Chicago Public Library Foundation

06/22/2026

Chicago Public Library’s Northtown Branch recently brought neighbors together through a community gardening program that fostered connection, shared learning, and creativity.

Made possible through the Community Connections Fund, these initiatives empower local branches to design responsive, community-centered experiences for Chicagoans of all ages.

Thank you to our Community Connections supporters Exelon, Wintrust, and generous donors to the Library Foundation for helping our branches remain vital neighborhood hubs. Learn more: https://cplfoundation.org/community-connections/

06/19/2026

It's official. Chicago Public Library's 82nd branch The Obama Presidential Library is now open. Did you know that donors power programming at the Obama branch?

Thank you to The Rhona Frazin Innovation Fund and generous donors to CPLF for helping to make this all possible.

Read more about the branch:

The public library at the Obama center will be a gift to the community, where we can seek credibility and substance. A literary sanctuary.

06/18/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome two outstanding leaders to our Board of Directors: Dave Holloman and Kate Nack!

Dave and Kate bring a dynamic mix of expertise, passion, and love of libraries that will help guide our organization.

Please join us in giving Dave and Kate a warm welcome!

Learn more about our Board here: https://cplfoundation.org/board-of-directors/

06/17/2026

We're hiring! Are you a strategic, data-informed writer and communicator? Join our fundraising team as Development Communications Manager.

Applications are open through July 31.

Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eGkKuQDX

06/15/2026

The excitement is building for the 2026 Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards and our honorees Mo Willems and Gabriel Bump!

Thank you to the Chicago Tribune and Darcel Rockett for featuring Willems and Bump, and sharing why their contributions to literature continue to resonate with readers in Chicago and beyond.

Read more about our honorees here:

This year, the Chicago Public Library Foundation is honoring South Shore native and author Gabriel Bump, as well as author and illustrator Mo Willems.

06/11/2026

Earlier this week, our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Public Library Fundraising Conference, hosted by Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Library Support Network. We spent time learning, connecting, and strengthening our ability to champion the vital role libraries play in our communities.

We’re grateful to our peers from across the country who shared their expertise and passion. And a heartfelt thank-you to our hosts and partners for creating such a meaningful space for collaboration and growth.

We’re bringing back new ideas, renewed energy, and an even deeper commitment to unlocking boundless opportunities through our library.

06/10/2026

Goodbyes are never easy, but please join us in celebrating our colleague Harriett Davis as she embarks on her next chapter. As Sr. Development Communications Manager, Harriett brought creativity, strategy, heart, and humor to the role for nearly 5 years. From grants to the annual Impact Report, her ability to tell our story and connect people to our mission made a lasting impact at the Library Foundation.

We are so excited to see all the incredible things Harriett will accomplish next!

06/05/2026

Tomorrow! Kick off Summer at Chicago Public Library at Woodson, Legler, and Sulzer Regional Libraries.

Thank you to KPMG US, 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!

Ready. Set. Summer at CPL! Don’t miss our kickoff celebrations this Saturday at Legler, Sulzer and Woodson Regional Libraries, where you’ll enjoy all things Chicago: food, games, art, stories and more. Plus, score exclusive Summer at CPL swag that will only be available at the kickoffs!

Check out our Summer at CPL page to learn more about each location’s events and RSVP: chi.gov/summeratcpl

06/03/2026

Welcome to Our Newest Associate Board Members! ✨

This incredible group of Library lovers and champions brings passion, energy, and fresh ideas to help us advance our mission and expand our impact in Chicago Public Library.

Thank you for choosing to lend your time, talent, and voice in support of the Library. We’re so grateful to have you with us.

Learn more about our Associate Board here: https://cplfoundation.org/associate-board/

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.