Miracle In a $1 bill

mgfarrelly — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:13 +0000

A great story about the William Leonard Public Library from the Southtown Star.

Miracles do not always involve the parting of the Red Sea. Sometimes they come in the form of a $1 bill wrapped around a newspaper article.

On Aug. 19, I wrote a column about the public library in Robbins needing a financial miracle to keep its doors open after the end of the month.

“We have our miracle, and our library is going to remain open at least through September,” said Priscilla Coatney, administrator of the William Leonard Public Library District.

Coatney said the library district has received $21,584 in contributions since the column appeared. And that doesn’t include federal grant money promised by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st), of Chicago.

Thanks to all donors for your amazing support!

Thanks Chicagoist!

mgfarrelly — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:56:19 +0000

Thanks to the local bloggers at “The Chicagoist” for posting about the efforts to keep the William Leonard Public Library open.

Fundraiser for the Library Aug 29th

mgfarrelly — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:09:41 +0000

August 29th at 5:00pm a fundraiser for the William Leonard Public Library will be held at

13822 Central Park, Robbins, IL 60472

All donations will be gratefully accepted

Sponsored by the Friends of the William Leonard Public Library Board
Priscilla Coatney, Library Administrator

Questions?
Phone: 708-597-2760
Fax: 708-597-2778

Save Our Library Rally

mgfarrelly — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:55:34 +0000

ABC 7 Chicago covered the rally to save the William Leonard Public Library District.

The Southtown Star also provided coverage of the event.

The Library Journal summarizes the situation as well.

Make a donation today, invest in the future of the William Leonard Public Library.

Donations can be made via check or Money Order to

William Leonard Public Library District
13820 Central Park Avenue
Robbins, IL 60472

Please, Mr. President: Save our library

mgfarrelly — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:44:22 +0000

A story about the William Leonard Public Library closure appeared in Wednesday’s Chicago Sun Times

From the outside, it’s an uninspiring little building made of pink and gray cinder block, and surrounded by a few wilting shrubs.

But within its walls, children dream of pharaohs and pyramids, boy wizards and Quidditch, and a mischievous little girl named Matilda who once put glue inside her daddy’s hat.

On Tuesday, another little girl made a direct plea to President Obama to help keep the doors open at the cash-strapped William Leonard Public Library in Robbins.

“Please help us,” said Shawna Lewis, 8, standing in front of the library. “I read and write and use the computer here every day. This is an emergency. I know you are very busy, but please don’t let our library in Robbins, Illinois, close. Bail us out.”

The library is currently accepting donations. Please help today!

Donations can be made via check or Money Order to

William Leonard Public Library District
13820 Central Park Avenue
Robbins, IL 60472

Thank you for your support!