Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – May 16, 2023

Agenda

  1. Approval of minutes for the January 18, 2023 meeting (action required)
  2. Administration and Finance Report (info only)
  3. Programming Update (info only)
  4. Operations and Facilities Report (info only)
  5. Commissioner’s Report (info only)
  6. Chicago Public Library Leadership Team Presents 2023 Priorities and Opportunities to Mayor- Elect's Transition Team
  7. Chicago Public Library Recognized by City Council for 150 Years of Service and Impact on Local Communities
  8. Chicago Public Library's 2022 Annual Report
  9. The Renaissance Project: Expanding Access to Black History Archives through $2M Mellon Grant
  10. Congressman Chuy García Invests $2 Million in Lozano Branch Library Update
  11. Book Bans, Censorship, and Civil Liberties Panel Discussion
  12. Unveiling of Wintrust Mural Honoring CPL's 150th Anniversary
  13. Chicago to Host American Library Association Annual Conference
  14. Podcast Celebrating CPL's 150th Anniversary and Its People
  15. Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)
  16. Other Business
  17. Public Comment

Next Board meeting: September 19, 2023, 9:00 a.m. / TBD

Open Session Minutes

Physically Present: Linda Johnson Rice, Christopher P. Valenti, Lynn Lockwood, Jodi Block, Dominique Jordan Turner, Sandra Delgado

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference: None

Absent: Barbara Bowman, Ivy Walker, Michelle Boone

Approval of minutes for the January 18, 2023 meeting (action required)

The Board voted (6-0) to approve the minutes from the January 18, 2023 meeting.

Administration and Finance Report (info only)

Teri Campbell, Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance, presented the Administration and Finance Report highlighting the following:

  • The quarterly report on contracts and purchases made for magazines, books, databases, periodicals and articles of educational and instructional For this quarter (January 1, – April 30, 2023) 5,319 invoices totaling $5,268,777 were paid to various vendors.
  • The Library is holding a “Page Palooza” this weekend, seeking to interview 400 candidates with plans to hire at least 125 new staff.
  • This year marked the 27th anniversary of CPL’s annual All Staff Institute Day (ASID). ASID was held on May 2nd, in person at the Harold Washington Library Center. We welcomed more than 800 staff to participate in a full day of workshops and a variety of sessions from programming ideas for different groups, to yoga, improv training and more.
  • In February, Sabrina Lillard was promoted from Clerk IV to the Contracts Administrator in the Contracts Division.
  • Thank you and congratulations to CPL staff retiring this quarter:
    • Isabel Arenas - Head Library Clerk at West Belmont, 29 years of service
    • Darlene Copeland - Head Library Clerk at Walker, 30 years of service
    • Barbara Darrow - Librarian II at HWLC, 34 years of service
    • Camelia Evans - Clerk IV at HWLC, 29 years of service
    • Ethel Feagins - Library Associate at Sulzer, 27 years of service
    • Cynthia Fife-Townsel - Librarian III at Woodson Regional, 24 years of service
    • Laura L. Gorczyca Hanes - Project Coordinator at HWLC, 36 years of service
    • Alison Harris - Library Page at Woodson, 15 years of service
    • Alice Perkins - Head Library Clerk at HWLC, 34 years of service
    • Anthony Ward - Senior Storekeeper at HWLC, 33 years of service
    • Sharon M. Scott - Library Clerk at Lincoln Belmont, 33 years of service
    • Izabella Shifrin - Head Library Clerk at Independence, 40 years of service
    • Ramona K. Thompson - Librarian III at HWLC, 25 years of service

 

Programming Update (info only)

First Deputy Commissioner Messner provided an update on programming and initiatives being offered at CPL systemwide:

Summer at CPL

In honor of CPL’s 150th anniversary, all 81 library locations hosted a birthday party in their location on Saturday, June 10th. Each location will be decorated and offer special programs, featuring DJ’s, foam parties, give-a-ways, and performances. All patrons are invited to join in on the fun and celebrate at their neighborhood branch.

June 10th was also the kick-off for CPL’s summer learning initiative. The Summer theme is celebration and summer fun, library style. Summer programming will run June 10 through August 6, encouraging reading and reflection for all ages. Children who read for 20 minutes a day all summer long can earn a special library T-shirt celebrating CPL’s 150th birthday. 

