Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2026

May 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m.

Humboldt Park Branch, 1605 N. Troy Street

Agenda

  1. Welcome to the Humboldt Park Branch (info only)
  2. Approval of minutes for the January 27, 2026 meeting (action required)
  3. Administration and Finance Report (info only)
  4. Strategy, Sustainability and Continuous Improvement Update (info only)
  5. Operations and Facilities Report (info only)
  6. Commissioner’s Report (info only)
    1. CPL and CPS Expand the 81 Club to Automatically Connect Students to the Library 
    2. CPL Launches “Letters to America” Civic Storytelling Initiative 
    3. CPL to Host the 2026 American Writers Festival 
    4. State Legislation Advances to Strengthen Public Access to eBooks 
    5. 2026 All Staff Institute Day Brings Together More Than 800 CPL Employees 
    6. Mariella Colon Recognized by Library Journal 
    7. Chicago Hosts the Urban Libraries Council CEO Convening 
    8. Commissioner Chris Brown Elected to the Public Library Association Board 
    9. Strategic Planning and Capital Framework Engagement Continues Across Chicago 
    10. City Council Honors the Legacy of Brenda Langstraat Bui 
  7. Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)
  8. Other Business
  9. Public Comment

Next Board meeting: Sept 15, 2026, Obama Presidential Center Branch, 6021 S. Stony Island Ave.

 

Open Session Minutes

Board Members in Attendance

Physically Present: Linda Johnson Rice, Christopher P. Valenti, Lynn Lockwood, Dominique Jordan Turner, Jodi Block, Sandra Delgado, Michelle Boone, Jackie Rosa, J.D. Van Slyke

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference: None

Absent: None

 

Welcome to the Humboldt Park Branch (info only)

Kristin LoDolce, Branch Manager of the Humboldt Park Branch, presented an overview of the library’s history, recent renovations, and community impact. The branch, originally opened in 1996 and has roots in the community dating back to 1912. Renovations in 2012 expanded the facility for children and teens, while the 2025 updates brought solar panels, improved HVAC, new flooring, paint, furniture, a study room, and a modern redesign to better serve patrons. Since reopening in June 2025, the branch has hosted over 400 programs for children, teens, and adults, attracting more than 7,500 attendees. Highlights include story times, family events, teen gaming and art clubs, adult book clubs, crafting, ESL classes, job fairs, and special events such as apprenticeship fairs, “Touch a Truck” storytime, live animal shows, and family birding in the park. The branch offers valuable services like Cybernavigator support, Teacher in the Library, YouMedia space for teens, study rooms, and semi-private work pods. Unique features include a Seed Library, Library of Things, and a Book Bike for community outreach.

 

Approval of minutes for January 27, 2026 meeting (action required)

The Board voted (9-0) to approve the minutes for the January 27, 2026 meeting.

 

Administration and Finance Report (info only)

Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration, Mary Robinson presented the Administration and Finance Report highlighting the following:

  • For the quarterly report on contracts and purchases made for magazines, books, databases, periodicals and articles of educational and instructional nature, purchases made between January 1 – April 30, 2026, totaled $3,417,462.19 for 5,873 invoices.
  • CPL has hired 20 staff this year with 34 positions in process for hiring. Within CPL internal movement continues with 48 transfers occurring throughout the system since January.
  • Marus Lumpkin was promoted to Assistant Library Director of the Obama Presidential Center Branch on April 16
  • Congratulations to CPL staff that have recently retired:
    • Nitin Shelke - Head Library Clerk at Bezazian; 38 years of service 
    • Gregory McClain - Librarian IV at Toman; 27 years of service
    • Eileen Dohnalek - Librarian IV at Jefferson Park; 28 years of service
    • Vanessa LaGrone - Library Page at Near North; 8 years of service 
    • Marylynn Frank - Library Associate at Oriole Park; 8 years of service 
    • Rosa Reyes Sanchez - Librarian III at Albany Park; 36 years of service 
    • Tracey Richard - Head Library Clerk at Pullman; 34 years of service 
    • Eric Wade - Senior Library Clerk at Little Italy; 29 years of service
  • CPL kicked off the year with representation at six job fairs across the city and will continue outreach efforts with participation at six more job fairs calendared through June. The next speed hire event is scheduled for May 5th at the West Loop Branch to fill library page positions.

