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Friends of Blackstone Branch LibraryThis page is brought to you by the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference and its website www.hydepark.org and will become a page of information from Friends of Blackstone Library, associated with HPKCC. To contact or join Friends of Blackstone, call Dina Weinstein at (773) 643-6045. Join the Conference and support our work. Contact HPKCC. |
For
history and architecture of Blackstone Branch Library visit our Blackstone
page.
Chicago
Public Library Blackstone Branch website (does
not list programs and services).
Blackstone Branch Library. Phone 312 747-1105. Location 4904 S. Lake Park Avenue.
Branch Manager Anne Keogh; children's library Tina Carter.Friends of Blackstone Library meets first Wednesdays, 6 pm, downstairs at the Library. President Dina Weinstein, (773) 643-6045 dina_w@hotmail.com
Help support the library: contact Dina to buy a tee-shirt. View tee-shirt, drawn by a local artist.Friends of Blackstone elected officers:
Dina Weinstein, President
Vicky Long, Vice President
Brenda Sawyer, Secretary
The office of Treasurer is open at this time.Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is pleased to act as fiscal agent for Friends of Blackstone.
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Blackstone Branch library received a fine write up in the May 10 Chicago Maroon. The article extols the wonderful furnishings and historic decor as well as the rich resources with which to nourish the mind and prepare for a full life.
The Friends were highly praised at the September Annual Meeting of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, which is FOBL's temporary fiscal agent.
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:
*Blackstone Branch has recently received over 200 high quality DVD's and continues to receive 12 a month. These are high-quality movies, PBS program and more. The initiative of the Friends played a major role in this improvement.
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.
Several Hyde Parkers have expressed at times a sense that the library had begun to live up less to its potential - disappointment when the structure was allowed to be half hidden by a street-unfriendly garage, disappointment when Blackstone could not be included in the 53rd St. TIF district, and at staff firings that seemed to many heavy-handed.
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. Yet there continued to be dissatisfaction with service problems and staff turmoil including including four managers in two years, and a sense that there could be much more program and tutoring activity. In particular, 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.
To address such problems and promote use and recognition of the library, a new Friends of Blackstone was born. From the start, Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference was one of the organizations to which the Friends turned. The Conference has encouraged Friends, provided fiscal umbrella services for Friends as an affiliate and publicized Friends of Blackstone and its programs.
Hyde Park Herald, January 28, 2004. By Mike Stevens
The Blackstone Library is getting a little help from its friends. The library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., which is turning 100 this year, will get a birthday present from a group of regulars who are looking to improve customer service, expand book selection and support new programs for the branch.
The Friends of the Blackstone Library hopes to support the library through raising money and recruiting volunteers, according to Hyde Park organizer Dina Weinstein. "There are a lot of bookstores [in the neighborhood,] but the library is special," said Weinstein.
The group will serve as a forum for library users to air complaints and concerns, according to Weinstein. She predicted improving customer service will be an immediate focus. "Customer service is a big issue,"said Weinstein. "I'd like to hear 'Hello welcome to the library, what can I help you with today?'"
Other goals include improving the lighting and relative isolation of the branch, which is tucked behind the parking garage for the adjacent building. These two elements combine to make the area around the library a "scary little pocket of the community," according to Weinstein. "I'm hoping the alderman and the city will [help] to improve the facilities outside the branch," said Weinstein.
Approximately 33 other branches in Chicago have similar groups, according to library officials. They provide and effective way "to get the word out about services we have here [at the library], as well as things [the community] would like to see," said Blackstone library [then interim librarian] Carol Roza.
In a first step towards improving the library, the group will organize volunteers to provide after-school homework help for local students, according to Weinstein. Other plans include starting a teen literacy program and buying new books for the library. But new programs and new books require new dollars. Funding possibilities include a literacy grant offered by Starbucks and lobbying he Co-op Market to divert proceeds from their annual Community Book Sale to the branch, said Weinstein.
The Friends meet 1st Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, 4904 S. Lake Park.
Note, Friends is also interested in restoring the globe and restocking the shelves.
The Friends of Blackstone Branch Library (FBBL) of the Chicago Public Library is proud of its latest gift to the branch's children's room: a 20-inch illuminated globe that sits smartly on a mahogany floor stand. The Replogle globe boasts bright, up-to-date borders and a blue ocean. It stands in contrast to the 100-plus-year-old globe in the adult reading room, a dark, antiquated look at our planet.