Jane Addams Peace Association Children's Book Awards

On Tues, April 25th, CPL welcomed the winning authors, illustrators, and students from Bouchet International School to the Winter Garden to celebrate the 2023 Jane Addams Peace Association Children's Book Awards. Students from Bouchet, who read all the nominated titles, also developed artwork inspired by the books to display at the awards ceremony and got to meet the authors and illustrators. 

STEAM-Powered Saturday

STEAM-Powered Saturday returned on Sat, May 20th at Harold Washington Library Center. For families ages 3-11, this celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Art is back in person this year. Activities for all ages were assembled in the Winter Garden with select branches bringing families as a field trip. 

Social and Emotional Learning Grab-and-Go Puppetry Kits

To address both kids' budding narrative skills and their social-emotional needs post-pandemic, CSFE has put together grab-and-go kits featuring adorable puppets, with instructions and lesson extensions that parents or teachers can use with their children/students. Similar kits are being created to serve the needs of newly arriving migrant children and families from the southern border states. 

2023 Zena Sutherland Lecture

We invite you to join the Zena Sutherland Lecture, I Am Myrtilla's Daughter: Weaving Scotland, Slavery, and Siths into Historical Fantasies, presented by Zetta Elliott, on Friday, May 5th. This special event was co-sponsored by Chicago Public Library, the Zena Sutherland Lecture Committee, and the University of Chicago. Presented by Zetta Elliott, the Sutherland Lecture honors the late Zena Sutherland, Professor Emeritus and retired editor of the "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books" and was intended for teachers, educators, librarians and other interested adults.

Professional Development

  • Children Services and Family Engagement staff were invited to a professional development workshop featuring the Newberry Library's Pop-Up Books Through the Ages exhibit.
  • The Art Institute of Chicago hosted the final Children's Services professional development before summer on May 9th. Children Services staff were invited to view galleries and explore activities that Art Institute staff have developed for children and families to adapt for use in the library setting. 
  • On Thurs, May 18th, CPL will host a Brinson training course for all staff who work with tweens. Ron Dahl, founder of the Center for the Developing Adolescent, will be presenting on the developmental science of the transition between childhood and adolescence.

Design Your Life After High School: College and Career Saturdays

College and Career Saturday’s allow patrons to explore the wide variety of options available after high school, network with industry professionals, learn about college and trade programs, and discover what it takes to pursue your passions. Each event will cover a different field. Our next College and Career event will be held on May 20th at the Kelly branch and focus on beauty, hair, and fashion. There will be fun related activities, prizes, and free lunch and the event is for ages 14-22. 

Gamers Universe

The Chicago Teen Gamers Guild has been working hard to bring the 2nd annual Gamers Universe to life on June 24th. This all-ages event created by 25 teens across 5 branch locations will feature original games made by teens, a cosplay competition, hands on workshops, panels, and more!

YOUmedia Convening

Chicago Public Library will be hosting staff from YOUmedia locations across the country for a day of professional development and sharing of best practices on June 22nd. Mimi Ito will be presenting her current and historical research about teens and both Chicago Teen Library staff and our guests will have a chance to build our community of practice and build relationships to sustain the work nationally.

Radical Fit Incubator and Queer Radical Fair

On May 16th, YOUmedia is launching the Radical Fit Fashion Incubator at the Lincoln Belmont branch. This application-based program series offers five teens’ honoraria and free supplies to make their own fashion collections over the course of 9 mentorship sessions with Chicago-based designer Sky Cubacub. The collections will be debuted during a fashion show at the 3rd annual Queer Radical Fair at Ping Tom Park on July 20th. The Queer Radical Fair, co-hosted with Sky Cubacub and Rebirth Garments, will feature fashion crafts, a photo-booth with Colectivo Multipolar, music by DJ Trqpiteca, library resources and more.

Chicago Poet Laureate

Mayor Lightfoot, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Poetry Foundation, proudly named avery r. young as the inaugural Chicago Poet Laureate. avery appeared at the Poetry Fest on April 29th.   

