Evanston to Honor Former Mayor Joan Barr-Smith Monday

Submitted by the City of Evanston

The City of Evanston will honor former Mayor Joan Barr-Smith by renaming the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center’s Aldermanic Library in her memory. The public is cordially invited to attend the dedication ceremony and reception on Monday, October 19, 7 p.m., at the Morton Civic Center, located at 2100 Ridge Ave., in Evanston.

In 1977, Joan Barr-Smith was elected as the first female alderman of Evanston’s 2nd Ward. After serving two terms as alderman, she became the first female mayor of Evanston in 1985. Barr-Smith served two terms as mayor until 1993, then went on to work for the State of Illinois Department of Employment Security. During her tenure as mayor, Barr-Smith was known for her commitment to economic development and for fostering town-gown relations with Northwestern University. Her accomplishments include the development of Evanston’s downtown, construction of a new main library, creation of the blue ribbon panel on homelessness, founding of the Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park, and the redevelopment of Marshall Field’s building, among others.

Barr-Smith’s lifelong participation in numerous civic organizations began when she served as president of the Dewey Community Conference. She also was an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church, a position she served until well into her later years. Barr-Smith passed away on March 21, 2015.

For more information, please call or text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.