Branch Libraries: The heartbeat of the community (MIDTERM)

What were two goals local politicians and community leaders hoped to accomplish with the Near North Library's construction?

On page 38 of the article, Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Public Library hoped that the new library would encourage improvements in Cabrini Green and that it would bring together residents of two neighborhoods who had virtually no contact with one another. The library is located on the border between these two neighborhoods because both communities had been requesting a new branch.

How did the location play a role in the creation of the library?

Chicago Public Library Commissioner, Mary Demspey, was given the task to build the new library. She decided to pick a site in Cabrini that was close enough to Gold Coast that those residents would still "feel" that the library was accessible. (pg. 38) Dempsey also decided to build a large parking lot so that people who were not comfortable walking in the dangerous neighborhood would be able to drive there safely.