Immigrants become U.S. citizens during ceremony at library

Amidst patriotic decorations, accompanied by friends and family, 75 immigrants held up their right hands and took the Naturalization Oath to become new U.S. citizens on Friday, Sept. 21 at the Schaumburg Township District Library. The event culminated years of studying, learning English, and enduring the official waiting period. The candidates, each with their own challenges and stories, came to the United States from 27 countries.

The Sept. 21 Citizenship Ceremony at STDL was the third in as many years. Candidates were welcomed by Stacey Summers, Branch Chief for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Following the welcome, they were honored with the Presentation of Colors by the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates American Legion Post 1983 before the Oath of Allegiance was administered by Lori Pietropaoli, District Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Literacy Coordinator Pat Barch, who arranged the event, said she plans to continue the library's role in hosting the annual ceremony. Library Director Stephanie Sarnoff agrees, stating the ceremony is a tribute to the rich diversity of our community.

“Hosting the Citizenship Ceremony is an honor for the Library,” Sarnoff said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping people fulfill a dream. Some of them attended literacy and citizenship preparation classes here at the library. Seeing them come full circle by taking the oath is truly an indescribable feeling.”

Following their first Pledge of Allegiance as U.S. citizens, the group listened to congratulatory remarks from Library Board Vice President Ruth Jonen and President Anita Forte-Scott.

Photos of the 2013 Citizenship Ceremony can be seen on the library's Facebook page at www.schaumburglibrary.org. Click on the Facebook symbol on the right and scroll down to see the photos. Photos can also be accessed by searching for Schaumburg Township District Library on Facebook and clicking on “Photos.”