Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – November 18, 2025

November 18, 2025

Little Village Branch

2311 S. Kedzie Avenue

Agenda

  1. Welcome to the Little Village Library (info only)
  2. Approval of minutes for the September 16, 2025 meeting (action required)
  3. 2026 Chicago Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Schedule (action required)
  4. Administration and Finance Report (info only)
  5. Programming and Data Update (info only)
  6. Operations and Facilities Report (info only)
  7. Commissioner’s Report (info only)
    • Strategic and Capital Planning: Shaping Chicago’s Library Future
    • Community Safety and Trust: Libraries as Neighborhood Anchors
    • Advancing Literacy and Access
    • One Book, One Chicago: Expanding Youth Engagement
    • Cultural Memory & Storytelling: Archives, Art, and Recognition
    • A Conversation with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
  8. Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)
  9. Other Business
  10. Public Comment

Next Board meeting: January 27, 2026 at HWLC (Pending Approval)

 

Open Session Minutes

Board Members in Attendance

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

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference: None

Absent: Jodi Block, Michelle Boone

Welcome to the Little Village Library (info only)

Young Park, Little Village branch manager, began leadership at this location in June 2025. The Little Village Branch opened at its current location in 2011, following the closure of the former Marshall Square Branch in 2009, and continues to serve a growing and vibrant community. The neighborhood is densely populated and young, with a median age of 33, more than a quarter of residents under 19, and a large immigrant population primarily from Mexico and South America. Located in the 25th Ward, represented by Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, the community is predominantly Spanish-speaking and continues to be a landing place for new families.

Approval of minutes for September 16, 2025 meeting (action required)

The Board voted (5-0) to approve the minutes for the September 16, 2025 meeting.

Administration and Finance Report (info only)

Our newly promoted 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 September 1 – October 31, 2025, totaled $1,462,311.75 for 3,158 invoices.
  • While hiring has been slow in 2025, CPL has had 42 internal promotions and 103 transfers this year; highlighting the promotion of Shelley Hughes to District Chief, who previously served as the Director of Children Services and Family Engagement.
  • We would also like to congratulate the following staff on their recent retirements:
    • Laura Adler - Librarian I at HWLC- LLPL; 11 years of service 
    • Cheryl Andrews - Library Associate at South Chicago; 26 years of service
    • And special thank you to Scott Mitchell who served as the Graphic Arts Supervisor in our Marketing Department for 17 years.
  • CPL continues its attempts to connect with the public and bring new staff on board by increasing participation at job fairs. Between Sept through Dec, staff are scheduled to attend eight job fairs to bring awareness of the opportunities available to join the CPL team.
  • We’ve had great participation in our Equity trainings, with the last module of the Equity 101 training concluding on October 31st.
  • All library locations will operate on an alternate schedule during the holidays. All locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day; and open 9am-5pm on the days prior.
  • A brief update regarding CPL’s budget. CPL’s hearing was held on the evening of November 4th. The budget is under review/approval by City Council. We are currently engaging in technical amendments and providing responses through the Chair while we continue negotiations to finalize budgets. We will provide an update regarding the budget at the next CPL board meeting in January.

Programming and Collections Update (info only)

First Deputy Commissioner Messner provided an update on current and upcoming programming and initiatives at CPL.  

Operation Warm / A Warm Welcome to the Library

Operation Warm / A Warm Welcome to the Library is a community-centered program that provides free winter coats to children ages 3 to 13 in partnership with Operation Warm. Each child also receives a free book to take home, supporting literacy and family engagement. The program is designed to welcome new patrons by partnering with community organizations and offering resources families may not expect to receive at the library. Rotated to different branches each year, the 2025 program will take place at six Chicago Public Library locations in early December:

  • Portage-Cragin Branch – Wednesday, December 3, 3:30–5:30 pm
  • Manning Branch – Wednesday, December 3, 5:30–7:30 pm
  • Chicago Lawn Branch – Thursday, December 4, 4–6 pm
  • Edgewater Branch – Saturday, December 6, 2–4 pm
  • Thurgood Marshall Branch – Monday, December 8, 5–7 pm
  • Avalon Branch – Wednesday, December 10, 5–7 pm

These events help ensure children stay warm during the winter months while strengthening connections between families and their local libraries.

