The Benton Harbor Public Library has been officially renamed the Mamie L. Yarbrough Benton Harbor Public Library now that a dedication has been held to mark the change.
Dignitaries gathered outside the library on Tuesday to honor Mamie Yarbrough, a longtime Berrien County Commissioner representing Benton Harbor, and a longtime library board president.
Former Mayor James Hightower quoted his wife when describing Yarbrough and what she’s meant to the community.
“She has a heart for the community,” Hightower said. “She has the passion, and that’s what made it so joyful to serve with her.”
The library’s origins go back to the late 1890s, and when it first opened, was located above a drug store. A Carnegie donation helped enable the library to acquire its own standalone building, and today, it serves not only Benton Harbor but also Benton Township. Yarbrough said it’s her honor to see her name on the historic institution.
“I thank you all so much,” Yarbrough said. “And I just — all I can think to do is say thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Yarbrough’s served the community in a variety of capacities over the years and remarked that people often tell her she seems to know everybody. As she looked around at the crowd Tuesday, she said, “I do.”
Also Tuesday, Benton Harbor City Manager Alex Little read a resolution from the city commission making the new library name official.