The classic student globe is a gift from the Replogle Foundation, a Washington foundation with roots in Chicago devoted to promoting classical studies and geography, through a grant written by FBBL.
It's arrival is an exciting window into our present state, as we help to maintain our local libraries old treasures. Getting that globe, started when Howard Zar and Sherry Goodman took on the task of renovating the vandalized antique globe. Since initiating that task and getting the go-ahead from library officials, Howard and Sherry researched the (now-defunct) maker of that original globe (W and AK Johnston), assessed the cost of restoring it, and found Chicago-based restorers to execute the work. We will soon apply for a grant for this using the Chicago Area Grant Application Form through the Donors Forum.
Join us in supporting the Blackstone Branch library while feeding the book frenzy at the FBBL benefit days at Borders Bookstore in Hyde Park located at 1539 East 53rd Street on May 20 and 21. Borders will donate a portion of sales on those two days to the Friends group. However, you must indicate your participation in the Benefit Days with a coupon at the check-out.
You can pick up the coupon at the Blackstone Branch Library or download it from our updated website www.hydepark.org/index.html. Proceeds will go to support the library staff. Blackstone Branch Head Anne Keogh has expressed the need for updated circulation desk components and shelving for the library's new DVD Collection.
You can also purchase t-shirts and bags with a beautiful linoleum-cut design through the web site; proceeds go toward the Friends group.
FBBL members hope to learn more about working with library officials at Friends of Libraries USA sessions of the American Library Association conference in June her in Chicago.
Summer also means kids can keep on learning and having fun with the jam-packed Chicago Public Library summer reading program. We invite other book and library lovers to volunteer for the activities associated with that program. There will also be activities to kick off the 6-week event and keep kids busy throughout the summer.
Volunteers are needed to assist Shilo Halfen, the Blackstone Branch's children's librarian, at least once a week during morning and afternoon sessions. During these sessions, children present their book reports in an effort to win a t-shirt proclaiming their achievement. Call Shilo at (312) 747-0511. Volunteers need to be fingerprinted.
FBBL holds monthly meetings the first Wednesday of the month...at 6 pm, 4904 South Lake Prk Avenue. Thanks to all volunteers and CPL staffers who have worked on grants, programs, meetings and organization. Also, thanks to the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference for assisting us with our finances as we work toward our non-profit status.
Dina Weinstein, president, Friends of the Blackstone Branch Library of the Chicago Public Library. Dina_w@hotmail.com
Thanks to the Hyde Park Co-op Supermarket for making a $500 donation to the Friends of the Blackstone Branch Library. The amount came from profits yielded at the 2004 Columbus Day Weekend used book Sale at the Co-op. Members of the Friends group volunteered at the event.
The whole neighborhood (and beyond) looks forward to the yearly book sale. It's a great happening from the perspective of a consumer and a volunteer. The donation will be used toward materials and programming needed at the branch.
The Blackstone Branch Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., [was] buzzing this summer. children... enjoying the aquatic themed summer reading program. a number of volunteers are helping to make that a rewarding experience. Having just lost the Blackstone's children's librarian, the Friends group is working to bring programming to our local branch for young readers as it will take months for that position to be filled.
The Friends of the Blackstone Branch Library meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6 pm in the Library's basement.
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In addition to the toddler time, bedtime, preschool storytime, book club, periodic Voices from Home author events....
Fourth Mondays, 7:30 pm. Music Teachers of Hyde Park concerts. Next Nov. 26.
Tuesdays, 10 am. Toddler Time Tuesdays. 4904 S. Lake Park. 312 747-0511.
Tuesdays, 6;30 pm. Free meditation class. Bill Wu773 51-9722, wbwu@chicago.edu.
Thursday, 10:30 am. Preschool Storytime at Blackstone Library. Ongoing Thursdays. 4904 S. Lake Park. 312 324-0511.
Monthly 1st Saturdays Adult Book Discussions at Blackstone Library. Potluck welcome.
Cerain Fridays, 1:30 pm. Knitting Circle.
Certain Wednesdays , 7 pm. Jokes program
February 21, Thursday, 7 pm. Friends of Blackstone Library "Voices from Home-Local Authors Speak' presents WBEZ interviewer Richard Steele with author Bayo Ojikutu on his new South Side novel "Free Burning." 4904 S. Lake Park. 312 747-0511.
A Mural "Let It Fly" has been dedicated in and for the Blackstone Branch Library Children's Room.
Blackstone has a new Children's Librarian, welcomed with enthusiasm by the Friends of Blackstone Library. See below.