An award-winning poet, educator, musician, artist, composer and producer, avery r. young’s work spans the genres of music, performance, visual arts and literature. He is co-director of The Floating Museum, co-mentor for the Rebirth Youth Poetry Ensemble, a Cave Canem fellow, Leader for a New Chicago 2022 awardee, and performer with his band, de deacon board. His poetry and prose have been featured in The Breakbeat Poets, Teaching Black, Poetry Magazine, The Golden Shovel Anthology, AIMPrint, and alongside images in photographer Cecil McDonald Jr’s In The Company of Black.  He is the composer and librettist for a new commissioned work from The Lyric Opera of Chicago titled safronia.

One Poem One Chicago

Join One Poem, One Chicago for an opportunity to engage in poetry and a sense of community through reading! Gwendolyn Brooks’s Blacks has been selected for the inaugural One Poem, One Chicago program. The program launched May 1st, and 200 copies of the books Blacks has been added to the CPL’s collection. Two public performances and four school group matinees of Manuel Cinema’s show will be held May 17-19.  One Poem, One Chicago, created in partnership with the Poetry Foundation, Third World Press Foundation, Brooks Permissions and Northwestern University Press, is inspired by CPL’s One Book, One Chicago.

CPL Participates in Parades

In celebration of our 150th anniversary, Chicago Public Library will participate in four of Chicago's annual parades this year: Chicago Pride Parade, Disability Pride Parade, Bud Billiken Parade and/or Arts in the Dark Parade. The Library has commissioned a float commemorating our 150th anniversary; CPL staff and our Owl mascot will be present at each parade to greet patrons. Special thanks to Shamil Clay, Director of the CPL marketing department and her team for organizing this effort.

CPL Operations and Facilities Report (info only)

Deputy Commissioner Clemons shared an update on CPL operations and facility projects.

Facilities

CARE Projects

Update regarding 2023 CARE projects, provided in partnership with AIS to upgrade neighborhood locations with new paint, lights, hvac systems, parking lots repairs, etc.

Mount Greenwood has been completed; currently finishing up the Archer Heights branch which is expected to reopen next week. CARE projects will take a short pause over the Summer so that all branches are available during summer activities and restart in the Fall, locations TBD.

AIS Capital Improvement Plan

CPL will continue to work with AIS regarding our capital improvement plan to address deferred maintenance and capital improvements at select locations.

Invest South/West

Engaging with the Department of Planning and Development and our City partner, AIS, to develop a scoping strategy. CPL will be introducing three new facilities. These locations are not additions to the CPL portfolio, they are replacement facilities. A new Back of the Yards branch will replace the location currently co-located with Back of the Yards school; North Pulaski will move to a new location further west of the currently branch, and the new Woodlawn location is TBD and will replace the Coleman branch located at 63rd and Cottage Grove. The new facilities will be mixed use developments. Timeline is TBD, groundbreaking planned for early 2024.

Operations

Mental Health Clinicians

Chicago Public Library continues to partner with Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to decrease barriers to mental health services in our communities. Patrons can receive free mental health services via extension clinics located at the Mount Greenwood, Beverly, Blackstone, and Edgewater branches. Types of Services being offered include walk-in crisis or therapy​, individual therapy​, group therapy​, case management​, staff support​, and telehealth for medication management​. Services are staffed by CDPH mental health clinicians and are available to any Chicago resident ages 13 and above regardless of ability to pay, insurance, or immigration status.

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

Commissioner Brown’s report highlighted the following:

  • The CPL leadership team recently held a briefing meeting with the transition team of the Mayor-Elect providing an overview of CPL's commitment to the City and shared the Library’s priorities, and opportunities for the upcoming year.
  • Chicago Public Library was recently honored with a proclamation by the Chicago City Council on April 19th in recognition of 150 years of service to the City of Chicago.
  • The CPL is proud to present our 2022 Annual Report, highlighting the Library’s commitment to free and open
  • With the support of a $2 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, CPL is proud to announce a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand access to Black history- related archives with the launch of The Renaissance Project. The project launched in April, and this marks the second-largest grant ever received by the Library Foundation and the largest ever received for the Library's Special Collections.
  • Congressman Chuy García has invested $2 million to update the Lozano Branch library in Pilsen. This investment will enable CPL to provide more accessibility to knowledge and resources, and further explore the role of Latinx community archiving and exhibiting at CPL and this branch.
  • On Thus, April 20th, CPL and the Library Foundation partnered with City Club to host a panel discussion on the critical issue of book bans, censorship, and their implications for civil liberties, as part of Library Appreciation Week. The conversation celebrated the vital role that libraries play in our society as a bulwark against restrictions on freedom of expression.
  • Created in honor of CPL's 150th anniversary, CPL is pleased to announce the upcoming unveiling of the Wintrust Mural, designed by local artist Nick Goettling. The mural will be on display from mid-May until the end of June.
  • This summer, Chicago will host the 2023 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, welcoming attendees from all over the country June 23rd – 26th at the McCormick Place. As part of the conference, CPL will also offer a series of library showcases, tours and workshops. CPL will also host a YOUmedia National Network Convening, which will bring together leaders and educators from across the country to discuss innovative programming and best practices in youth engagement. Additionally, CPL, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library Foundation, is planning a reception for library and civic leaders as part of the ALA Annual Conference.
  • Lastly, we are excited to announce a new six-episode podcast series providing a behind-the-scenes look at the people who are bringing the modern library to life. To help celebrate our 150th anniversary, each episode will bring a mix of voices together to provide listeners with a sense of both the traditional and non-traditional library stories found across Chicago's 81 branches.

