HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso - CC - 110-20094
RESOLUTION NO. 110-2009
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME
HONORING ALFRED ESCOFFIER FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE
TO THE BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY
RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Burlingame:
WHEREAS, Alfred Escoffier is a native of Burlingame and a graduate of Stanford and he has been with
the Burlingame Public Library for 40 years, beginning his career as a page while attending Burlingame High
School. He started his professional career as a reference librarian at the Burlingame Public Library in 1971 and
was appointed City Librarian in December 1992; and
WHEREAS, In 1995 Al oversaw the reconstruction and expansion of the 1930s library building which
resulted in the dedication of a newly reconstructed library building in 1997. In 2003 the Library building was
flooded from a broken water valve, causing extensive damages. After a month closed for clean-up and repairs the
library re -opened. Al also oversaw the reconstruction of the Easton Branch which was re -opened in 2004; and
WHEREAS, In 1994 Al helped establish the Burlingame Library Foundation for donors to support the
library which has raised over $3,000,000. Funds from the Foundation have helped support the reconstruction of
both the main library and the Easton Branch; and
WHEREAS, Al has been very active in the Peninsula Library System, acting as chair and serving on a
number of committees; and Al was the driving force behind the first annual "One Book One Community" concept
to the library patrons in San Mateo County with the author Khaled Hosseini; and
WHEREAS, Al Escoffier truly exemplifies all that is the best in librarianship. From his time as a newly -
minted Reference Supervisor also working on his Master's Degree in Public Administration, through his tenure as
City Librarian, Al has dedicated himself to making Burlingame Public Library the best it could be. The result is
the ever -thriving patronage at the "Jewel of Burlingame", our Main Library and the neighborhood treasure that is
now the Easton Branch; and
WHEREAS, Under Al's stewardship the annual total circulation for both the Main and Easton has grown
by more than 70%. The population served has grown from 34, 570 with 17,422 borrowers in 1992 to 36,657 with
27,731 borrowers today. There has been a more than 70% increase in circulation and a more than 59% increase in
borrowers under Al's tenure; and
WHEREAS, The Easton Branch was renovated with $1,000,000 raised by the Library Foundation and
since it reopened in October 2004 circulation at Easton has increased by 160% going from 30,000 a year to
78,000 a year.
NOW, THEREFORE, this City Council honors Alfred Escoffier on his retirement and for his 40 years
of service to tthh/e� citizens
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Mayor Cathy Baylock Vice Mayol Teny N gel
uncilreliber Jerry Deal Councihnember An1Ct{eiglu an Councilmetnber MJ104AnI47
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