Lánzate hacia la lectura/Jump Into Reading

Chicago Public Library hosted the launch of Lánzate hacia la lectura on November 5 at the Back of the Yards Branch, welcoming many families for a celebration of Spanish-language literacy. The event featured a parent workshop led by Lucía Rocha-Nestler of Hola Books, hands-on literacy activities, and a book giveaway.

Lánzate hacia la lectura supports children learning to read in Spanish by promoting bilingualism and biliteracy through culturally affirming Spanish-language decodable books, targeted programming, family education resources, and staff training. Building on the success of Jump into Reading, the initiative responds to community needs for Spanish literacy support and will be launched this school year at seven CPL branches: Back of the Yards, Chicago Lawn, Gage Park, Little Village, Lozano, Vodak–East Side, and West Belmont.

Teen Winter Challenge

The Teen Winter Challenge invites City of Chicago high school students ages 13–19 to showcase their creativity from January 1 through February 1, 2026. Teens can submit original artwork in any medium, including sculpture, painting, design, digital art, fashion, photography, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to win prizes of up to $200, with selected works featured in an exhibition and celebratory reception at the Harold Washington Library Center. This program celebrates teen voices, artistic expression, and creative exploration during the winter season.

Teen Best Reads Interns

Celebrate teen voices and a love of reading at the launch of the Teen Best Reads of 2025! This program highlights the work of Chicago Public Library’s 15 Teen Best Reads interns, who have collectively read and reviewed 240 Young Adult books in 2025. Selected by the interns themselves, the Teen Best Reads of 2025 Booklist showcases standout titles that reflect teen interests, perspectives, and experiences.

While the official booklist will be released in December, this event offers a sneak peek as interns share some of their favorite picks, connect with fellow teens, and talk about what it’s like to intern at CPL. Attendees can enjoy book-themed crafts, discover new reading recommendations, and celebrate a shared love of literature.

To further spotlight the teens’ work, CPL is partnering with local artist Caesar Perez, who designed a custom bookmark and tote inspired by this year’s list. These limited-edition items will be available at all CPL branches while supplies last. Reflecting the program’s impact and popularity, the 2025–26 school year Teen Best Reads internship received 672 applications from 502 unique teens, underscoring strong citywide interest in teen-led literary engagement.

The Reading Set

The Reading Set is a new Chicago Public Library service designed to support book clubs by making it easy to borrow multiple copies of the same title. Patrons can check out Reading Sets containing 8–12 copies of a book for an extended 35-day loan period, giving groups ample time to distribute, read, and discuss their selection. Sets are reserved online using a CPL library card and PIN and are delivered to the patron’s preferred branch for convenient pickup on the first day of the reservation. Completed sets are returned in a provided tote bag to any CPL location.

Launched on October 23 at CPL’s Book Club Celebration in the Winter Garden, The Reading Set was introduced to more than 350 attendees who explored the collection, connected with local literary organizations, and heard from guest speakers including author Mia Manansala and Alderman Samantha Nugent. The service features a new calendar-based reservation system and a robust, diverse collection of more than 350 titles across fiction, nonfiction, bestsellers, and award winners, with options available in English, Spanish, Polish, and Korean.

CPL is the largest library system offering a book club set borrowing service, with a collection seven times larger than that of the only comparable system, King County. Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 60 reservations made in just the first three weeks. Titles available as Reading Sets include Deacon King Kong by James McBride, The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai, Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara, Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty, and The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan.