 

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)

Brenda Langstraat, President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation provided an update on contributions and initiatives reached by the Foundation:

Recent Contributions

  • The Mellon Foundation and Getty Foundation have made significant recent contributions to create greater access to Black art and archives at the Library. The Mellon grant is the second largest that the Library Foundation has ever received.
  • Comcast renewed their multi-year support for work to close the digital divide through our Library’s digital learning & literacy resources.
  • On April 14, CPLF Associate Board hosted a very successful relaunch of Night in the Stacks raising $125,000, including a nearly doubled raffle revenue goal.

Exciting Updates

  • The Library Foundation recently released its 2022 Impact Report. Highlights of our donor-powered programs include:
  • 14,500 sessions of personalized Teacher in the Library support during the 2021-2022 academic year to help address the academic opportunity gap.
  • 16,000 Chicagoans engaged in timely conversation around the 2022 One Book theme “Freedom to Read” featuring the 1991 nonfiction graphic novel Maus by Art Spiegelman, activating connection and creativity.
  • 8,000 hours of 1:1 CyberNavigator assistance per week at branches citywide to close the digital divide.
  • To celebrate the Library’s 150th anniversary, we partnered with Chicago artist Nick Goettling to create a one-of-a-kind public artwork on the Wintrust building for thousands to view, starting May 17 through the end of June!
  • June 11th -13th, the Library Foundation’s leadership team will be attending and presenting at the International Library Fundraising Conference, along with representatives from hundreds of other library systems to share and discuss best practices.
  • Save the date for the 2023 Library Awards dinner, October 24th!

Other Business

None

 

Public Comment

The board addressed a comment from the audience regarding the availability of eBooks to patrons outside of the City, in addition to reciprocal borrowing, in supporting the freedom to read.

Commissioner’s Report

CPL Leadership Team Presents 2023 Priorities and Opportunities to Mayor-Elect's Transition Team

The CPL leadership team recently held a briefing meeting with the transition team of the Mayor-Elect. As youth engagement is of great importance to the city of Chicago, the meeting was hosted in the YOUmedia space at the Harold Washington Library Center. During the meeting, the Executive Team, along with the public affairs and marketing leadership, provided an overview of CPL's commitment to providing safe and welcoming library locations across all 77 neighborhoods in the city. They also highlighted how CPL supports educational achievements, acts as cultural hubs within local communities, connects Chicagoans to social resources, and works towards bridging the digital divide. The team further presented CPL's organizational structure, priorities, and opportunities for the upcoming year, giving the Mayor-Elect valuable insights to work with in the coming months.

 

CPL Recognized by Chicago City Council for 150 Years of Service and Impact on Local Communities

In recognition of 150 years of service to the City of Chicago, the Chicago Public Library (CPL) was recently honored with a proclamation by the Chicago City Council on April 19th. During the ceremony, several Aldermen shared personal stories of how CPL has positively impacted their constituents and their own lives, making it a truly unforgettable moment for CPL and its mission. These inspiring testimonials from Aldermen and supporters was presented, highlighting the incredible impact that CPL has had on individuals' lives. I urge you to take the time to watch the video and be proud of the significant role that CPL plays in the community. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to our mission.

