– Chicago native and Director of Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty
– Chicago native and Director of Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty
Each day, Chicagoans of all walks of life turn to the Library for information and connection. With its citywide footprint of 81 branches, Chicago Public Library has remained committed to supporting Chicagoans in the pursuit of lifelong learning for nearly 150 years—and, as of 2022, all branches are now open seven days a week, furthering the Library’s commitment to access.
Your steadfast support and generosity helped to amplify this commitment. Thanks to you, the Chicago Public Library Foundation can invest in above and beyond Library programming that responds to Chicagoans’ ever-changing needs and interests.
In a year marked by challenges both new and persistent, Library programs continue to make a real difference in the lives of Chicagoans from every neighborhood.
In 2021, we further defined our commitment to empowering every Chicagoan with a new Equity Action Plan created in partnership with Ethos Talent. Four core principles will guide us both internally and in our ongoing efforts to support impact, equity, and connection across Chicago Public Library:
The Chicago Public Library Foundation works to create equitable access to the resources we support at the Library by making thoughtful investments in programs that are tailored to Chicagoans’ needs. In 2019, the Chicago Public Library Foundation identified three priority investment areas to support more equitable access to information and opportunity across our Library system and allow you to invest in new and ongoing initiatives that have a positive impact.
2021 was turbulent for Chicago children and families. COVID-19 related disruptions to schools and childcare centers left many families without access to consistent learning opportunities. Due to deeply-rooted systemic inequities, including unequal access to broadband internet, lower-income children and children of color continue to face the most significant obstacles to educational opportunity in Chicago.
We all have a role to play in dismantling inequities and closing the academic opportunity gap. The following donor-powered programs leverage our Library’s citywide footprint, vast free resources, and commitment to lifelong learning to ensure that all our city’s children have the support they need to succeed in school and life.
The Chicago Public Library Foundation works to create equitable access to the resources we support at the Library by making thoughtful investments in programs that are tailored to Chicagoans’ needs. In 2019, the Chicago Public Library Foundation identified three priority investment areas to support more equitable access to information and opportunity across our Library system and allow you to invest in new and ongoing initiatives that have a positive impact.
We all deserve the opportunity to express ourselves, connect with others, and share our voices. But for too many Chicagoans, access to these opportunities is limited or out of reach. Chicago Public Library invites Chicagoans from every neighborhood to come together and explore new ways of imagining and creating new possibilities not only for their own lives—but also for our city and the world.
The following programs empower Chicagoans with inspiration, cutting-edge creative tools, and opportunities to collaborate so that we can all be part of building our city’s future.
With online learning, telehealth, and remote employment on the rise, Internet access and digital literacy are more vital today than ever before. Yet, 40% of lower-income households in the U.S. are without home broadband services or a traditional computer. Many adults and older adults also lack the skills they need to navigate our increasingly digital world effectively and safely. The Library Foundation is committed to bridging the digital divide by activating the Library’s citywide footprint and by supporting free and user-friendly resources that are accessible from any computer or mobile device.
Read-A-Thon
In 2021, the Library Foundation’s Associate Board launched our inaugural Read-A-Thon fundraiser! From April 5 through May 21, bookworms from across Chicago challenged themselves to read as many books as possible, all while supporting Library programs. The event, with its popular 90s theme, drew in nearly 500 readers and raised more than $85,000 to support Library programming.
Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards
Each year, we celebrate those who invite us to see the world in ways we never knew possible. In November, more than 6,000 Library lovers from Chicago and around the world joined us in-person and via livestream for the Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards, which honored Theaster Gates, J. Nicole Brooks, and Amy Tan.
Legendary Chicago newscaster Bill Kurtis joined us once again as our host, and the event featured an intimate conversation between our Carl Sandburg Literary Award honoree Amy Tan and NPR Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon. Thanks to our generous supporters, the event raised more than $1.5M for the Library’s lifelong learning programming.
See (or relive!) all the 2021 Library Foundation Awards action here.
Chicago Public Library thrives when everyone, at every level invests in its success. Now more than ever, we are profoundly grateful to the individuals, businesses, and foundations whose support makes the Library’s extraordinary work possible. Thank you.
Every gift begins with a story. Learn why Lilliane supports CPLF.