 

Strategy, Sustainability and Continues Improvement (info only)

Mary Ellen Messner, First Deputy Commissioner, provided an update on CPL’s sustainability and efficiency work that focuses on the Library’s commitment to building a sustainable, resilient, and equitable organization. To support this work, Commissioner Brown established a Financial Sustainability & Operational Efficiency Working Group, which convenes bi-weekly to advance sustainability efforts, drive operational efficiency, and develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and accountability measures. The scope of this initiative centers on organizational structure and resource use, not individual employee performance, with department-led insights guiding improvement.

Six core functions have been outlined: department efficiency reviews, operational actions, KPI development, evaluation of external consultant findings (notably from EY), service and impact tool review, and external benchmarking. The Working Group aims to deliver actionable recommendations for leadership, streamline workflows, align staff and supervision structures, and modernize legacy processes. The review process emphasizes aligning resources with mission and community demand, improving workflow and productivity, and developing a KPI cascade framework that connects mission-level priorities to daily team actions. This approach positions CPL to proactively address evolving needs and ensure its continued impact and relevance within the community.

 

Operations and Facilities Report (info only)

Deputy Commissioner of Library Operations and Patron Experience, Maggie Clemons shared an update on CPL operations and facility projects.

  • Systemwide Delivery Delays

We are currently experiencing delays in delivering library materials to branches due to temporary limited driver availability. This is not because of vacant Motor Truck Driver positions. To support clear and consistent communication, we have issued an email to the public addressing the delays and setting expectations, and related messaging will also be posted on the CPL website.  A coordinated summer supply delivery plan is being developed and will be shared once finalized. We would like to extend sincere appreciation to the drivers and the entire materials movement team for their continued effort and dedication during this challenging period. Driver capacity is expected to improve in June.

  • Facilities Updates:
    • Toman: The solar panel installation and energy retrofit at Toman have been fully completed.
    • King: The King branch is undergoing a renovation of the children’s area through the Chicago Works Challenge.
    • Lozano: The Lozano branch has received new furniture and is updating how its interior spaces are used.
    • Budlong Woods: The Budlong Woods branch has installed a new fence funded through Ward Participatory Budgeting.
    • Mayfair: The Mayfair branch has completed its CARE (Clean and Repair Everything) refresh.
    • Harold Washington Library Center: Recent improvements at the Harold Washington Library Center include the installation of Thin Volumes from CAB, which enhances how materials are displayed and accessed. The Main Lobby received new book browsers to improve patron browsing and discovery, along with a new couch in the teen area to create a more welcoming and comfortable space for young patrons. Additionally, building circulation has been improved through the introduction of a new exiting pathway via the Main Lobby, streamlining patron flow and enhancing overall accessibility.
    • Obama Presidential Center Branch: The Obama Presidential Center Branch is now one month away from its grand opening, scheduled for June 19. Staff are actively unpacking and checking in materials to prepare the space for public use. A grand opening watch party is planned for June 18 at Midway Plaisance, featuring a livestream of the ceremony along with community activities and opportunities for patrons, partners, and neighbors to celebrate this milestone together.

CPL extends deep appreciation to its partners—Art Institute Chicago, Gene Siskel Center, Chicago Botanic Garden, Once Upon Our Time Capsule, Alt Chicago, Public Narrative, Story Studio, Young Chicago Authors, Chicago Food Depository, and Aarhus Library—whose collaboration has supported the development of this new branch. Years of planning, design, collections development, programming, technology, facilities work, operations planning, and public service preparation have culminated in the establishment of the nation’s first public library branch located within a presidential center.

