Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – December 12, 2024

Legler Regional Library

115 S. Pulaski Rd.

 

Agenda 

  1. Welcome to the Legler Regional Library (info only)
  2. Approval of minutes for the September 17, 2024 meeting (action required)
  3. 2025 CPL Board of Directors Meeting Schedule (action required)
  4. Administration and Finance Report (info only)
  5. Programming and Strategy Update (info only)
  6. Operations and Facilities Report (info only)
  7. Commissioner’s Report (info only)
    • CPL Strategy Updates: Workforce, Safety and Innovation 
    • CPL'S 2025 Budget Highlights 
    • Lifelong Learning Campaign
    • Impactful Media Coverage
    • Honoring Director Barbara Taylor Bowman’s Legacy 
  8. Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)
  9. Other Business
  10. Public Comment

Next Board meeting: TBD

 

Open Session Minutes

Physically Present: Linda Johnson Rice, Christopher P. Valenti, Lynn Lockwood, Dominique Jordan Turner

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference: None

Absent: Ivy Walker, Jodi Block, Sandra Delgado, Michelle Boone

 

Welcome to the Legler Regional Library (info only)

Shilo Jefferson, Regional Library Director, kicked-off the meeting and shared an overview of the library. The regional library serves the West and East Garfield Park communities in addition to neighborhoods on the broader westside of Chicago. Legler originally opened in 1920 as the first regional location of the Chicago Public Library and was re-established as a regional branch after extensive renovations in 2020. Named after Henry E. Legler (1861-1917), chief librarian of Chicago Public Library from 1909 until is death in 1917, Legler was designated a historic landmark building in 1987.

Legler has welcomed over 45,000 patrons this year, a 26% increase since 2022. The library has also hosted over 800 programs with almost 20,000 attendees. The library provides outreach to schools, daycares, senior centers and participates in other community events. Additionally, programs and initiatives offered at Legler to support their surrounding communities include:

  • A Mental Health Clinician
  • Monthly Produce Market in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository
  • Market Lab and Sound Studio
  • Artist-In-Resident Program

 

Approval of minutes for the September 17, 2024 meeting (action required)

Tabled for January 28, 2025 meeting.

 

2025 CPL Board of Directors Meeting Schedule (action required)

Tabled for January 28, 2025 meeting.

 

Administration and Finance Report (info only)

Erema Jackson, Director of Finance and Mary Robinson, Director of Human Resources presented the Administration and Finance Report highlighting the following:

  • For the quarterly report on contracts and purchases made for magazines, books, databases, periodicals and articles of educational and instructional nature, purchases made between September 1 – October 31, 2024 for library purposes, magazines, books and periodicals totaled $1,217,075.97 for 1584 invoices.
  • With over 240 vacancies at the beginning of the year, to date, CPL has filled 134 full-time positions and 131 part-time positions, bringing our total to 265 new hires this year. Of the 134 full-time positions, we’ve added 67 librarians, 5 library associates, 37 clerks and 25 other positions.
  • We’re excited to announce two staff that were recently promoted: Erin McKinnie was promoted to District 2 Chief October 18th and, Sarah Zimmerman was promoted to Library Division Chief at the Harold Washington Library Center as of November 1st. The library also welcomed new staff: Rachael Everson joined CPL in November as the new Sponsorship Coordinator and, in December, we welcomed Emrys Brandt as our new Web Developer.
  • Director Robinson also acknowledged CPL staff that have retired since our September meeting:
    • Cloutha Anderson - Head Library Clerk at Beverly with 33 years of service
    • Ella McDaniel - Head Library Clerk at West Belmont with 47 years of service
    • Laurel L Sher - Librarian III at HWLC 37 years of service

 

Programming and Strategy Update (info only)

First Deputy Commissioner Messner provided an update on programming and initiatives offered at CPL locations systemwide.

