Chicago Public Library Foundation

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.

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.

Chicago Public Library’s Cyber Navigator Program helps bridge the digital divide for seniors “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.

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!

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.

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!

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/

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/

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/