CPL’s Best of the Best Books

Chicago Public Library unveiled its Best of the Best Books on Monday, November 17, highlighting the top reads of the year as selected by CPL staff. The annual lists feature over 180 books for children—including picture books, board books, fiction, nonfiction, and libros en español—more than 50 books for teens across fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and manga, and 100 favorite titles for adults, including a Top 10 and a guide to this year’s must-read books.

These curated selections serve as a trusted resource for holiday gift ideas and carry a badge of distinction recognized and promoted by many publishers. CPL’s Marketing team is running a campaign through December to spotlight these titles.

Storytelling for Literacy and Community Healing

Storytelling for Literacy and Community Healing was a pilot program supported by grant funding from the American Library Association that used storytelling as a tool to address literacy challenges, community well-being, and the healing needs of individuals and families impacted by incarceration. As part of a national initiative that awarded grants to library systems in Delaware, South Carolina, and Chicago, the Chicago Public Library partnered with the Chicago Stories Project to design and implement a paid storytelling workshop series for adults aged 18 and older who were directly or indirectly affected by incarceration.

CPL’s program included a four-week workshop series led by an experienced teaching artist and centered on narrative reclamation, self-expression, and empowerment, with curriculum adaptable to participant needs. The program positioned libraries as transformative community hubs by fostering inclusive spaces for healing, strengthening literacy skills, and connecting participants to Chicago Public Library resources. A community-based partner supported recruitment and outreach to ensure the program reflected community priorities and lived experiences.

The program concluded with a community showcase that featured participant readings and a shared meal, welcoming friends, family members, and community supporters. Program evaluation was conducted with support from the research firm Knology.

An additional grant-supported program component was developed to address the needs of families impacted by incarceration through Chicago Public Library’s partnership with the Cook County Department of Corrections. As part of the grant, the Children’s Services and Family Engagement (CSFE) team planned to participate in eight visitation events, where CPL staff would conduct tabling outreach. These events were designed to include a storytelling-focused worksheet centered on familial storytelling, reflection, and healing, along with a take-home time capsule intended to encourage ongoing storytelling and connection beyond the visitation setting.

City Civics Day

The 3rd Annual City Civics Day, held on November 15 at the Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago, brought together city agencies, community organizations, and residents to promote civic engagement and participation. Chicago Public Library collaborated with the Department of Planning and Development, DCASE, other city agencies, and Muse Community + Design to help plan the event and hosted a highly attended booth at the civics fair, where staff issued 42 new library cards and connected attendees to library resources.

The lunchtime program featured Mayor Brandon Johnson and several alderpeople discussing how city and nonprofit organizations can engage communities to promote a more active and involved citizenry. Event highlights included a performance by Chicago’s Youth Poet Laureate, Eila Kittikamron-Mora, and music provided throughout the morning by CPL’s DJ Scholar in Residence, Rae Chardonnay. Adult Services also introduced many organizations to the Reading Set, leading to new partnerships, including ongoing work with the Department of Planning and Development to establish staff book club discussions.

 

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.

Immigration Enforcement Response

CPL has been working with staff and the City regarding an immigration enforcement response. CPL locations have not directly had any ICE visits, however, there has been activity near select library locations. Library management has been communicating guidance systemwide via email and by phone to locations that have seen activity in their communities and make sure that they have available resources, understand procedures and provide support.

We’ve worked closely with the Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights to ensure staff are as prepared as possible should federal representatives appear near a library. We have also provided dedicated training to branch management that is designed to provide clear guidance, reinforce existing protocols, and strengthen our readiness systemwide. Library locations are providing Know Your Rights and materials to support our homeless patrons as well.

There is signage posted in all CPL parking lots in response to the Mayor’s Executive Order stating that city lots and parking lots are not allowed for staging this type of activity. For patron safety and comfortability, there is an option to attend “Know Your Rights” and ESL classes virtually.  We have also established a communication tree between CPL, CPS and Parks which allows us to collectively support our sister agencies to communicate and respond quickly if there is activity that requires attention.

Community organizations are also using community rooms to connect with patrons safely. CPL has created resource pages and book lists on our website for families with topics on how to talk to children or have difficult conversations regarding important issues, such as borders and immigration, let’s talk when the world is scary.

