'Grand Reopening' Features Lionel Richie's Joliet Library Message

JOLIET, IL — About 100 invited guests, dignitaries and politicians attended the Joliet Public Library's "Grand Re-Opening" festivities, but it was one Joliet hometown hero who was not present in person who stole the show — pop music icon and Joliet East High School graduate Lionel Richie.

To everyone's surprise, Richie, a 1967 graduate of Joliet East where he was a star on the boys tennis team, appeared over a video monitor in the newly remodeled downtown public library.

With the enthusiastic and supportive crowd captivated by his appearance, Richie spoke about the Joliet Public Library's impact on his life as a youngster in Joliet.

"Joliet has just the greatest memories in my life, so I want to be a part of this," Richie said in his recorded message. "Congratulations on the Joliet Public Library opening again after a multi-million dollar renovation. I think it's fantastic, and listen, libraries, as much as you want to say, with all of the technology, you don't have to go a library. But the answer is, you have to go to a library, because there's something about being there, the smell of the books, and also the technology there.

"I'm sure you've upgraded to that point where I'm sure it's just one great experience for kids to go and adults to go when they are part of some history of the world, books. I'm loving that."

Richie then went on to say, "So congratulations to everyone who has actually been a part of this bringing it together, and I, Lionel Richie, want to let you know I'm coming back very soon to see this library, because I spent a little time there. So you understand, I want to know what's going on in the future of Joliet.

"Love you so much everybody! God bless you!"

As soon as Richie's recorded video message ended, music from Richie's smash hit from the 1980s, "Dancing on the Ceiling" played over the sound system.

Friday night's event also included the dedication of the newly renovated Joliet Public Library's McGuire Room on the first floor. The now-retired Joliet area senator was instrumental in securing several million dollars in state funds to cover most of the costs for Project Burnham.

The library project was named after famous architect Daniel Burnham, the original architect responsible for the limestone facade at the Joliet Public Library branch at 150 N. Ottawa St.

Project Burnham marked the first time the Joliet Public Library underwent a significant upgrade since 1991. Library officials thanked the Joliet City Council, McGuire, Engberg Anderson Architects, Shales McNutt Construction, the library board of trustees and "our community partners and friends and our library staff for their support throughout this project. Thank you for believing in our vision and the magic of the Joliet Public Library," Friday's brochure read.

The acknowledgement brochure contained a quote from Burnham, the early 20th century architect, who once declared, "Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood."

During Friday's event, Joliet Patch interviewed Tim Bates, the main security guard at the downtown library. Bates has worked here for 28 years.

He believes that Project Burnham turned out fantastic.

"I got to see the progress through all of the phases. It's beautiful, and it's what beauty is all about," Bates told Joliet Patch.

Moments before Joliet Public Library Executive Director Megan Millen grabbed her giant scissors to cut the red ribbon, commemorating the grand reopening, Joliet's executive library director told everyone, "What a humble moment this is to stand in front of you all in this very special occasion. Thank you for being here. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly remodeled Joliet Public Library Ottawa Street branch.

"So when I cut this ribbon ... a new era for Joliet library service will dawn, and then I will invite everybody in to see what we've been up to for the last 18 months," Millen announced.