Open Up the World...

Photos of Chicago Public Library patrons

You can expose all Chicagoans to the wonders of the world around them with your gift to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Generous support of the Chicago Public Library Foundation is provided by contributions from individuals and corporate donors who fund vibrant programs which make the Chicago Public Library an engaging place to be!

Already in 2011, donors like you have made the following possible…

  • 58,969 children participated in the Family Summer Reading Program, reading more than 1 million books!
  • 45,760 hours of computer tutoring were provided by CyberNavigators at branch locations, helping to narrow the digital divide for those with limited computer skills and internet access.
  • 23,760 hours of homework help were provided by Teachers in the Library at branch locations helping students develop critical math, reading and writing skills important to succeed in school—and in life.
  • 12,315 Chicagoans took part in One Book, One Chicago through book discussions, performances, events and book circulation further inspiring people to be lifelong learners.
  • 7,000 children and families attended Bookamania on November 19 and were further encouraged to develop a curiosity for reading and learning.

We hope you will consider making a tax-deductible gift to the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Your gift will touch young and old alike, and create a strong and engaged community.

Please help ensure these programs remain available and free to all Chicagoans!

Festive Evening Showcases 66 Members of Chicago’s Literary Community with an Author Seated at Every Table

2011 was a landmark year for the Chicago Public Library and the Chicago Public Library Foundation, as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Foundation, the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Harold Washington Library Center and the 10th anniversary of the Library’s award-winning One Book, One Chicago initiative. In honor of these milestones, the Foundation and Library paid tribute to Chicago’s impressive literary legacy and showcased the breadth of media available for free at the Library’s more than 70 locations and online—books, newspapers, magazines, music and film—by hosting a Chicago writer at each table at the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner on October 20, 2011.

Authors at the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner photo

Back Row (L to R): Suzanne DeYoung, Dennis DeYoung, Sandra Cisneros, Ana Castillo, Laura Caldwell, Michael Williams, Richard Cahan, Pat Byrnes, Ald. Ed Burke, Alessandra Branca, Eula Biss, Ira Berkow, Elizabeth Berg, Blue Balliett, Jim Ayelsworth, David Axelrod, Jonathan Alter, Patrick Somerville, Rick Telander, Bill Zehme. Middle Row (L to R): Stuart Dybek, Carlos Eire, Ted Fishman, Gillian Flynn, Gale Gand, Aleksandar Hemon, Jim Karas, Cheryl Kent, Alex Kotlowitz, Geoffrey Stone, Chaz Hammelsmith Ebert, Rebecca Skloot, Billy Lombardo, Capt. Jim Lovell, Joe Meno, David Prete, Rebecca Gilman, Bob Riesman, Peter Sagal, Theresa Schwegel, Scott Simon, Carl Smith, Sam Smith, Elizabeth Taylor, Regina Taylor, Sam Weller, Bill Kurtis. Front Row (L to R): Clarence Page, Achy Obejas, Martha Nussbaum, Newton Minow, Jo Minow, Michael Fain, Judith Barnard, Nami Mun, Jim McManus, Roger Ebert, Martin Marty, Jon Anderson, Georgie Anne Geyer, Terry Savage, Scott Turow, Henry Paulson, Sara Paretsky, Fran Manushkin, Dr. Haki Madhubuti, Leon Lederman.