CPLFoundation

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brenda Langstraat Bui, President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Our prayers are with her family and the CPLF staff as we all mourn and remember her legacy of service and love for our city.

All CPL locations are warming centers during operational hours. To locate additional warming centers, call 3-1-1 or visit 311.chicago.gov. To find a library near you or to learn the operating hours for a specific location, visit chi.gov/locations.

We're thrilled to share the 2025 Teen Best Reads list curated by CPL interns! This year's recommendations include trending titles across various genres that are suspenseful, emotional, relevant, thrilling and much more! chi.gov/tbr25 Plus, get a sneak preview below!

Students learning from home can get academic support with CPL’s free online resources, including Virtual Teacher in the Library, Brainfuse Online Tutoring and additional support from online read alongs to virtual language classes. Learn more: chi.gov/m/learnathome

Join us this Saturday as we celebrate 50 years of Woodson Regional Library! The day will be filled with festivities, including traditional African percussion with @oldtownschool, a special presentation by @SMOOTHVINO and many more activities. Register at chi.gov/woodson50th

I had fun reading to some Burke Elementary students at the Chicago Public Library today. When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, we’ll have a new branch of the library for the community to enjoy.

Join us for an OBOC season finale keynote event featuring Xochitl Gonzalez, author of this year's selection, "Olga Dies Dreaming." Gonzalez will be in conversation with @Booklist_Donna at Harold Washington Library Center this Thursday. Learn more: chi.gov/obockeynote📚

Literary stars were celebrated at the @CPLFoundation 's annual Awards Dinner Oct. 21. The event raised $1.4 million, showcased 57 Chicago-connected authors and honored Percival Everett, José Olivarez and Mary A. Dempsey. (Via @CrainsChicago ) chicagobusiness.com/nonprofits-phi…

21st Century Award Honoree @_joseolivarez joined Commissioner @ChrisBrownCPL and Director of Marketing Shamil Clay on CAN TV to discuss the importance of libraries as community hubs and his time at the 2025 Library Foundation Awards: youtube.com/watch?v=XYDfRQ…

Celebrate Native and Indigenous peoples at your local CPL branch as we honor the experiences and accomplishments of the Native and Indigenous community through engaging book discussions, film screenings and workshops. Learn more: chi.gov/nahm

Book clubs will never be the same. Chicago Public Library is proud to unveil The Reading Set, a platform that makes reserving sets of books for your book club easier than ever. Get started today: chipublib.org/thereadingset

Published a new poem. Thank you to @ChicagoMag

Poet José Olivarez reacts to the immigration crackdown in his hometown the way he knows best: through verse. chicagomag.com/chicago-magazi…

What's left if we continue this path of wreckage—to historic landmarks, to national parks, to museums, to libraries? To institutions that belong to all people, that welcome all people, that see worth and promise and humanity in all people? My column. chicagotribune.com/2025/10/24/hei…

In 2024, CPL issued a record-breaking 167,492 new library cards, each giving access to the 14 million resources and 30 thousand programs that CPL provides — all for free. Explore CPL's 2024 Annual Report to learn how we're making an impact in Chicago: chi.gov/ar2024

While @nprscottsimon is away at @CPLFoundation Sandburg Awards, here's a time capsule from last year's award ceremony honoring Ann Patchett! youtu.be/7U33h5Ykisg?si…

Congratulations to our president, Mary Dempsey, on receiving the Cindy Pritzker Civic Award from the @CPLFoundation. As the former Commissioner of @chipublib, Mary spearheaded the construction and renovation of 44 branch libraries, development of innovative outreach programs...

This weekend, President & CEO Brenda Bui stopped by @WGNMorningNews to chat all about the Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards - from highlighting our honorees to sharing how the Library Foundation raises crucial funds for @ChiPubLib. bit.ly/4hgtndw

DePaul College Prep President Mary Dempsey spoke with @DarcelTribune from @chicagotribune ahead of accepting the Cindy Pritzker Civic Award from the @CPLFoundation at next week’s award ceremony. ow.ly/MIXy50Xc12V