Chicago Public Library Foundation

06/02/2026

And our 2026 Chicago Public Library Foundation Award honorees are… Mo Willems (Carl Sandburg Literary Award) and Gabriel Bump (21st Century Award)!

From the picture books that turn children into lifelong readers to the novels that give us a sense of belonging, this year's honorees build the worlds we return to again and again. Join us this October to celebrate these incredible authors and the transformative power of our Chicago Public Library.

Learn more about our honorees and the Awards presentation event at cplfoundation.org/awards.

06/01/2026

The hat is back! We're so excited for another Chicago summer of reading and connection.

Thank you to KPMG, Helen M. Harrison Foundation, Hunter Family Foundation, Dr. Scholl Foundation, Cubs Charities, Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation, and generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation for supporting summer at Chicago Public Library!

The summer reading challenge kicks off June 6 as part of the library’s citywide program with activities for all ages.

05/28/2026

Chicago Public Library supports every Chicagoan at every stage of learning. This Older Americans Month, WBEZ spotlighted how CPL is helping older adults build digital skills through one-on-one support from CyberNavigators.

Listen to the segment: https://www.wbez.org/in-the-loop-with-sasha-ann-simons/2026/05/12/chicago-public-librarys-cyber-navigator-program-helps-bridge-the-digital-divide-for-seniors

Thank you to BMO U.S., Allstate, Polk Bros. Foundation, Peoples Gas, Exelon, Hoellen Family Foundation, The Brinson Foundation, Sulzer Family Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Leslie S. Hindman, Chicago Bulls, The Helen Brach Foundation, RRF Foundation for Aging, and the generous donors to the Library Foundation for helping us bridge the digital divide.

“People feel separated from the world, and we don’t want to leave them behind,” says Esme Bueno, district chief for programming and partnerships at the Chicago Public Library.

05/26/2026

More ways to support Chicago Public Library this June!

From sweet treats to stylish home finds and cocktails for a cause, there’s something for everyone:

🍦 June 3 | 2–5 PM — Jenis Ice Creams, Wicker Park
🏡 June 9–13 — Shop home goods at tag Outlet
🍸 June 9 — Cocktails for a Cause at The Charleston

Join us at one (or more!) of these events and support your library. We can’t wait to see you there!

05/21/2026

Support Your Library. Empower Your Community.

Your support of the Library Foundation helps expand accelerate learning, connection, and opportunities for all Chicagoans.

Give today and invest in lifelong learning for Chicagoans at every stage of life: https://bit.ly/4rQIjU2

Thank you for championing the power of libraries and helping our community thrive.

05/19/2026

Raise a glass for libraries! 🍸📚 Join us June 9 at The Charleston for drinks, good vibes, and a great cause. From 5–8 PM, 100% of proceeds benefit CPLF.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4u35gVl

Huge thanks to Morgan Carr and The Charleston team for hosting and supporting our city’s libraries!

05/18/2026

Did you know that in 2025, thanks to your support, we reached 400,000 Chicagoans with donor-powered programs at Chicago Public Library?

From homework help to neighborhood events and teen book clubs and maker workshops, Chicago Public Library offered something for all ages – thanks to you.

Read more about our 2025 impact here: https://empowereverychicagoan.org/

05/15/2026

Meet Adoley, our Associate Board President! Since joining the Chicago Public Library Foundation Associate Board in 2022 and most recently serving as Development Chair, she’s been deeply committed to supporting libraries citywide. Now, she’s energized to lead the board and help make more possible for Chicago’s libraries.

Learn more about Adoley’s favorite books, library memories, and her vision for the year ahead: https://cplfoundation.org/meet-cplf-associate-board-president-adoley-jordan/

05/13/2026

We love collaborating with Chicago-based businesses and organizations to support our libraries! If your organization hosts giveback events or is interested in partnering, we’d love to connect.

Check out our webpage to learn how we can make an impact together or to see when our next giveback event is: https://cplfoundation.org/give-back/

05/12/2026

Students gain confidence in the classroom. Adults strengthen vital digital and AI skills. Teens discover pathways to college and meaningful careers. Neighbors from across Chicago come together to learn, connect, and thrive.

This is what’s possible when a community invests in its libraries. Thank you to our generous donors for supporting Chicago Public Library at every level.

Hear from the Library Foundation staff as they share highlights from the 2025 Impact Report and explore the impact you help make possible at empowereverychicagoan.org