Safety Updates

We previously shared the final Safety Taskforce report, outlining recommendations to enhance safety and wellness for staff and patrons across all locations. Developed through three working groups—Staff & Patron Engagement, Communication & Implementation, and Training & Policy—the report included short-, mid-, and long-term strategies informed by staff surveys and focus groups. Key recommendations focus on strengthening security onboarding, piloting peer navigators, implementing post-incident wellness checklists, improving incident reporting and communication, tracking safety trends transparently, and providing regular training opportunities.

Since our previous board meeting, we’ve hosted virtual sessions and shared updates at library cluster meetings providing an overview of the report results and providing next steps to staff.  We will continue to provide you with our progress on these recommendations.

Incident Reporting

Chicago Public Library introduced a new incident reporting and tracking training to ensure staff are equipped to document and manage incidents effectively. The training covers the types of incidents that should be tracked, the procedures for completing documentation, and best practices for accurate and thorough reporting. Staff were able to sign up for the training through the eLearning platform, providing flexible access and support for consistent implementation across the library system.

Emergency Communications Texting Pilot

CPL is piloting a communications texting pilot, led by Nicole Steves, our Director of Technology, in partnership with OEMC’s Emergency Communications Team, to provide a streamlined way to reach targeted staff groups during both large-scale and localized emergencies. Staff who had previously opted into OEMC communications were already familiar with messages about weather, traffic, events, and police activity, and the new system allows CPL to send timely alerts in one step to specific groups, including Executive Team, Senior Staff, District Chiefs, and branch teams.

Following a successful testing phase over the summer, CPL worked with the Safety Taskforce to plan systemwide implementation, ensuring that all branches and staff groups could be effectively reached during emergencies. The system provides a reliable tool to keep staff informed and connected, supporting CPL’s commitment to safety and preparedness across the city’s library network.

Capital Updates

  • West Lawn - A retrofit project is almost completed at the West Lawn branch. These projects involve installing solar panels and upgrading HVAC systems. West Lawn is scheduled to reopen to the public this week.
  • Hall – Hall branch has received a new roof and resetting of the limestone band around the perimeter. This will guarantee the branch continues to remain warm, safe and dry.
  • Harold Washington Library Center – The Plymouth Court entrance will be closed December 5, 2025 – January 5, 2026, to replace the exterior doors at this entrance. During the closure, patrons will be directed to enter the building using entrances at State Street and Ida B. Wells; staff will enter via the Van Buren entrance. These doors are being replaced for improved functionality and enhanced access.

We are also working with a global design firm to complete a wayfinding project at HWLC to enhance navigation and user experiences through effective signage, visual cues, and environmental design.

Video Game Night

CPL continues to work with the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety (MOCS) to host video game nights at select branch libraries. We’ve previously hosted events at the Kelly and Leger branches. Earlier this week, an after-hours arcade was held at the Woodson Regional Library. Over 200 patrons participated in this event which featured refreshments, a coat drive supported by Alderman Hall’s office, Trash Goblins provided reused material to create art, and gaming tournaments and other games were available suitable for all ages.  

Holiday Tree

CPL and other City agencies have been offered the opportunity to have a holiday tree at O’Hare International Airport. Commissioner Clemons shared 3D printed owl ornaments that were created by staff along with other ornaments that have been donated from staff and patrons across the City.

