Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Library are proud to announce Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez as the 2025 One Book, One Chicago (OBOC) selection.
Now in its 24th year, OBOC has become a civic tradition and cultural anchor for Chicago—bringing residents together across 81 library locations in all 77 neighborhoods to connect, engage and enlighten through story. Last year, more than 75,000 Chicagoans participated, and this year’s season aims even higher.
“From West Pullman on the south side to Rogers Park on the north side, Chicagoans share a deep connection with their neighborhoods. Olga Dies Dreaming explores what it means to call a place home, whether it’s a neighborhood, a city or a country,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Chicago residents of all identities will connect with Gonzalez’s thoughtful, resonant prose.”
Chosen for its bold and lyrical storytelling, Olga Dies Dreaming explores identity, family and the costs of silence and resistance. The novel asks what it means to belong in a changing place, how we carry heritage forward while still dreaming of more and how resilience sustains us through struggle. Gonzalez’s book resonates deeply with Chicago, reflecting urgent issues such as diaspora, housing justice and resilience. The national bestselling book was named one of the Best Books of the Year in 2022 by publications including The New York Times, NPR and The Washington Post, in addition to winning accolades such as the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize and the New York City Book Award. Additionally, Olga Dies Dreaming is the first Puerto Rican-authored novel selected for OBOC
“For more than 20 years, One Book, One Chicago has brought our city together through story, and this year’s selection could not be more timely,” said Library Commissioner Chris Brown. “Olga Dies Dreaming is the first Puerto Rican-authored novel chosen for the program, and it resonates deeply with Chicago’s own history of activism and politics—from housing struggles to movements like the Young Lords, to the complex role of political families. It is a story about resilience, identity and belonging that mirrors the lived experiences of our neighborhoods today. This fall, we invite all Chicagoans to join us in this citywide conversation."
From September to November, CPL will offer a variety of dynamic events inviting patrons to explore all aspects of Olga Dies Dreaming and deeply engage with its themes. The season opens with a Silent Reading Soirée on September 24 at Harold Washington Library Center, followed by a Community Conversation about The Young Lords of Lincoln Park on October 1 that explores the history of the Young Lords in Lincoln Park, and a Housing Justice and Cultural Belonging Panel on October 28 will bring experts together to discuss displacement and resilience in Chicago today. Neighborhood programs throughout the season will celebrate Puerto Rican culture with music, dance, artmaking and storytelling. View the programming guide here: chi.gov/obocguide2025
This year’s season finale event will feature a Keynote with Xochitl Gonzalez at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 20 at Harold Washington Library Center’s Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. Gonzalez will be in conversation with Booklist’s Donna Seaman about her career and the book, followed by a book signing. Books will be available for purchase, courtesy of our bookstore partner.
“Olga is about many things, but fundamentally it’s about community,” said Xochitl Gonzalez, author of Olga Dies Dreaming. “So the idea of an entire city reading and discussing and being in community with this book that centralizes the value of place and the people in it? Well, it’s beyond thrilling. I hope everyone loves this novel, but more than anything, I’m just excited that the spirit of the book is in action every time people get together and debate it or see someone else reading it in public and might strike up a conversation.”
This year also welcomes new cultural partners including La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón, Somos Arte, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, Stay & Play Game Café, Africaribe, the National Public Housing Museum and the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Returning partners include the American Writers Museum, CHIRP Radio, the Art Institute of Chicago, DePaul University, Northeastern Illinois University and Harold Washington College.
For complete program information and events, visit onebookonechicago.org. Library patrons can place a hold on Olga Dies Dreaming here.
The 2025 OBOC program is made possible by United Airlines and other generous donors to Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF). To learn more about how the Foundation supports the Library’s mission and offerings, visit cplfoundation.org.
About Xochitl Gonzalez and Olga Dies Dreaming
Xochitl Gonzalez is the New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming, named one of the Best Books of the Year by The New York Times, TIME, NPR, Washington Post, Vogue, Esquire, Book Riot, Good Reads, Reader’s Digest, Kirkus and more. The book was also winner of the Brooklyn Public Library Prize and an International Latino Book Award Finalist. Her other literary works include Anita de Monte Laughs Last, a New York Times bestseller, Reese’s Book Club Pick and longlisted for the Aspen Words Literary Prize. Gonzalez is a staff writer for The Atlantic and in 2023 was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in commentary.
About Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib), Facebook (@chipublib), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).
About Chicago Public Library Foundation
Chicago Public Library Foundation is an independent nonprofit that exists to accelerate the potential of our public library by investing in resources that transform lives and communities. Together with its civic-minded partners, the Foundation makes pathways to learning, creativity, and civic engagement accessible to Chicagoans of all ages through investment across three funding priority areas: Closing the Academic Opportunity Gap; Activating Creativity & Connection for All; and Bridging the Digital Divide.