  • Program Highlights:
    • Quantum Playground at Harold Washington Library Center - On Saturday, March 7, the Harold Washington Library Center hosted Quantum Playground, a hands-on learning event designed to make quantum science accessible and engaging for attendees of all ages. The program featured multiple interactive stations, including quantum computing games, an art station for coloring zines or creating original designs, and displays highlighting quantum-related books. Researchers from partners across Chicago’s quantum ecosystem—including representatives from the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange—led activities, crafts, short demonstrations, and presentations that helped demystify core quantum concepts in fun and approachable ways.

The event also offered free giveaways and two 30‑minute talks: Quantum in Pop Culture at 1:30 p.m. and Cartoon Intro to Quantum Computing at 3 p.m. Overall, Quantum Playground transformed the library into an interactive science space, strengthening CPL’s role as a civic classroom that supports curiosity, discovery, and public learning.

    • Swiftynomics - On March 30, Chicago Public Library hosted an engaging Author in the Library program featuring economist and author Misty L. Heggeness in conversation with Britt Julious. The event centered on Heggeness’s new book, Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy, offering patrons an insightful discussion on the economic influence of women and the cultural forces shaping today’s financial landscape. 

This thoughtful dialogue connected timely topics in economics with broader conversations about gender, innovation, and leadership—bringing compelling, accessible scholarship directly to the community and enriching CPL’s ongoing commitment to dynamic, culturally resonant programming.

    • After Hours Arcade at West Pulman - On April 10, the West Pullman Branch transformed into a lively, late‑night community space during its After Hours Arcade, welcoming 245 patrons for an evening of games, music, food, and family‑friendly fun. The program offered a safe and vibrant setting where community members could connect, play, and enjoy the library after hours, reinforcing CPL’s commitment to providing inclusive, energetic experiences for all ages.

The event was delivered in strong partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, the 21st Ward, CPD 5th District, the Far South Chicago Coalition, Phalanx, Hope Center Foundation, R2C2, UCAN, CRED, DFSS, and several other local partners—bringing a coordinated network of support and resources directly to the neighborhood. Their collaboration helped create a welcoming environment that celebrated community resilience, engagement, and joy. After Hours Arcade stood out as a model of community‑centered activation, demonstrating the powerful role libraries can play in fostering safe, enriching, and connected spaces beyond traditional hours.

    • Día de los Niños y Libros – A Celebration of Children & Books

On April 18, the Harold Washington Library Center hosted Día de los Niños y Libros: A Celebration of Children & Books, a festive, family‑centered event featuring engaging activities, performances, and literacy‑focused fun designed to inspire young readers. The celebration welcomed children and caregivers for a joyful day dedicated to storytelling, creativity, and community connection.

    • Poetry Fest with Keynote Mayda del Valle - On April 25, the Harold Washington Library Center hosted its annual Poetry Fest, highlighted by keynote speaker Mayda del Valle, Chicago’s Poet Laureate. The event offered a full day of readings, workshops, and performances that showcased Chicago’s vibrant literary community and encouraged patrons of all ages to celebrate poetry, language, and creative expression.
    • Money Moves: Financial Literacy Month - Throughout April, CPL launched Money Moves, a citywide series of free programs designed to make financial learning accessible and empowering. Patrons across Chicago participated in workshops on money management, fraud prevention, retirement planning, entrepreneurship, reclaiming lost funds, and more delivered in partnership with state agencies and community organizations including the Illinois Department of Insurance, Illinois Comptroller’s Office, Illinois Treasurer’s Office, Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department, SCORE Chicago, Nudgeable, and Coding Kinetics.
    • Ladder Up: Tax Support for Patrons - CPL’s continued partnership with Ladder Up provided crucial tax‑filing support to residents across the city. Through this program, 3,286 tax returns were completed for 3,945 individuals, resulting in nearly $4 million in federal and state refunds—directly supporting financial stability for thousands of Chicagoans.
    • Stories That Click: Reimagining Chicago Brick‑by‑Brick Exhibit - Now through April 2027, patrons can explore Stories That Click: Reimagining Chicago Brick‑by‑Brick, a major exhibit on the 9th floor of the Harold Washington Library Center. The exhibition features LEGO® models submitted by Chicago Public Library patrons alongside archival materials from Special Collections, offering a creative, community‑driven reimagining of Chicago’s architecture, history, and neighborhoods—brick by brick.
    • Teen Internships & Summer at CPL - Chicago Public Library continues to expand opportunities for youth engagement through both school-year and summer internship programs. During the school year, CPL supports 89 interns across 15 locations, funded primarily by the Foundation, with Gamer’s Universe intern payments funded by ASM. Interns contribute to major systemwide teen initiatives such as Teen Lit Night, Gamer’s Universe, Radical Fit, and Digital Content creation. Gamer’s Universe interns are finalizing their game designs for debut at HWLC on June 13, and Radical Fit interns are preparing fashion projects for their July 30 showing at Ping Tom Park.

