Chicago, a new chapter is about to begin. Next year, CPL will open its newest branch at the Obama Presidential Center, a space dedicated to connection, discovery and the power of stories. To mark this milestone, we are spotlighting Obama’s Top Reads across all 81 branches and sharing the 2025 summer list below.
Each year, President Obama shares curated lists of books that inspire, challenge and bring joy. His 2025 summer list is no exception. These are the titles sparking conversations across the country, and now, across Chicago.
- Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
- The Book of Records by Madeleine Thien
- King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
- Abundance by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson
- Rosarita by Anita Desai
- Audition by Katie Kitamura
- The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones
- A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst
- Who is Government? by Michael Lewis
- The Sirens’ Call by Chris Hayes
From September 15 through October 15, you'll see Obama's Top Reads come to life throughout CPL. Patrons and staff will be checking out books from the list at neighborhood branches and CPL's social media channels will feature photos and stories from across the city.
Want to join in? Visit your local CPL branch to check out a book from the list, then share your reading journey by tagging @chicagopubliclibrary and @obamafoundation, and using #ObamasTopReads.
Together, we celebrate reading and the role libraries play in our city while looking ahead to the opening of CPL's 82nd branch at the Obama Presidential Center.