access to Smart Museum
membership
- Discount coupons for
Toys Et Cetera
- Membership in the Hyde
Park-Kenwood Community Conference (HPKCC)
Top
Top
Buy
a tee-shirt or a bag with a linoleum-cut design: support Friends and Blackstone
library and programs
Here is Hyde Park-based
artist Gregor Sosnowski's drawing for Friends' silk screened t-shirts, rolled
out at the September, 2004 Centennial Celebration. Buy a tee-shirt:
Contact Brenda Sawyer.
Top
The
branch's current official description.
More is found in www.chicagopubliclibrary.org.
Isabella Norton
Blackstone dedicated the T. B. Blackstone Memorial Library, Chicago
Public Library's first branch, on January 8, 1904, in memory of her husband,
Timothy Beach Blackstone. Mr. Blackstone had been the president of the Chicago
and Alton Railroad prior to his death in 1900. He was also a founding president
of the Union Stock Yards.
The Blackstone
Branch took two years to complete (1902-1904) at a cost of $250,000. Its architect
was Solon S. Beman, designer of the Pullman Historic District. Beman modeled
the building after the Erechthion, a temple on the Acropolis named for Erechtheus,
a mythical king of Athens. The exterior is made of Concord granite, while
parts of the interior are furnished with Italian veined marble. The building's
rotunda has a Tiffany-style dome with a decorative pattern representing Egyptian
papyrus. In the lunettes beneath the dome are four murals by artist Oliver
Dennet Grover, who was associated with the World's Columbian Exposition. The
paintings are entitled Literature, Science, Art, and Labor.
The Blackstone
Branch has a sister library, the James Blackstone Memorial, located
in Branford, Connecticut. Eight years earlier, T. B. Blackstone hired Mr.
Beman and Mr. Grover to design a library in memory of his father. The James
Blackstone Memorial is also fashioned after the Erechthion.
The Blackstone
Branch's adult reading rooms hold mahogany furniture specifically designed
for the space. Also found in these rooms are matching built-in shelving and
custom-made bronze lamps. By the circulation desk in the center of the library
are two-tiered book stacks trimmed with bronze. The mezzanine floor is made
of glass blocks, which children years ago referred to as an "ice skating
pond."
The current
children's room was built as an annex in 1939 as part of a Works Project Administration
(WPA) project at a cost of $68,400.
As Blackstone
reaches its 100th year, it continues to serve the Hyde Park, Kenwood, and
Oakland communities, which have grown to a population of 54,000.* The branch
owns a collection of 52,600 items, including books, music cds, audio books,
magazines, and newspapers. Internet access and several online reference databases
are provided free of charge. Ongoing programs include an adult book discussion
group, Internet tutoring, children's story times and arts & crafts projects.
Additionally, each year the Branch participates in the Chicago Public Library's
system-wide Summer Reading Program.
*Census 2ooo
Service Area Population:
50,084
Ethnic Grouping (1990 Census)
African American 53.3%
White 37.8%
Hispanic 2.4%
Asian American 6.1%
Native American 0.2%
Other 0.3%
Age distribution (1990 Census)
0-17 years 19.6%
18-34 years 33.8%
35-64 years 33.1%
65+ 13.5%
Average School Years Completed: 12.8
Schools Served: Elementary: 17
High School: 4
Shared with other branches: 1
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Blackstone's
centennial celebrations
February
2004.
This
opening-of-the-centennial reception featured speakers, including CPL and branch
staff and Stephen Treffman of the Hyde Park Historical Society, recognition
of former 5th Ward alderman Leon Despres whose father was on the CPL board when
the branch was built, music from a quartet from the Hyde Park Youth Symphony,
and refreshments.
September
18, 2004
Event speakers included State Representative and Majority Leader Barbara Flynn
Currie, Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Public Library Region Manager Ken
Jones, Hyde Park Historical Society Archivist Stephen Treffman. A Proclamation
by President George W. Bush was read. We had music with the Hyde Park Youth
Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble and the inimitable Jesse Scinto, cake, face
painting, balloons, entertainment, a treasure hunt, and prizes. Hyde Park writer
Jenny Schroedel, author of "The Blackbird's Nest: St. Kevin of Ireland"
published by Saint Valdimir's Seminary Press conducted a make-your-own-picture
book workshop for children. The Friends of the Blackstone Branch Library of
the Chicago Public Library continues to conduct a membership drive including
with commemorative t-shirts at $10 designed
by local artist Gregor Sosnowski. Proceeds go to
the branch library itself and FOB library development. For information, contact
Dina Weinstein. (773) 643-6045.
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Murals
being conserved
Work underway this
summer 2009 (see after 2007 piece). August 31 talk by the restorer at 7 pm.
4904 S. Lake Park
Conservator gives
talk July 2007
Hyde Park Herald, July
18, 2007. By Eric Kasang
Blackstone Branch
Library staff and supporters are revving up for restorations of the historic
murals adorning the interior of its domed entrance. People walking into the
Hyde Park library at 4904 S. lake Park Ave. and tilting their heads upward
will notice four faded murals depicting angels and artisans gracing the ceiling's
dome.
And on July
18 an 20 at 7 p.m., Peter M. Schoenmann, head conservator of paintings and
murals for Parma Conservation, Ltd., wil give a free presentation on the restoration.
Schoenmann has been tapped by the Blackstone to undertake the project.
Branch manager
Ann Keough said this conservation is urgent. "The murals needed attention
rather quickly," Keough said. "[Schoenmann] will go over some actual
conservations that he's done and he'll provide a critical analysis of the
murals."