For the summer, CPL will welcome 170 interns, with two placed at nearly every location except OPC, Galewood, and Water Works. These internships are part of Chicago Youth Works (formerly One Summer Chicago), advancing workforce readiness and paid job opportunities for teens. CPL has received 3,324 applications, and interviews are underway throughout May.

    • CPL’s Summer Reading Theme: Chapters of Chicago runs June 6–August 2 (through August for adults), supported by cultural partners including the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Architecture Center, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Launch events will take place at Legler, Sulzer, and Woodson Regional Libraries, with additional activities across the city. The program includes family activity guides, systemwide performers and arts programming, 16,000+ children’s book giveaways, teen field trip and internship opportunities, and participation incentives such as t‑shirts, tote bags, and baseball caps.

Together, the internship programs and Summer at CPL initiatives strengthen youth leadership pathways, deepen literacy engagement, and ensure that Chicagoans of all ages can participate in a summer filled with learning, creativity, and connection.

 

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

Commissioner Brown provided a level summary of Library initiatives, highlighting the following:

  • CPL and CPS have expanded the 81 Club to automatically grant all CPS students immediate access to library resources using their student IDs, removing traditional barriers like applications and paperwork. The initiative, supported by multiple city and library partners, strengthens data protections while simplifying access for families. As the partnership grows, both organizations are aligning literacy supports and out-of-school learning to improve student reading outcomes, including a recent joint convening of CPS and CPL librarians.
  • CPL has launched Letters to America, a citywide storytelling initiative inviting residents to share personal reflections tied to the broader American narrative in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Running through August 2026, the project includes branch programs and take‑home kits, with submitted letters preserved in CPL’s archival collections. The initiative underscores CPL’s role as a civic institution and steward of neighborhood history.
  • CPL will again partner with the American Writers Museum to host the 2026 American Writers Festival at Harold Washington Library Center on June 7, 2026. The free event will feature conversations and programs with writers across genres. The festival reinforces CPL’s commitment to supporting Chicago’s literary community and national leadership in the arts.
  • CPL is closely monitoring HB 5236, the Digital Library Protection Act, which seeks to reform restrictive and costly eBook licensing practices that affect libraries and readers statewide. The legislation aims to establish fairer digital access models that limit high pricing and lending restrictions faced by libraries. CPL shared usage and cost data during legislative discussions and acknowledges Patrick Molloy’s leadership on this issue.
  • More than 800 CPL employees gathered at Harold Washington Library Center for the 2026 All Staff Institute Day, themed Guided by the Stars. The convening highlighted professional development, collaboration, and shared service across CPL’s 81 branches. The day included remarks from city and library leaders and breakout sessions led largely by CPL staff.
  • Mariella Colon, CPL’s Librarian and Unit Manager for Civic, Cultural and Literary Engagement, was named a 2026 Library Journal “Mover & Shaker” in the Community Builders category. The recognition honors her leadership connecting archives, public history, arts, and community storytelling. Her work showcases innovative programming developed with CPL Archives and Special Collections.
  • CPL recently hosted library leaders from across the country for the 2026 Urban Libraries Council CEO Convening, spotlighting Chicago’s collaborative leadership in public service and learning. The event featured participation from government, philanthropy, education, and arts leaders, along with gatherings at key cultural institutions. The convening affirmed Chicago’s national role in shaping the future of libraries and civic infrastructure.
  • Commissioner Chris Brown was elected to a three‑year term on the Public Library Association Board beginning July 1, 2026. This role will help amplify the priorities of Chicago and urban libraries nationwide, including literacy, intellectual freedom, technology access, and workforce development. It also supports ongoing conversations about libraries as essential neighborhood institutions.
  • CPL is in an intensive engagement phase to shape its next strategic plan and long‑term capital framework, hosting community workshops, staff sessions, and focus groups across the city. Feedback has emphasized flexible spaces, welcoming environments, and support for learning across all life stages. In partnership with Gensler, CPL is aligning facilities with neighborhood needs and trends to guide the future of its citywide library system.
  • The City of Chicago issued a proclamation honoring Brenda Langstraat Bui’s impactful leadership in literacy, access, and support for CPL. Under her guidance, the CPL Foundation expanded programs across neighborhoods, digital navigation, YOUmedia, and major archival digitization efforts. CPL and Foundation leaders joined her family and colleagues to celebrate her enduring belief in libraries and their transformative power.