 

Chicago Public Library's 2022 Annual Report

The CPL is proud to present our 2022 Annual Report, which marks a significant milestone as we celebrate our 150th anniversary. We have come a long way since our founding in 1872, and we are proud of the progress we have made to serve the people of Chicago.

This report highlights our commitment to free and open access, which has never been stronger. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, CPL has found new and innovative ways to deepen our commitment to serving our communities.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Chicago Public Library Board for their continued support, and to each one of you for the role that you have played in our success. We hope that as you read through this report, you will recognize the impact that our work together has made on the city and on all our patrons.

We will be sharing engaging and fun social media content to spread the word about our accomplishments. Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing access to information and resources for all.

 

The Renaissance Project: Expanding Access to Black History Archives through $2M Mellon Grant

In April, the CPL announced a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand access to Black history- related archives with the launch of The Renaissance Project. Made possible by a historic, $2 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, this project represents the second-largest grant ever received by the Library Foundation and the largest ever received for the Library's Special Collections. The Renaissance Project is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to make significant progress in the areas of collection development, literacy, and digital access – all priorities of our strategic plan. With this grant, we will be able to curate and share our Black history-related collections more widely, with additional resources to process and digitize critical documents from the 1800s to the present. In total, this represents 1600 linear feet of materials and hundreds of images. We will also offer public programming at library branches related to the collections, sharing the stories and implications of Black history milestones and important figures. In partnership with Chicago educators and others across the state, we will use these collections to support Black history and inquiry-based learning in public, secondary, and post- secondary schools in Illinois. The Renaissance Project is a significant step forward in our efforts to provide equitable access to Black history-related archives and to foster a more informed and engaged community.

 

Congressman Chuy García Invests $2 Million in Lozano Branch Library Update

We are thrilled to announce that Congressman Chuy García has invested $2 million towards the future update of the Chicago Public Library Lozano Branch Library in Pilsen. This investment is a testament to the community and their unwavering support for the value of libraries. We are grateful to Congressman García and Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez for their commitment to ensuring that the Lozano Branch Library remains a vital resource for the community for years to come. The Alderman's feasibility study laid the foundation for this exciting development, and this investment will enable us to provide even greater accessibility to knowledge and resources, and further explore the role of Latinx community archiving and exhibiting at CPL and this branch. This is a first step in our journey towards an updated and revitalized Lozano branch, and we look forward to working with the community to continue improving the library's services and offerings.

 

Book Bans, Censorship, and Civil Liberties Panel Discussion

As part of Library Appreciation Week, on April 20th, CPL and the Library Foundation partnered with City Club to host a panel discussion on the critical issue of book bans, censorship, and their implications for civil liberties. The conversation celebrated the vital role that libraries play in our society as a bulwark against restrictions on freedom of expression. The panel included John Bracken, Executive Director of the Digital Public Library of America, Tracie Hall, Executive Director of the American Library Association and CPL Commissioner. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias was in attendance and introduced the panel.

The CPL has taken a leading role in establishing Chicago as a "Book Sanctuary," an initiative that has been adopted by public library systems, including Toronto Public Library in Canada and Broward County Library in Florida. Book bans and censorship undermine the role of libraries in providing access to knowledge and ideas that are essential for personal and societal growth. The event can be viewed on the City Club of Chicago website.

 

Upcoming Unveiling of Wintrust Mural Honoring CPL's 150th Anniversary

CPL is pleased to provide an update on the upcoming unveiling of the Wintrust Mural, created in honor of CPL's 150th anniversary. This unique mural, designed by local artist Nick Goettling, will be installed at a prominent location off the Kennedy Expressway and will be viewed by hundreds of thousands of people each day. The mural will be on display for six weeks, from mid-May until the end of June, and will serve as a testament to the rich history and cultural legacy of CPL. We are grateful to the Library Foundation and Wintrust for their partnership in making this exciting project a reality. We believe that this piece of art will inspire all those who see it to explore the many resources and opportunities offered by our libraries.

 

Chicago to Host American Library Association Annual Conference

The upcoming American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference is an exciting opportunity for the Chicago Public Library and the city as a whole. As the host city, Chicago is expected to welcome attendees from all over the country to the conference at the McCormick Center. The Opening General Session, scheduled for Friday, June 23 at 4 pm, promises to be a highlight of the conference. This will provide a wonderful opportunity for the Mayor-Elect and Commissioner to showcase the city's commitment to libraries and the important role they play in the community. The CPL is proud to be a part of this event and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on the library profession and the city.