The murals,
with themes relating to labor, literature, the arts and agriculture, were
painted by Oliver Dennet Grover, an artist who created many important murals
in Chicago buildings and who was a major presence during the Word's Columbian
Exhibition in 1893.
Keough said
she tried to get funding for the mural conservation through the Chicago Public
Library Foundation, but did not receive any money. However, she received funding
for the murals from Hyde Park State Rep. Barbara Flynn Curie (D25). "We
were very happy that she secured this money because the murals need restoration
quickly," Keough said.
Currie said
she was ferry happy to help Blackstone. "I know that they have been trying
to secure funding for some time," Currie said. "And I was happy
to make sure libraries in my district get the help they need."
The Blackstone
murals have problems like discoloration from a previous coating on the paintings
and a loose canvass, according to Schoenmann. He hoped that the presentation
would rekindle interest in the project. He also explained that conservation
is preserving the original murals and not repainting them. "Conservation
has less to do being an artist than it has to do with being a chemist and
technician," Schoenmann said. "What we focus on is getting to the
truth, which means never adding anything, but in fact removing all unoriginal
materials."
Schoenmann said
these "unoriginal materials" included various old varnishes and
grime. He said the goal is to return to the artisan's original creation. "We
want to get to what the artist had intended for the viewer to see," Schoenmann
said. "And that never involves interpreting or painting."
Started in 1902,
the Blackstone Library was originally a gift to the City of Chicago from Isabel
Norton Blackstone in memory of her husband and railroad magnate Timothy Beach
Blackstone. The building was designed by noted architect Solon S. Beman and
is a shining example of the Classical Revival style of architecture. For more
information, please cal the Blackstone Branch Library at 312 747-0511.
Blackstone Murals
receive rehab. July
29, 2009. By Sam Cholke
The murals high
up in the main rotunda of Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., are
getting their first care in 50 years -- and it's being done right this time.
"They're pretty dirty," said librarian Lala Rodgers of the four
main panels of the mural depicting literature, science, labor and art. the
murals looked like they had never been cleaned, she said.
In 1959, the
paintings were coated with "no. 38 dull," a furniture varnish, that
trapped dirt in the crannies of the canvas paintings, said Peter Schoenmann
from Parma Conservation. "The coating made it look worse that if it hadn't
been touched," he said. "It took a lot of testing to come up with
a formula that would remove no. 38 dull, but we were successful," Schoenmann
said.
Schoenmann and
conservationists from Bernacki & Associates, who are restoring the plaster
trim and dome that was damaged from a leak in the library's roof, will finish
their work in the first week of August. They will return to the library at
7 p.m. Aug. 31 to give a presentation on the process of restoring the Oliver
Dennett Grover paintings.
"He was
one of the greatest Chicago artists," Schoenmann said. "He was at
the center of everything in art in Chicago at the time." Grover was a
prominent turn-of-the-century painter in the Beaux Arts style, who displayed
work during the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. He was closely aligned
with respected architects of the fair, including Solon Beman, who would go
on to design the Blackstone Library. "It's amazing how few brushstrokes
[Grover] needed to render something that looked alive," Schoenmann said.
"These are exquisite -- it's a shame they're up so high."
The historically
and artistically important dome murals by Oliver Dennett Grover were restored,
unveiled and the subject of a major lecture summer, 2009.
The programs were splendid
. Thanks from FOBL and HPKCC to sponsors including State Representative Barbara
Flynn Currie (who secured a $100,000 grant from the Illinois Dept. of Commerce
and Economic Opportunity), Secretary of State Jesse White, State Librarian,
Chicago Public Library, Mary Dempsey, Commissioner, Elizabeth Dowd, CPL preservationist,
Branch Librarian Anne Keough and staff, Bernacke Company, Parma Restorers,
and many others. Friends of Blackstone took the initiative in spurring this
project.
Unveiling and dedication
were held in a very nice, well attended ceremony and press conference August
27. August 31, the restorers and the CPL preservationist gave wonderful talks
on their work to a packed auditorium.
Blackstone
Library murals fixed. Hyde
Park Herald, August 26, 2009
Illinois House
Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25) and Library Commissioner Mary
A. Dempsey will unveil the fully restored Blackstone Branch Library mural
at 1 p.m. Aug. 27. Currie was instrumental in securing the $100,000 necessary
to restore the mural by Oliver Dennett Grover for the first time in over 50
years.
"It's amazing
how few brushstrokes [Grover] needed to render something that looked alive,"
said Peter Schoenmann from Parma Conservation, which restored the mural's
four painted panels in the library's rotunda. "These are exquisite--
it's a shame they're so high up."
Grover, who
painted the 14-foot by 9-foot panels, was a prominent local artist and muralist
for Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The murals depict the themes
of literature, science, labor and at, each with a central statuesque winged
female surrounded by other figures and allegorical symbols. The murals are
framed by elaborate decorative plasterwork that continues up into the dome
and is accented in gold leaf. Grover reportedly received $10,000 in 1902 to
produce the murals, which were recently appraised at more than 100 times that
amount.
The library
is named for a Chicago philanthropist, Timothy Beach Blackstone, former president
of the Chicago and Alton Railroad. His widow, Mrs. Isabel Farnsworth Norton
Blackstone, commissioned celebrated Chicago architect Solon S. Beman to design
the branch building as a gift to the Chicago Public Library and citizens of
Chicago in memory of her husband. Beman's design for the building was inspired
by the Erectheion, a temple on the Athenian Acropolis.
Top
Learn what other
service organizations and centers are doing in the community in our Collaborers
in the Neighborhood, Community
Resources, and Recreation
Guide pages.
