Recognizing, Honoring, And Celebrating Elliot L. Shelkrot - On his retirement from the Free Library of Philadelphia - For 20 Years of Service as President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Elliot L. Shelkrot has been the President and Director of the Free Library since 1987; and

WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia is a City-wide system of 54 branches including three regional libraries, the library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and the Central Library; and

WHEREAS, Elliot L. Shelkrot has been responsible for the initiation of a wide range of innovative programs to increase library services; and

WHEREAS, Elliot L. Shelkrot was responsible for completing renovations to every one of the community branches, revitalizing the Library's Foundation which has raised millions of dollars for innovative programs and capital improvements; and

WHEREAS, Elliot L. Shelkrot instituted a Volunteer Services office that recruits thousands of volunteers annually and has overseen the creation of numerous award-winning programs for young people; and

WHEREAS, The Library has become the largest provider of free internet access in the City; and

WHEREAS, Elliot L. Shelkrot has launched the process to build a 160,000 square foot addition to the Central Library, designed by the world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council Hereby Recognize, Honor, And Celebrate Elliot L. Shelkrot - On his retirement from the Free Library of Philadelphia - For 20 Years of Service as President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Elliot L. Shelkrot as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

End