 

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

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

  • CPL is midway through developing its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and long-range Capital Plan, guided by extensive input from staff and more than 15,000 community members. This engagement is shaping CPL’s mission and priorities, reinforcing the library’s vital role in Chicago’s future.
  • The library continues to support community safety and trust by serving as a welcoming space for dialogue, learning, and connection across neighborhoods. Through partnerships with city agencies, community organizations, and public safety leaders, CPL has hosted discussions on violence prevention, family game nights, and gun safety workshops that bring residents, youth, and institutions together. By expanding programming in neighborhood libraries and correctional facilities and connecting residents to city services, CPL hopes to build trust, strengthen communities, and support a safer Chicago.
  • CPL is moving closer to strengthening literacy citywide through a forthcoming data-sharing agreement with Chicago Public Schools which will provide every student with a library card using their CPS student ID number. This collaborative work positions literacy as a shared civic commitment across all ages and neighborhoods.
  • The library has expanded youth engagement in this year’s One Book, One Chicago by introducing new, teen-centered programming that elevated youth voice and creativity. Through events like Teen Lit Night at Harold Washington Library Center and a school-based author talk at Pedro Albizu Campos High School, CPL connected young people with authors, art, and hands-on experiences. Together, these efforts help ensure youth see themselves as active participants in Chicago’s literary and cultural story.
  • CPL is advancing cultural memory and storytelling through nationally recognized archival leadership, exhibitions, and literary programming that preserve and elevate Chicago’s diverse histories. From community-centered exhibits and the digitization of the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection to impactful author conversations through One Book, One Chicago, CPL ensures broad access to art, history, and scholarship. Together, this work affirms the library’s role in safeguarding the public record and connecting communities through shared stories.
  • In September, Chicago Public Library welcomed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to Harold Washington Library Center for the launch of her children’s book *Just Shine*, a celebration of belonging and the power of every child’s story. Illustrated by Chicago artist Jacqueline Alcántara, the book and conversation reflected CPL’s mission to uplift youth voice, joy, and access across the city. Drawing families, children, and civic leaders together, the event offered a powerful reminder that libraries are spaces where democracy, imagination, and every voice can shine.

 

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)

Brenda Bui, President and CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, shared an update on behalf of the staff and Board of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, highlighting the important work the Foundation is currently undertaking.  

CPLF Foundation recently celebrated milestones and raised support for library programs, including $1.2M to date from the 2025 Library Foundation Awards, featuring honorees like Percival Everett, José Olivarez, and Mary Dempsey. Community fundraisers and partnerships with local businesses have raised additional support while promoting awareness of CPL’s work, and the new Community Connections Fund empowers branches to design neighborhood-focused programming. Looking ahead, the Foundation will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, inviting the public to stay informed about events and donor impact through its e-newsletter.

 

Other Business

None

 

Public Comment

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

  • Concerns regarding staffing challenges and budget cuts that were presented to City Council during the 2026 budget hearing.
  • Requests for a new and improved library to support the Gage Park community.
  • Teen patrons requesting that the 35 “Teen Best of the Best” titles be made available at all CPL locations.
  • An ask that the CPL introduce two new programs: computer classes for specifically for veterans and a mentorship program for college graduates transitioning life after college.

 

Commissioner’s Report  

Strategic & Capital Planning: Shaping Chicago’s Library Future 

Chicago Public Library is nearing the halfway point in shaping its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and long-range Capital Plan—a blueprint for how libraries will serve every neighborhood over the next decade. Since April, we’ve been engaging staff and Chicagoans about the future they want for their public library. So far, this process has included three systemwide listening sessions, a staff survey completed by 65 percent of our workforce, seven workshops with Staff Advisory and Leadership Groups, more than 15,000 community survey responses, and capital-planning interviews with internal and external partners. Together, these voices are refining our mission, vision, and values while helping define what Chicagoans need most from their libraries. More than anything, Chicagoans see their libraries as essential to the city’s vitality and future. 

Emerging Strategic Priorities 

  • Community Building and Connection: Strengthening relationships and belonging across neighborhoods and generations. 
  • Learning and Broad Literacies Development: Supporting the many literacies that help people understand and engage with the world. 
  • Passion, Exploration, and Skill Building: Empowering curiosity and creativity through discovery and practice. 
  • Local Culture and Identity Celebration: Honoring and uplifting Chicago’s neighborhood heritage and identity. 
  • Collective Care and Resilience: Connecting Chicagoans to trusted community resources and compassionate support. 

