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HJR 25

JIM EDGAR READING ROOM

104th Regular Session Introduced by Carol Ammons and 45 co-sponsors

Designates two rooms in the Illinois State Library as the “Jim Edgar Reading Room” and designates the Illinois Authors’ Collection there, as a ceremonial honor.

Added as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. John F. Curran
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Bill Summary · HJR 25

Summary — HJR 25: “Jim Edgar Reading Room”

Status: Joint resolution (designatory). Primary sponsors: Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (House) and Sen. Don Harmon (Senate). Adopted by both houses May 30, 2025; enrolled and transmitted through post-adoption processing (see Procedural timeline). Fiscal note: zero (LEG).

Purpose

HJR 25 designates Rooms 105 and 109 of the Illinois State Library (300 South Second Street, Springfield) as the “Jim Edgar Reading Room” and identifies that space as the home of the Illinois Authors’ Collection. The resolution honors former Illinois Secretary of State and Governor James R. “Jim” Edgar for his contributions to libraries, literacy, and Illinois’ literary heritage.

Key provisions

  • Officially designates Rooms 105 and 109 in the Illinois State Library as the “Jim Edgar Reading Room.”
  • Identifies the room as the location housing the Illinois Authors’ Collection.
  • Directs that suitable copies of the resolution be presented to Jim Edgar and to the Illinois Secretary of State (Alexi Giannoulias), as an expression of esteem.

Background / Rationale (as stated in the resolution)

The resolution recounts Jim Edgar’s public service and library-related accomplishments, including:
- Service in the Illinois House (1977–1979), as Illinois Secretary of State (1981–1991), and as Governor (1991–1999).
- Initiation of Read Illinois and stewardship of the State Library (as Secretary of State).
- Establishment of ILLINET Online (a statewide interlibrary resource catalog and circulation support).
- Development of a nationally recognized adult literacy program and support for rural library development and public library districts.
- Leadership in the construction/dedication of the new Illinois State Library (dedicated June 20, 1990) and selection of authors whose names appear on the building.

Who is affected / impact

  • Practical effect: purely ceremonial and nominative — it names library rooms and associates them with the Illinois Authors’ Collection.
  • Operationally: no change to law, programs, funding, or library governance.
  • Symbolically: honors Jim Edgar; may affect signage, public recognition, and visitor orientation at the State Library.

Fiscal impact

  • Legislative Fiscal Note: ZERO (no legislative fiscal impact reported).

Procedural timeline (selected)

  • Filed with Clerk: March 26, 2025 (filed by Rep. Welch).
  • House and Committee actions: hearings and committee approvals in May 2025; House passage May 13, 2025.
  • Senate actions: referred to committees in May 2025; passed Senate May 19, 2025 (version HJR 25 am).
  • Adopted by both houses: May 30, 2025.
  • Enrolled / transmitted and post-adoption steps noted in late July 2025 (administrative entries reflect enrollment and transmission).

Sponsors / Co-sponsors

Large bipartisan list of sponsors and co-sponsors from both chambers (examples: Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro, Rep. Ann M. Williams, Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Sen. John F. Curran as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor). (Full sponsor list available in the bill header.)

Note: HJR 25 is a commemorative joint resolution that names state property in honor of an individual and does not create or amend enforceable statutory obligations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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