Illinois state library takes on poet Brooks’ name

News From Illinois where Award-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks gave “a great gift” to Illinois, and on the eve of what would have been her 86th birthday, she was honored in return: The state library was named for her.

Officials formally named the building on Friday the Gwendolyn Brooks Illinois State Library.

“Her poetry was unquestionably a great gift to Illinois and our country,” Gov. Rod Blagojevich said.