The Chicago Public Library and community partners, including The Chicago Urban League, are pleased to present a program in commemoration of the late Mayor Harold Washington and his legacy. The event takes place on Monday, April 14 at 6 p.m. in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium of the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. Now in its 23rd year, the event is an acknowledgement of Mayor Washington’s contributions to society and Chicago history, and to those who had a part in his successes and accomplishments.

Although Mayor Harold Washington served for what seems like a brief 55 months in office, he left an indelible signature on the city of Chicago. Some of his keynote accomplishments include his historic election that defeated the city’s legendary Democratic political machine and brought a reformist agenda to city hall.

While in office Mayor Washington signed a decree to end patronage hiring and created an ethics ordinance that still exists today. Under the Mayor’s leadership, the City developed and implemented a cultural plan to analyze the cultural needs and opportunities for all Chicagoans. Additionally, in 1987 Mayor Washington ordered a design/build competition for a new central library in the South Loop. The City Council authorized the competition and the $144 million bond issue to finance the project but sadly, Mayor Washington died before the winner was selected. For more information, visit chicagopubliclibrary.org or call the Chicago Public Library at (312) 747-4050.