The CPL is gearing up for a busy summer, with several events and programs in the works. CPL will also host a YOUmedia National Network Convening, which will bring together leaders and educators from across the country to discuss innovative programming and best practices in youth engagement. Additionally, CPL, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library Foundation, is planning a reception for library and civic leaders as part of the ALA Annual Conference. This reception will provide an excellent opportunity for networking and will also showcase CPL's 150th anniversary. As part of the conference, CPL will also offer a series of library showcases and tours highlighting unique service delivery models that have addressed pressing social needs in Chicago, such as libraries and co-locations and special collections and archives. CPL will also have a recruitment booth at the conference and has submitted proposals for consideration as workshops. The programming slate for the conference promises to be engaging and informative, with something for everyone in attendance.

 

Upcoming Podcast Celebrating CPL's 150th Anniversary and Its People

As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we are excited to announce a new podcast series that will take listeners on a journey inside the Chicago Public Library. The six-episode series will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the people who are bringing the modern library to life, working to both preserve its histories and imagine its future. Our focus will be on the people who staff, make use of, and think about libraries, and each episode will bring a mix of voices together to provide listeners with a sense of both the traditional and non-traditional library stories to be found across Chicago's 81 branches. We will be announcing this podcast at the ALA conference in June, and we are thrilled to share this exciting new project with our community.

 

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report

Brenda Langstraat Bui, President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, provided an update on behalf of the staff and Board of the Chicago Public Library Foundation and highlighted the following:

Recent Contributions

  • The Mellon Foundation and Getty Foundation have made significant recent contributions to create greater access to Black art and archives at the Indeed, the Mellon grant is the second largest that the Library Foundation has ever received.
  • Our partners at Comcast have renewed their multi-year support for work to close the digital divide through our Library’s digital learning & literacy From the CyberNavigator cohort to Chicago DigitalLearn to LinkedIn Learning and more, individuals can build their confidence online and learn new skills thanks to donors such as Comcast, Polk Bros. Foundation, and many others.
  • On April 14, our Associate Board hosted a very successful relaunch of Night in the The sold-out event raised $125,000, including a nearly doubled raffle revenue goal. Thank you to everyone who sponsored or attended the event and who helped spread the word about this party with a purpose! Photos of the event are available at https://cplfoundation.org/nightinthestacks/photo-gallery.

Exciting Updates

  • The Library Foundation recently released its 2022 Impact Report. Our Library is the transformative institution it is today because of the championship and generosity of our donor Highlights of our donor-powered programs include:
    • 14,500 sessions of personalized Teacher in the Library support during the 2021-2022 academic year to help address the academic opportunity gap.
    • 16,000 Chicagoans engaged in timely conversation around the 2022 One Book theme “Freedom to Read” featuring the 1991 nonfiction graphic novel Maus by Art Spiegelman, activating connection and creativity.
    • 8,000 hours of 1:1 CyberNavigator assistance per week at branches citywide to close the digital
    • And much more, thanks to Chicagoans supporting our work at every level!
    • To read more about what donors make possible through the Library and Library Foundation, please visit https://empowereverychicagoan.org/.
  • The Wintrust Mural Building, prominently located alongside the Kennedy Expressway, has used its walls to raise crucial awareness of Chicago nonprofits and their life-changing missions for over a decade. To celebrate the Library’s 150th anniversary, we partnered with Chicago artist Nick Goettling to create a one-of-a-kind public artwork that will be on view to thousands of people starting May 17 and through the end of June!
  • From June 11-13, the Library Foundation’s leadership team will be attending the International Library Fundraising Conference with representatives from hundreds of other library systems to share and discuss best practices. In addition to actively helping to plan the conference, our team will also be presenting on “Marketing is the Future: How to build a more sustainable Library/Library Foundation model by integrating marketing into organizational culture, strategy, and everyday ”.
  • The 2023 Library Foundation Awards event will be held in-person on October 24 from 5:00- 9:00pm at the UIC Forum. The 2023 line up has been secured and will be announced shortly, so please stay Our 2022 public broadcast featuring excerpts from the evening and other special Library content has been viewed nearly 10,000 times to date!