Community wants answers on Gerber/Hart future
Tue. February 21, 2012 10:08 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
library location in edgewater is for rent
photo credit // kate sosin/wct
Chicago, IL -
A group of concerned volunteers, members, past board members and others connected to Gerber/Hart Library has issued a letter to Gerber/Hart President Karen Sendziak and the current board requesting the organization discuss questions surrounding the library's future.
The letter, which was sent on Feb. 14, comes just weeks after a series of stories from the Windy City Times that revealed the library is planning to move amid questions surrounding its compliance with non-profit law and board of directors.
Sendziak respond to the letter late Monday, Feb. 20, according to the Windy City Times.
"I hope that all the friends of Gerber/Hart will support the board as it undertakes the serious and complex task of determining our new home," wrote Sendziak.
In her response, Sendziak addresses a number of concerns including late tax filings, fewer board members and the physical condition of the current location.
"Yes, there are fewer board members, because in recent years it has been difficult to find qualified individuals who are willing to devote the time needed and are not burdened by conflict of interest," she explained.
Sendziak said the financial base is "sound."
However, the ongoing questions and lack of transparency from Sendziak has many in the community concerned over the future of Chicago's only LGBT library and archives, which houses over 14,000 volumes, 800 periodical titles, and 100 archival collections.
Kate Sosin from the Windy City Times first reported on the story in January when neighbors noticed a "for rent" sign in the front window of the 5,500-square-foot space at 1127 W. Granville Ave, which is the library's current location.
The library was founded in 1981 and has since grown into being the Midwest's largest LGBT circulating library. It was originally located at 3255 N. Sheffield Ave.
Read more from the Windy City Times:
Gerber/Hart insiders issue letter to board
The letter, which was sent on Feb. 14, comes just weeks after a series of stories from the Windy City Times that revealed the library is planning to move amid questions surrounding its compliance with non-profit law and board of directors.
Sendziak respond to the letter late Monday, Feb. 20, according to the Windy City Times.
"I hope that all the friends of Gerber/Hart will support the board as it undertakes the serious and complex task of determining our new home," wrote Sendziak.
In her response, Sendziak addresses a number of concerns including late tax filings, fewer board members and the physical condition of the current location.
"Yes, there are fewer board members, because in recent years it has been difficult to find qualified individuals who are willing to devote the time needed and are not burdened by conflict of interest," she explained.
Sendziak said the financial base is "sound."
However, the ongoing questions and lack of transparency from Sendziak has many in the community concerned over the future of Chicago's only LGBT library and archives, which houses over 14,000 volumes, 800 periodical titles, and 100 archival collections.
Kate Sosin from the Windy City Times first reported on the story in January when neighbors noticed a "for rent" sign in the front window of the 5,500-square-foot space at 1127 W. Granville Ave, which is the library's current location.
The library was founded in 1981 and has since grown into being the Midwest's largest LGBT circulating library. It was originally located at 3255 N. Sheffield Ave.
Read more from the Windy City Times:
Gerber/Hart insiders issue letter to board