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Benton Harbor dedicates public library to Mamie L. Yarborough
Summary
City officials and residents gathered in Benton Harbor to dedicate the public library to Mamie L. Yarborough, citing decades of civic service; the program included prayers, a musical tribute, and a formal reading of a resolution summarizing Yarborough’s biography and local roles.
City of Benton Harbor officials and residents dedicated the public library in honor of Mamie L. Yarborough during a ceremony that featured an invocation, musical tribute and a formal reading of a resolution praising her decades of civic service.
Alex Little, identified in the program as the city’s senior manager, read the resolution noting Yarborough was ‘‘born and raised in the city of Benton Harbor,’’ graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1959, and had served on the library board since 1998, including time as board president. The resolution listed civic certifications and described Yarborough’s long record of community involvement.
Reverend James Hightower, a former mayor and pastor who spoke at the ceremony, praised Yarborough’s ‘‘heart for the community’’ and her passion for service. ‘‘She has the passion,’’ he said, urging attendees to give her the recognition. The invocation was led by Reverend Dr. Kim Robinson of 2nd Baptist Church.
A resident who addressed the crowd thanked the city and reflected on the honoree’s local ties, saying, "I thank the city of Benton Harbor, my city. God is good." Another attendee noted a $3,500 contribution to support library operations and named librarian Theodosia Faulkingham as a key staff member who has helped steward the library’s services.
Speakers repeatedly framed the event as a community achievement. ‘‘You are sitting with a living legend,’’ one commissioner said during remarks acknowledging Yarborough’s leadership and ongoing involvement with the board. Organizers and speakers emphasized that the council sought to confer the honor while Yarborough could be present to accept it.
The ceremony closed after additional tributes and logistical notes about future activities. The resolution and the remarks at the dedication formalized the city’s recognition of Yarborough’s long-standing service to Benton Harbor’s library and broader civic life.
