•June 14, 2017•

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White hosted a poetic celebration of late Pulitzer Prize winner and Illinois Poet Laureate, Gwendolyn Brooks on her 100th birthday at the State Library in Springfield. The event featured poetry written by Brooks and recited by outstanding local writers, artists and performers.

In 1968, Brooks was named Illinois Poet Laureate, succeeding Carl Sandburg, and held that title until her death on December 3, 2000. On June 6, 2003, the State Library building was officially rededicated in honor of Gwendolyn Brooks. Her name appears among other Illinois authors etched on the building’s exterior fourth-floor frieze.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.