Faces of CPL
See the faces of Chicago Public Library who helped to shape our story and live our mission.
CPL STAFF
James T.
I love the library because it saved my life.
12 years ago, I was in need of kidney transplant and my coworker/friend, Kristen, decided to donate one of her kidneys to me. Without hesitation she just said, "if I can save someone's life by giving that person one of my kidneys, why not." Just like that, not only I get a new life, I also gain a family member.
AUTHOR
Dawn Turner
As a child, for years, I checked out CPL books about little white girls—Pippi Longstocking, Trixie Belden. One day, my mother checked out Gwendolyn Brooks’ novel Maud Martha. She wanted me to read about Black people who looked like me. By chapter three, I discovered that the novel was also set in my Bronzeville neighborhood, and not only about people who looked like me, but LIVED like me.
To see myself and my community reflected in those pages was magical. CPL began my lifelong love of books.
CPL STAFF
Linda Anne D. and Annie M.
I watched my mom (Linda D.) work at a small storefront branch in Clearing for decades and always looked up to her as a superhero. She helped her community and partner organizations all collaborate and make the neighborhood better for all of us, and always directed us to the right resource and encouraged us to think and ask for more.
I wanted to continue her work and also became a librarian and worked for the same wonderful organization for almost 25 years. We love Chicago Public Library.
CPL STAFF
"Jazzman Ray" O. and his sister Debra O.
We love performing at the Chicago Public Library branches for the children and families!
Over seven years, CPL has been hosting my brother, saxophonist "Jazzman Ray", Librarian II, with his wonderful narration of books and interpretation of American Children's standards played in various styles.
I'm his sister Debby Orellana, also a Libarian, artist and musician. I join Ray on drums or mandolin.
AUTHOR
Eve L. Ewing
The libraries have always been there for me, from the playroom and books-on-tape, to my very first poetry class (second grade, Popcorn Poets... shoutout to the Logan Square branch) to archival research in the Harold Washington Library's municipal data research collection.
I wouldn't be who, where, or what I am without CPL. Here's to 150 more years of popcorn and poetry.
CPL PATRON
Angie O.
As a mom, the library provides a quiet environment to do homework with my daughter. As a teacher, I love that I can enrich my students' learning with so many high-quality texts!
CPL STAFF
Shanta H.
I love CPL because it allows me to support, train and mentor staff to be able to provide a welcoming environment to patrons with educational and recreational resources.
CPL PATRON
Imelda, Emily and Alan
Alan: I love my library Gage Park because it is really fun. I love the activities here. It is easy to find whatever books you might want to read because they are sorted by topic.
Emily: I think the library is good because there is a bunch of books and you can learn about fiction and non-fiction. There is a lot of activities.
Imelda (mom): A los niños les gusta las actividades de nuestra biblioteca. También siento que se concentran más en leer aquí porque hay menos distracciones.
CPL PATRON
Terrence F.
Service, is personal, vested interest in each client's needs, polite, courteous, warm, caring, extremely friendly, well-versed in the technology: affording the most complete service. It is truly "accessible." Over the past 20 years, I've enjoyed to the facility. It has been helpful, both in my business profession and my personal needs. Reading, for me has been fundamental. The assistance, provided by the assistive technology center and its librarian staff has been invaluable.
CPL STAFF
John and Roxie R.
CPL has given us both the opportunity for careers, because we both started out as a library page to now Clerk IV and Supervising Clerk.
CPL PATRON
Karen B.
I LOVE the Chicago Public Library and we have checked out over 1,500 books. My local library is Humboldt Park and my daughters and I visit the Thomas Hughes Children's Library at Harold Washington regularly, among others! We have library books all over our home - on bookshelves and desks, in baskets. We visit the library weekly. From being warming sites, handing out Narcan kits and seeds, the programming, staff, resources and BOOKS available at a library are the true gems of this city.
CPL STAFF
Tareai D.
I love working and being able to make a different in the lives of the people (especially my teens) I serve while working at CPL.
CPL PATRON
Jonathan B.
I love the library because I'm able to access my email and download accessible books write various materials using computers with JAWS assistive program. I also visit the library to listen to descriptive movies.
CPL STAFF
Katrina C.
I've attached a picture of myself, my daughter, Katriana - Teen Librarian at Lincoln-Belmont, my nephew - Page at West Lawn and my husband, Connie - A Retired CPL Head Clerk - Uptown. The library has helped me raise 9 children and a few of them through college. As an avid reader and diamond painter (which I learned about through a library program); I am amazed at the ways Chicago Public Library has helped me, my family and countless others to be lifelong learners. I am proud to celebrate 150 of CPL!
CPL STAFF
Jackie and Jennifer D.
