Champaign, IL – After 55 wonderful years with Champaign Public Library, Essie Harris, Douglass Branch Manager, has announced her retirement. Harris has been a longstanding champion for bringing library services, programming, and collaboration to our community. In 2018, she was recognized with the Illinois Library Association’s Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award, honoring sustained activity and contributions having a lasting impact on librarianship.

Essie Harris has served in many different roles at the library—everything from shelving books to serving as Branch manager for the past 22 years. In addition, she has relished her role as mentor to dozens of University of Illinois School of Information Science students and staff members over the years. She has also served on numerous committees, including the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.

Announcements will be forthcoming regarding the search for a new manager for the Douglass Branch.

Posted 9/19/2024