Marie Concannon traveled to St. Louis on Wednesday, March 16 to speak at St. Louis University Pius XII Memorial Library’s 150th FDLP anniversary event. It was a lovely celebration that brought out supporters both old and new, including John Waide, SLU’s documents librarian from the early 1980s, and Katrina Stierholz (now at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Library, but formerly the documents coordinator at SLU.) Rebecca Hyde, SLU’s current depository coordinator, delivered a speech including these words from James Madison:
“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives” (1822.)
Marie’s presentation included a passage from the Congressional Record dated almost 150 years ago to the day. She then had the honor of presenting GPO’s sesquicentennial plaque to Dave Cassens, Dean of SLU Libraries.
A reception followed. SLU Library’s energetic social media mascot “Lil’ Pius” was excited about the party and sent out a tweet to students. There were also buttons and stickers depicting Lil’ Pius and GPO’s Ben holding hands, “best friends forever.” Guests viewed historical document displays and a slide show that Rebecca and others at SLU put together for the event.
The event was a wonderful way to celebrate 150 years of service. St. Louis University’s Library has our congratulations for doing a stellar job making government information available at St. Louis University and to the people of St. Louis.