 

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)

Beth Davis, COO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, shared an update with the Board. Beth first acknowledged the passing of Brenda Bui, expressing gratitude for the support shown and reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to continuing her legacy.

They reported strong fundraising progress: Night in the Stacks raised over $160,000 for lifelong learning, and the Foundation launched another year of the Community Connections Fund to support neighborhood‑driven programming. To mark the Foundation’s 40th anniversary, several citywide giveback events with local partners are scheduled throughout June, with proceeds benefiting CPL programs. She also previewed the Powering Possibility reception on June 2—honoring Brenda Langstraat Bui and highlighting CPL’s AI literacy leadership—and announced that the 2026 Library Foundation Awards will take place October 13.

Finally, Beth shared that the Foundation’s 2025 Impact Report is live, showing over $6.6 million raised and donor‑supported programming reaching 400,000 Chicagoans.

Other Business

None

 

Public Comment

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Commissioner Brown addressed the following comments from patrons and staff:

  • Gage Park residents presented a petition with over 2,000 signatures advocating for a new library branch in Gage Park and promoted a June 13 community event focused on securing improved library services for the neighborhood.
  • A representative from Rebels for Peace encouraged expanding opportunities for South Side teens to participate in CPL summer internships.
  • Saxophonist Adam Rodgers performed a solo during the public comment period.

Commissioner’s Report

CPL and CPS Expand the 81 Club to Automatically Connect Students to the Library 

Chicago Public Library and Chicago Public Schools recently launched a major new phase of the 81 Club, automatically connecting all CPS students to the library through their student ID numbers and eliminating traditional barriers such as applications and paperwork. More than 315,000 students can now immediately access books, digital materials, tutoring, homework help, early literacy resources, and YOUmedia teen learning spaces across CPL’s 81 neighborhood branches.  

The initiative reflects years of collaboration between CPL, CPS, the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Law, the Chicago Public Library Foundation, and staff across technology, operations, marketing, and youth services. The model was intentionally designed to simplify access for families while strengthening student data protections through limited data-sharing practices. 

As the partnership evolves, CPL and CPS are increasingly focused not only on access, but literacy outcomes. Both organizations are exploring opportunities to better align early literacy supports, storytimes, caregiver engagement, and out-of-school learning experiences to help more Chicago children arrive ready to read, learn, and thrive. 

