Chicago Public Library Foundation

09/02/2026

Meet our Chicago Public Library Maker-in-Residence, Emma McKee! A Chicago-based artist, Emma is committed to telling our city's stories. Over the summer, Emma taught decorative stitching techniques to Library users, encouraging them to embroider an image that represents their neighborhood. The result? A large denim map of Chicago!

Learn more about Emma's journey as an artist and her experience as a maker-in-residence: https://bit.ly/makerinresidenceatCPL

08/31/2026

What a gorgeous view and what a great community! Thank you to more than 200 library champions who showed up to celebrate the Library Foundation's 40 years of impact and support Chicago Public Library Thanks to you, we raised more than $33,000 for lifelong learning programs across our Library's 82 branches.

Special shoutout to our sponsors who help make this event possible: McDonald's Clayco The Hecktman Family Clarity Partners, LLC BBDO Chicago Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Bob & Susan Wislow/Parkside Realty, and Indus Cares Foundation.

You can check out the photo highlights here: https://bit.ly/40andBolderSummerSoiree

See you next year!

08/27/2026

School started this week and our Chicago Public Library's Teacher in the Library program is ready to help students with their homework and build study habits with their families.

Did you know that donors help bring accredited educators to library branches? Last school year, our Teachers provided more than 33,000 one-to-one homework help sessions!

Please consider donating a monthly gift so we can continue to help more students like Mack.

Because Chicago's young people deserve to thrive in and out of school: https://bit.ly/3R1PprY

in the Library

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton knew the power of words, whether in music or in a book. Her songs gave people a voice. Her passion for reading and literacy inspired millions of children to dream.

In 2020, when our Library's doors were closed, Dolly comforted readers all around the world with a bedtime story through our Live from the Library initiative.

Thank you for championing libraries and literacy, Dolly.

08/21/2026

Got any weekend plans? Drop by The Royal Grocer on August 22, from 10 am-8 pm, and dine for Chicago Public Library!

Enjoy great food and a specialty cocktail! PLUS: 15% of proceeds go toward lifelong learning at our library

See you there!

08/20/2026

Our Library is best known as a community hub for learning. But did you know that it's also an engine for economic opportunity? For every $1 invested in Chicago Public Library, Chicago communities get $3 in return. Learn more about why investing in our Library is one of the smartest investments we can make for our city in this Chicago Tribune Op-Ed from our board chair, Michael Fassnacht, and President & CEO, Eva Giglio.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/20/opinion-chicago-public-library-funding/

For every $1 invested into Chicago’s library, it returns $3 dollars to the people.

08/18/2026

Our 40 and Bolder: A Summer Soiree event may be sold out, but you can still join the fun from wherever you are. Purchase a raffle ticket and get a chance to win one of our standout packages:

🛏️ A luxurious night at the Deluxe Room of The Langham, Chicago, with Club lounge access for two guests + 4 tickets to 360 Chicago's Sip, Tilt & View.
🍷 A cozy night out at a neighborhood favorite Embers + Apothecary in Printer's Row.
😂 Comedy fun at Zanies Comedy Club Chicago

Raffle tickets are $25 each and all proceeds go toward lifelong learning at Chicago Public Library!

Get your tickets now: https://givebutter.com/40andbolder

08/14/2026

Day 1? ✅ ✅ ✅
We had a team lunch to officially welcome our new President & CEO, Eva Giglio.

We are excited for the next chapter of powering our Library and empowering every Chicagoan

08/12/2026

Four Decades of Stories:

YOUmedia began as a pilot for teens to build, create, and express themselves, and has since grown into more than 30 spaces citywide, becoming a model for libraries nationwide.

More importantly, YOUmedia has served as a safe space for teens across our city to learn, experiment, and grow into their potential.

It started with donors like you who believed in what our Chicago Public Library can be for Chicago's youth.

Thank you for expanding what's possible!

08/10/2026

It's back-to-school season! And our Teachers in the Library are getting ready to help students with their homework, build study habits with families, and make sure Chicago's youth are prepared for the next school year!

Thank you, teachers, for showing up for our students! And thank you, donors, for bringing this critical resource to our library branches.

You can learn how this program transforms students and families here: https://bit.ly/TeacherIntheLibrary