Next Steps & Upcoming Engagement

As we move into the next phase, CPL will continue this work through 14 additional engagement opportunities—including Regional Library workshops, community outreach across neighborhoods, and a new series of focus groups designed to deepen insights from the first phase of planning. These focus groups will center on five key themes: literacy, youth opportunity, accessibility, immigrant and refugee support, and radical welcome. Special attention will be given to reaching neighborhoods where library engagement has been lower, ensuring every community’s voice helps shape this next chapter. 

This work will continue through the Civic Stakeholder Convening on December 11 at Harold Washington Library Center—an opportunity for civic, cultural, and city leaders to join CPL in charting and informing an aspirational future for Chicago’s libraries, grounded in access, opportunity, and neighborhood vitality. 

Community Safety & Trust: Libraries as Neighborhood Anchors 

In a city continuously working to make Chicago safer, Chicago Public Library serves as both a place of connection and a platform for dialogue. Our libraries host the conversations and activities that strengthen neighborhoods—linking Chicagoans to resources, learning, and one another. This summer, Harold Washington Library Center welcomed Professor Jens Ludwig and Sylvia Ewing for a discussion on the root causes of violent crime. Ludwig’s research shows that most gun violence is preventable through community connection and environmental design. 

At Legler Regional Library and Kelly Branch, family game nights with the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood, IPG, Fly Nerd Group, Think Outside Da Block, Teamwork Englewood, and the 007th District Police brought together youth, families, and officers for evenings of food, play, and trust-building. At Little Village Branch, residents joined a Gun Safety Awareness Workshop with the Community Safety Coordination Center, CDPH, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and UChicago Medicine. Inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center, monthly CPL book discussions and forthcoming library spaces at MCC and Cook County Jail are expanding literacy, reflection, and reentry support for justice-involved Chicagoans. 

CPL also hosted the Mayor’s Office Fall Fest at Harold Washington Library Center, connecting hundreds of residents with city services and community resources. Together, these efforts reaffirm CPL’s vital role in a safer Chicago—where connection, learning, and trust begin. 

Advancing Literacy and Access 

In September, Chicago Public Library joined the Junior League of Chicago for a conversation with partners and colleagues dedicated to strengthening literacy across our city. As we move closer to launching our data-sharing agreement with Chicago Public Schools, which will give every student a library card through their student ID, we’re focused on turning that new level of access into a broader movement for youth engagement and reading. These convenings reflect how CPL is elevating literacy and access as core priorities in our strategic work—working in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library Foundation, scaleLIT, and the Junior League of Chicago to make reading a shared civic commitment for every age and neighborhood. 

This work is more urgent than ever. As The Atlantic recently reported, 40 percent of American fourth graders and one-third of eighth graders now read below grade level—the highest share in a generation. When so many children struggle to follow the main idea in a short passage, it’s not just an educational challenge; it’s a civic one. At Chicago Public Library, we know we can’t fulfill our mission of being for the public if the public itself is struggling to read. That’s why our strategy work, partnerships, and programs—from Jump Into Reading to Summer at CPL to the 81 Club—are designed to help students build confidence and lifelong reading habits. Together with our partners, we are reaffirming that literacy isn’t only a skill—it’s the foundation of opportunity and democracy in Chicago. 

One Book, One Chicago: Expanding Youth Engagement 

As part of Chicago Public Library’s effort to create more opportunities for youth engagement, this year’s One Book, One Chicago season introduced new ways for young people to participate in the city’s annual reading celebration. In September, Harold Washington Library Center hosted Teen Lit Night: Unbound, transforming Chicago’s central library into a stage for teen creativity and expression. Led by Julie Koslowsky and CPL’s programming team, the event brought hundreds of young people together for live author talks, art, music, and hands-on screen printing. With support from partners including 826CHI, Mikva Challenge, the Art Institute of Chicago, United Airlines, and the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the evening showcased Chicago’s collective commitment to youth voice and the literary arts. 