This spring also marked a significant moment of professional collaboration as CPS school librarians and CPL librarians gathered for a joint convening focused on strengthening alignment between school and public library services for Chicago students. 

 

CPL Launches “Letters to America” Civic Storytelling Initiative

As part of the national commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Chicago Public Library has launched Letters to America, a citywide civic storytelling initiative inviting Chicagoans to reflect on their lives, neighborhoods, and experiences through personal letters connected to the broader American story. 

Running through August 2026, the initiative includes branch-based programming and take-home letter-writing kits across the city. Submitted letters will become part of a permanent archival collection within CPL’s Northside Neighborhood History Collection at Sulzer Regional Library, preserving contemporary Chicago voices for future generations.

The initiative reflects CPL’s broader role as both a trusted civic institution and one of the city’s most important stewards of public memory and neighborhood storytelling.

CPL to Host the 2026 American Writers Festival 

Chicago Public Library will again partner with the American Writers Museum to host the 2026 American Writers Festival at the Harold Washington Library Center on June 7, 2026.  

The free public festival will feature conversations and programming with writers from across genres and disciplines, reflecting CPL’s continued commitment to supporting Chicago’s role as a national literary city. 

State Legislation Advances to Strengthen Public Access to eBooks 

Chicago Public Library continues monitoring the advancement of HB 5236, the Digital Library Protection Act, legislation introduced by Illinois State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl and supported by a growing bipartisan coalition of legislators focused on improving fairness and sustainability in the digital library marketplace. The legislation seeks to address restrictive and costly eBook and digital audiobook licensing practices that impact libraries and readers across Illinois.

The proposed legislation would help create fairer digital access models by limiting restrictive licensing terms and pricing practices that can require libraries to pay significantly more than consumers for the same digital materials while also facing lending and expiration restrictions. For many Chicagoans, digital borrowing remains one of the primary ways they access library services. CPL usage and cost data were included during legislative discussions to help ensure the experiences of Chicago library users informed the conversation.

CPL is especially grateful to Patrick Molloy, CPL’s Intergovernmental Affairs Director, for his leadership and coordination on this issue alongside the City’s Intergovernmental Affairs team and library partners across Illinois.

2026 All Staff Institute Day Brings Together More Than 800 CPL Employees

In April, more than 800 Chicago Public Library employees gathered at the Harold Washington Library Center for the 2026 All Staff Institute Day, themed Guided by the Stars. The annual convening focused on professional development, collaboration, and shared public service across CPL’s 81 neighborhood libraries. 

The day featured remarks from Mayor Brandon Johnson, Board President Linda Johnson Rice, Commissioner Rachel Arfa, Mayda Del Valle, and author Dana Suskind, alongside breakout sessions led primarily by CPL staff volunteers across a wide range of service and learning topics.

Mariella Colon Recognized by Library Journal

Mariella Colon, CPL’s Librarian and Unit Manager for Civic, Cultural and Literary Engagement, was recognized nationally by Library Journal as a 2026 “Mover & Shaker” in the Community Builders category. 

The recognition highlighted her leadership connecting archives, public history, arts, and community storytelling through innovative public programming developed in partnership with CPL Archives and Special Collections.

Chicago Hosts the Urban Libraries Council CEO Convening

Chicago Public Library recently hosted library leaders from across the country for the 2026 Urban Libraries Council CEO Convening, an event that highlighted Chicago’s collaborative leadership across public service, education, literacy, and culture. 

The convening featured participation from leaders across government, philanthropy, education, and the arts, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, CPS CEO Macquline S. King, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Valerie Jarrett, Dana Suskind, Michael Fassnacht, and others. Participants also engaged with Chicago’s cultural institutions through gatherings at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Harold Washington Library Center Winter Garden.

The event reinforced Chicago’s continued national leadership role in conversations around literacy, public learning, civic infrastructure, and the future of libraries.

