The Peoria chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will dedicate a display case to its former president Jack ( J.D.) Wheeler at 1:00 p.m. on June 11 at the Peoria Public Library’s Downtown branch, 107 NE Monroe.

Wheeler, who died in 2007, was a long time supporter of both the ACLU and the library. He served as Peoria ACLU chapter president from 1991-2000, and was an outspoken advocate for civil liberties and civil rights. He wrote letters and newspaper columns about these issues, appeared at public meetings, and served as the spokesman for the Peoria chapter.

The display case, in Lower Level Two of the library, will initially contain books, documents and other items on civil liberties, then will be used for other displays. Funds for the display case were raised from contributions from those who remember Wheeler and his advocacy.

Speakers for the event will include C. Paul Miller, Peoria ACLU Chapter President Tom Pugh, Wheeler’s friend, Peoria ACLU Board member and former associate editor Peoria Journal Star; and Mike Bailey, editor, Peoria Journal Star.

The event is free and open to the public. Civil liberties informational brochures and free ACLU- Bill of Rights bookmarks will be available.