It all started when I was in high school in a job program, the library was hiring at the time, I applied and interviewed and got offered the library page position at my local library Chicago Lawn. Was so excited to start my first job and make my own little spending money while I was still in high school. Who would have thought after 20+ years my daughter Jennifer would be working at her local library while in high school as well. It’s a blessing to be part of such an amazing CPL family.
AUTHOR
Sheila A. Donovan
I am a writer who sources and benefits from information at libraries. I'm a member of the Budlong Woods Writing Group. I enjoy attending author events. I truly appreciate POETRY DAY at the main library.
CPL PATRON
Mercedes C.
I always loved to read, yet I was born in a country that doesn't have libraries (except those technical ones inside Universities' campuses only for students and staff). When I came to the USA and entered my first library, I felt like a kid in Disneyland! I couldn't believe I could take home and read whatever I wanted! My library card felt and still does, as an invaluable treasure. Thank you wonderful people behind libraries, you gave me a magic wand to many dimensions of wisdom and joy.
CPL STAFF
Annie A.
I moved to Chicago from Tennessee to be a CPL children’s librarian. Some years later, my husband Tom moved from Nebraska to be a CPL branch manager. A longtime friend who was also a CPL children’s librarian matched us up on a blind date. She and her husband took us to Ravinia for a jazz concert and picnic.
We are celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary in 2023. Our daughter is attending college. We love being librarians and the Chicago Public Library!
CPL PATRON
Jacqueline C.
I am a patron at the Chicago Public Library. I am very appreciative and really love the services that were provided for me. I love the resources and the use of the technology that is accessible to people with disabilities. I appreciate the love and support from the staff members in helping me with educational needs and the use of obtaining digital talking books.
CPL PATRON
Sabre R.
It gives me a place of comfort and to meet up with friends. I can read and find a place to do my work when I have free time. My sister can come here to colour and find books she wants to take home. I have a place where I feel that I can belong and not feel like an outcast.
CPL PATRON
Sophie
The library allows me to stay young by learning, exploring and wondering.
CPL PATRON
Riva B.
CPL has always been a place of learning, community, and intellectual stimulation for me. I've been using the library since 1965, during my grad school days. Book discussions, exhibits, help with searches .... May CPL live forever, online and with real live books!!!
CPL PATRON
Judith D.
CPL provides a variety of educational and entertaining programs for all ages. Access to a wide range of online resources is a remarkable asset. In the last 20 years, I’ve enjoyed many wonderful book discussions, workshops, games, exhibits, movies, crafts, and cultural events at the Budlong Woods (BW-CPL) Branch in my neighborhood. It is the staff (manager, librarians, clerks, security) at BW-CPL that I love even more - welcoming, friendly, and helpful. All that puts a smile on my face.
CPL PATRON
Andrea K.
Budlong Woods offers – stimulating book discussions - accessible games nights –a weekend creating ceramic tiles for an outdoor mural – cultural and musical performances – and so much more. Thank you, CPL, for enriching my life. Happy 150th anniversary!
CPL PATRON
Audrey B.
I love Greater Grand Crossing Library because they are a part of the community that provides services for the community. Services that help to make our neighborhood a better place. Greater Grand Crossing offer services for every age group to find encouraging and positive activities close to home. The staff is always there to help in any given situation with a smile on their faces. Greater Grand Crossing is just such a pleasant atmosphere to study, do research or relax with a good book.
CPL PATRON
Gay G.
Chicago libraries have always been a sanctuary for me and a place where democracy is alive and well. Here I am free to read and listen to ideas of all kinds. I can borrow materials to take home. I can make copies and share information. I can follow my inquiries in unexpected directions, often thanks to suggestions from the librarians and other staff who are friendly and welcoming to me and to everyone who comes through the doors.
CPL PATRON
The Park-Joy Family
We are a family of readers! The West Town branch is our home away from home. We come here for books, DVDs, museum passes, and more. Our kids like to play with the Lego table, and we love the kids workshops and activities. Last December, we made Christmas ornaments with the kids librarian. And during the summer, we love doing the summer reading challenge!
CPL FACILITATOR
Laura S.
CPL's programming, via its affiliation with Literacy Chicago, includes an ESL conversation group which meets once per week at the Harold Washington Library. As the facilitator of the group, I love the opportunity to help and interact with interesting people from all over the world!
CPL PATRON
Enid F.
Books, books and more books! A wonderful writing group for several years. Digital tutoring. Lectures and performances. And the greatest librarians at Budlong Woods Library!!!
CPL FACILITATOR
Donna Rae P.
About 60 years ago, I was quarantined by chicken pox and snow; I discovered books and the pleasure of suspending time. Recovered, I fed my new appetite at the library. The librarian saw this little girl take out every last available book about horses. She suggested a Nancy Drew mystery. I don't know her name to thank her. Today, Librarian Tom Stark has mentored and encouraged me as I host a weekly writing group; our publications are on the library shelves. Who would have thought?
