Mount Prospect Public Library celebrates 75th anniversary

A cake decorated with written words was the appropriate centerpiece Sunday as the Mount Prospect Public Library celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Among the highlights was the presentation of the Founders' Award to former library Trustee John A. Zulaski by the library's board of trustees.

Zulaski was recognized for his vision, such as the introduction of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education at the library. It now includes 75 science kits, a dedicated youth space for exploration and more than 30 annual programs.

He said he was "flabbergasted" by the honor.

"We were, as far as I know, the first library in the country to offer science kits that patrons could take out just like a book." Zulaski said. "That idea took hold here almost immediately."

Zulaski's daughter, Joanne Ponomar, said the library was important to her family.

"We did our homework here. We were always here, working on some kind of project and checking out books," she said.

Visitors celebrating Sunday included Tom Zander of Picket Fence Realty. He said the library is a source for project ideas around home.

"We'll come, we'll do a little research to get a better idea of what we are looking for," said Zander, who serves on the board of the Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association and the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, both of which hold meetings at the library.