"smART Kids at Blackstone Library." 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. 2nd and 4th Sats. 2-4 pm.
Call the library concerning 2nd Wednesday Artists for 10-13 yo's, Fall Story Hours on Thursdays for 2 to 5s, Fall Toddler Time for 3s to 10s.
Friends of Blackstone helps with such book-related events as the Sept. 57th
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Dina Weinstein, Friends of Blackstone, welcomes new Children's Librarian Tina Carter in Herald letter May 17, 2006 The Chicago Public Library has hired a new children's librarian for the Blackstone Library. Her name is Tina Carter. The Friends of Blackstone Library warmly welcome her to the branch. We are excited to have her here. At the monthly Friends meeting Ms. Carter showed up in a King Tutankhamun-style headgear to demonstrate some of the features of the library's summer reading program that is open to all children. The theme is ancient Egypt, with the Field Museum, the host of the upcoming Tutankhamum and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit, as the program's partner Kids who participate and then complete the reading program can win a really cool T-shirt. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Carter and if you know of anyone who can give one or two hours a week to volunteer to help out with this popular program throughout the summer, have them contact Ms. carter at the Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., 312 747-0511.
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FOB donates dollhouse. Don't miss Smart Families at Blackstone. The Friends of the
Blackstone Library has made a gift to our branch library of a wooden dollhouse
(with dolls and furniture) and wooden puzzles. You can find it all surrounding
a bright rug in the branches' children's room. Please help the library
staff neatly maintain the new materials. |
Check with the library and its website, and this website's Cultural Calendar, for a full suite of children's and readers events, including occasional author programs. The library hosts midweek mid-day and Saturdays wee-ones and young elementary book, story and craft programs; a 3rd Saturday afternoon monthly book discussion; holiday and seasonal family festivals, Toastmasters Club and a Falun Gong program. Periodic internet and computer tutoring/training have also been available.
smARTkids@Blackstone
Library
4904 S. Lake Park Avenue in Hyde Park, Chicago
Second Saturday, 2-4 pm : continuing through June 2007! 2-4 pm
The Smart Museum of Art and the Blackstone Branch of the Chicago Public Library
are teaming up for an exciting new series of FREE drop-in family workshops.
Visit the children's reading room in the library and join Smart Museum staff
for exciting art and reading-related activities. Parents, caregivers and children
can make art projects together, read related stories, and explore artworks on
the Smart's children's website, smARTkids. Best for children ages 3 and up.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 773-702-4540.
Jacqueline Terrassa
Deputy Director of Collections,
Programs and Interpretation
Smart Museum of Art
University of Chicago
5550 S. Greenwood Avenue
Chicago IL 60637
ph. 773.702.2351
fax 773.702.3121
Dina Weinstein
Friends of the Blackstone Branch Library
(773) 643-6045
dina_w@hotmail.com
One Book, One Chicago- Fall 2007 Arthur Miller's The Crucible, set in 17th Century Salem, Massachusetts
On October 4 2007, the Library held a reading of parts of The crucible and a dissussion with Steppenwolf Theatre.
October 20, Saturday, 1 pm. Book Discussion Group- Arthur Miller's The Crucible. 4904 S. Lake Park. 312 747-0511.
For full schedule visit the library or www.chicagopubliclibrary.org. Or look in our Cultural Calendar page. Top.
Marsha Melsheimer presents Music Anytime with the Young Child in the basement of Blackstone Branch Library.
Don't miss the 4th Monday, 7:30 pm, concerts by Music Teachers of Hyde Park. Not in summer.
(Do not take the following listing of library and partnership or hosted events as necessarily current or happening every indicated calendric return, always visit or call the library, 312 747-0511.
1st Mondays- Toastmaster's Club, 7.
3rd Saturdays 1 pm, - Book Discussion with pot luck lunch
Preschool Story Times. Tuesdays (not all) starting January 20 at 10:30 am. Ages 0-5.
Bedtime Tales @ Blackstone. Wednesdays at 6:30 starting January 28. Kids come in pajama or with favorite toy. Ages 0-6.
Saturday Open Craft Day. Various days and times monthly. April 23 Registration required.
One-on-one internet tutoring fall-May. Make an appointment at the desk. The library is wired and wireless- available to any with a library card.
Watch for the Summer Reading Program.
Friends of the Blackstone meet 1st Wednesdays in the lower level of the Library, 6 pm.