Commissioner Chris Brown Elected to the Public Library Association Board

Commissioner Chris Brown was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Public Library Association beginning July 1, 2026. 

The role will provide an opportunity to help elevate the experiences and priorities of Chicago and large urban public libraries nationally, particularly around literacy, intellectual freedom, public technology access, workforce development, and the evolving role of libraries as essential neighborhood infrastructure.

Strategic Planning and Capital Framework Engagement Continues Across Chicago

Chicago Public Library has entered an intensive phase of community, staff, and stakeholder engagement to help shape the Library’s next strategic plan and long-term capital framework. Over the past three months, CPL hosted regional community workshops attended by more than 300 residents across the city, alongside targeted outreach in neighborhoods with lower levels of library use. 

Additional engagement has included staff listening sessions, consultant visits to branches across the system, and focus groups connected to emerging priorities such as literacy, out-of-school learning, and AI and emerging technology.

In partnership with Gensler, CPL is also advancing a long-term capital planning framework designed to better align facilities, neighborhood needs, population trends, and service delivery across the system. Community feedback consistently emphasized the importance of flexible gathering spaces, welcoming public environments, and libraries that support Chicagoans across different life stages and learning needs.

Together, this work is helping define how one of the nation’s largest neighborhood public library systems can continue evolving to support learning, connection, and civic life across Chicago.

City Council Honors the Legacy of Brenda Langstraat Bui

Earlier this year, the City of Chicago formally recognized the life and legacy of Brenda Langstraat Bui through a City Council proclamation honoring her extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on literacy, public access, and the Chicago Public Library system. 

Under Brenda’s leadership, the Chicago Public Library Foundation expanded support for neighborhood programming, Summer Reading, YOUmedia, digital navigation, and the Mellon Foundation-supported digitization of the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection.

CPL and Foundation leadership were honored to gather with Brenda’s family, friends, and colleagues in May to celebrate her enduring belief in libraries and the power of public institutions to transform lives across Chicago.

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report

Beth Davis, COO, and Rica Bouso, Marketing Director, of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, will provide an update on behalf of the staff and Board of the Chicago Public Library Foundation highlighting the following: 

Thank You 

As many of you know, the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s President & CEO, Brenda Bui, passed away in late January 2026. The Library Foundation staff and board are so grateful for the support we have received during this challenging time and committed to continuing Brenda’s legacy through our mission.   

 

Fundraising Celebrations  

  • Our annual spring fundraising, Night in the Stacks, was a success. With the generous support of individual and organizational donors, we raised over $160,000 for lifelong learning programs across all CPL branches.  
  • We continue to work with Chicago Public Library to empower neighborhood branches to design programming that responds to and celebrates their distinctive needs. Learn more about our NEW Community Connections Fundhere: org/community-connections/ 

Event Updates  

  • To celebrate the Foundation’s 40thanniversary this year, we are partnering with local businesses and organizations for citywide giveback events! Upcoming partnerships include Jeni’s Ice Cream on June 3, Tag Outlet from June 9-13, and Maria Pinto on June 17. A percentage of the proceeds will go to CPL programming. You can learn more about future giveback events at: org/events/ 
  • CPLF’s third annual Powering Possibility donor and partner reception is on Tuesday, June 2.We will present CPLF’s 2026 Service Award to Brenda Langstraat Bui. At the event, we will also spotlight how Chicago Public Library is transforming lives by leading AI literacy initiatives to make Chicago the most AI-literate city at every age, every stage, and in every community. The event concludes with the announcement of our 2026 Library Foundation Award honorees. 
  • Our 2026 Library Foundation Awards will be held on the evening of October 13 at the UIC Forum. The free public broadcast will be released worldwide shortly after.  

Important News

  • Our 2025 Impact Report is now live. Our donors raised more than $6.6 million, with donor-powered programming reaching 400,000 Chicagoans through the Library. Please read the report at empowereverychicagoan.org to learn more about the impact donors help make possible at our Library.