Building on that momentum, CPL hosted a One Book, One Chicago event in October at Pedro Albizu Campos High School, where students engaged directly with a leading Young Adult author to explore the power of storytelling, identity, and imagination. Together, these events mark an important step in expanding youth opportunity within One Book, One Chicago—ensuring the next generation of readers and creators see themselves as part of Chicago’s story. 

Cultural Memory & Storytelling: Archives, Art, and Recognition 

This fall, Library Journal recognized Chicago Public Library for its leadership in archival work and the vital role large public libraries play in preserving our nation’s diverse cultural heritage. In a moment when visibility, access, and historical accuracy are increasingly at risk, CPL’s archival and exhibition work helps ensure that the full story of who we are—as a city and as a country—remains part of the public record. Our Pilsen Days exhibit paired Akito Tsuda’s 1990s photographs of the Mexican immigrant community with new oral histories from residents, connecting generations through art and testimony. With Mellon and Getty Foundation support, the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection—the Midwest’s largest African American heritage archive—is being digitized for global access, making hundreds of linear feet of materials newly available for research and teaching. Writer Natalie Y. Moore called Harsh “the best place to see your tax dollars at work,” noting that all her books—and much of her journalism—begin there. This year, she has been researching feminist aspects of the 1998 Black Radical Congress and the life of Era Bell Thompson, a former Ebony magazine editor, underscoring how Harsh continues to shape new scholarship and understanding of Chicago’s cultural life. 

That same dedication to reflection and connection continues through our literary programming. In 2023, Tommy Orange joined us at Harold Washington Library Center as our first Native American One Book, One Chicago author, offering a conversation on identity, community, and belonging that resonated deeply across the city. Now a 2025 MacArthur Fellow, his recognition affirms the enduring impact of this work—how libraries help preserve our collective story and bring people together through the power of art, history, and imagination. 

A Conversation with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor 

In September, Chicago Public Library had the honor of welcoming U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the Harold Washington Library Center for the launch of her new children’s book, Just Shine. Illustrated by Chicago’s own Jacqueline Alcántara, the book celebrates belonging, joy, and the idea that every child’s story deserves to be seen and heard—values at the heart of CPL’s mission across all 81 neighborhood libraries. The event was made possible through the support of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, with special thanks to Brenda Langstraat Bui, Nina D. Sanchez of ¡Viva! Los Libros!, and CPL’s programming team led by Jennifer Lizak. Moderated by Andrea Sáenz, the conversation drew hundreds of families, children, and civic leaders from across the city—creating an unforgettable Chicago moment where young readers had the chance to ask questions directly of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The day was a joyful reminder that libraries are where democracy lives—and where every voice can shine. 

 

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report

Brenda 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: 

Updates & Celebrations  

  • Our 2025 Library Foundation Awards has raised $1.2M to date for special Library programs! The broadcast was released on November 5 and can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. The video features stories from our branches, highlights from the event, and insights from honorees Pulitzer Prize-winning author Percival Everett, poet and cultural champion José Olivarez, and library visionary Mary Dempsey. To watch and share the free broadcast—as well as enjoy broadcast content from past years—visit https://cplfoundation.org/awards/
  • Recent social fundraisers at Jeni’s Ice Cream and Promethean Theatre raised over $3,000 in support while spreading awareness of our work with the library. We are also excited for a number of additional collaborations planned with local stores such as Brunello Cucinelli and Love, Charlie in the coming months!
  • We continue to work with Chicago Public Library to empower branches across the city to design programming that responds to and celebrates their own neighborhood’s distinctive needs. Learn more about our NEW Community Connections Fund here: https://cplfoundation.org/community-connections/
  • Next year, the Chicago Public Library Foundation celebrates our 40th Anniversary! With much more to come, we invite the public to sign up for our e-newsletter at www.cplfoundation.org to learn more about the impact donors help make possible at our Library and be among the first to know about upcoming Foundation-hosted events.