The Friends of Blackstone noticed the deteriorating condition of the branch's vintage 1930s large globe. They took a two-pronged attack. They are still seeking funds to fully restore the vintage globe. They also applied for and received a grant from the Replogle Foundation, for a new, lighted 20+ inch state-of-the-art globe now placed in the Children's wing. (Replogle is a major globe and mapmaker that was headquartered downtown and is now in Broadview, IL.) Here is a story on the search for a solution, as it stood in mid-stream, September 2004:
Library deals with the cost of global forming
Hyde Park Herald, September 15, 2004. by Tedd Carrison
The world is in such a state of decay that it may deteriorate into a state of oblivion over the next few years and it seems that only the Friends of the Blackstone Branch of the Chicago Public Library can save it.
A 28-inch globe that predates World War II has been a fixture of the Blackstone Branch of the Chicago Public Library for years and is now showing small-scale evidence of soil erosion, melting ice caps and heedless plate tectonics.
According to Howard Zar, a member of the recently formed "Friends" group, the globe has "suffered over the years" and "is in quite bad shape." this has prompted the group to address restoration or replacement options for the worldly creation of W. and K. K. Johnston Limited, a London printing and engraving firm.
While the exact value of the globe and the cost of restoration are as yet unknown, estimates place a $8,000 to $25,000 price tag on the project. The low side of the scale would include a cleaning and makeshift replacement of damaged parts, the high side would cover a complete restoration. Unfortunately, the library's budget is already burdened by collection and infrastructure issues and therefore "not planning on any capital investment" in the project, according to library spokesperson Maggie Killackey. "We are always thrilled to work with community groups for bettering the library," said Killackey. She said it is too early for the CPL to have a clearly defined role in the project.
To cover the expenses, the "Friends" community group is seeking grant money and private donations from groups like the Replogle foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences.
Although the library would like to restore their world-weary globe, replacement has not been ruled out. A modern globe could prove more cost effective and would be geographically up to date. If replaced, it has also been proposed to move the current globe to the Harold Washington Library museum area where it may be better guarded from future vandalism and wear.
A trade for two 32-inch globes, valued at $5,000 a piece, has been discussed with a private dealer but no solid proposal has been given.
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 Dina Weinstein, dina_w@hotmail.com.
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 Erechtheion.
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
Looking
for a Starbucks alternative - without the coffee? The Chicago Public Library
is
now offering wireless access at Blackstone Library! Bring
your wireless device in and enjoy wi-fi connection immediately. Researchers
who need both access to the internet as well as reference materials found
at Blackstone can have the best of both worlds. Wireless internet access is now offered at public libraries, other computer services expanded. Anyone with a laptop can access from any of the 76 branches, in addition to free desktop computer service already available! this will be the largest public library net in the country. In addition, patrons can now reserve two one-hour sessions on desktop as far as 3 days in advance by using their card at the library or via www.chicagopubliclibrary.org/pcres/reserve.pl. Also, users may print up to 10 pages free (more are 15 cents each). Remember that a library card is now required for computer access Top |
Blackstone Branch gets permanent librarian
Hyde Park Herald, October 27, 2004. by Nykeya Woods
The Blackstone Branch Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., announced last week its new branch manager Anne Marie Keogh, a 17-year veteran with Chicago Public Library and the Indiana library system. In her previous position at the Canaryville Library Branch, 642 W. 73rd St., the Indiana native spent nearly 10 years as first assistant librarian. With this new position she takes on the challenge of being the one in charge.
"I thought, 'I've been the first assistant [librarian] at this nice small library and I've been here since almost the beginning...I probably need a new challenge at this point," Keogh said. Keogh has a bachelor's of journalism degree from St. Mary of the Woods College in Indiana, but never has much interest in traditional journalism or public relations. She went on to get a maters degree in library science from Indiana University. Two months after she graduated from Indiana University, she was hired at a library and from there here career took off.
Keough said she has reached her peak position as a branch manager. As she has set forth goals for the Blackstone Library, she also plans to continue to make sure people are still connected with library resources.
"One of the things that I have currently been looking at is its space utilization, particularly with the downstairs basement area," Keough said. She said the library is 100-years-old and "not user friendly." She wants the overall look and feel of the auditorium, classroom and staff lounge to improve.
"My goals, so far are more facilities oriented than programming. That [possible programs] is still in the thinking stage, " Keough added. This includes more internet accessibility to the public...
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.
Murals being conserved, 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.
Learn what other service organizations and centers are doing in the community in our Collaborers in the Neighborhood, Community Resources, and Recreation Guide pages.