STEAM-Powered Saturday

STEAM-Powered Saturday, which is part of the ScienceConnections initiative, brings the library to science education institutions and vice versa. The event is dedicated to highlighting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) in the world around us for kids 3 to 11 and their families. Using high interest activities like slime making, interactive coding games and live animal shows, we share scientific principles and introduce children and families to the wide variety of ways that science plays a part in their everyday lives.  

This year, CPL invited partners including the Art Institute of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry to share their specific expertise. The event was held on the last weekend in October, a historically busy weekend for programming, and were still able to serve 400 patrons. 

Teacher in the Library

Through the Teacher in the Library (TIL) service, CPL provides free homework help for students who visit the library in person after school, as well as virtually via Zoom. Licensed teachers help children focus, use effective learning strategies and find the best resources for completing their homework assignments. They also answer parents’ and caregivers' questions and offer suggestions on how to assist their children with school assignments at home. The program is made possible by donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

As of early November, 47 CPL locations have in-person TIL service. Additionally, Virtual Teacher in the Library (VTIL) service is available via Zoom from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday each week public schools are in session. For patrons needing additional support, CPL subscribes to Brainfuse HelpNow online tutoring service. Live tutors, who are subject area specialists, are available from 2 to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Brainfuse also offers a Writing Center, test prep, and other academic resources that students and families can access 24 hours a day with their library card via chipublib.org/brainfuse.

For the 2023-2024 school year, we served:

  • A total of 1,347 unique walk-in participants
  • An average of 58.7% walk-in participants used the TIL service more than once a week
  • Total of 12,957 daily attendees (TIL and VTIL combined)
  • Total of 8,320 unique visits to the Brainfuse site
  • Total of 34,791 sessions of homework help (TIL, VTIL and Brainfuse combined)

Stats for the 2024-2025 school year will be shared when it becomes available.

Social Justice

During this election season, every CPL branch received “Make Your Voice Heard!” activity sheets, designed to encourage children of all ages to think about voting and elections, civic engagement, and how to use their voice to influence the world around them. These full-color activity sheets include a perforated “ballot” where kids can share their ideas on how to improve their communities, and branches received cardboard ballot boxes as well as “I Voted!” stickers so that kids and their caregivers can feel empowered to participate in the democratic process.

CPL and Operation Warm

Operation Warm partnered with the library for 8 events this year, giving out nearly 1600 coats and books to children ages 3 to 13 across the city at the following locations: Brainerd, Chicago Lawn, Humboldt Park, Legler Regional, Little Village, Rogers Park, South Shore and Toman. We also partnered with Margie Chan, creator of 500 Hats for Refugees, who gave away free hats, many of them handmade, at 4 of our events. The Warm Welcome to the Library events aim to invite children and families who are not familiar with the library to come in, receive a coat and book, and learn about programs and resources at the library. We have seen a lot of families that are new to the city this year, and it has been a pleasure to give them coats they sorely need along with an introduction to the library in their neighborhood.

Teen Internships & 2025 Teen Staff Committees

Funded by the Chicago Public Library Foundation, teen internships are being offered to 82 teens across 5 programs. We're incorporating youth voice into our work in an ongoing and meaningful way! We received over 650 applications from teens interested in becoming an intern. All internships connect to a major systemwide project or event in the Teen Services department, including:

  • Chicago Teen Gamer's Guild
  • Teen Best of the Best
  • Digital Content
  • College and Career
  • Radical Fit

We also have Teen staff committees and opportunities for staff development built into these programs with our new committee structure for the Teen Services Department.

One Book, One Chicago Season Finale

On November 14th, CPL hosted the One Book, One Chicago season finale event featuring Gabrielle Zevin, author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Zevin is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, winner of the Goodreads Choice Fiction Award and named Amazon’s Best Book of 2022, as well as a Best Book of the Year by Indigo, TIME, The Globe and Mail, The New York Times, and more. Zevin was in conversation with Donna Seaman of Booklist discussing her career and the book.

Her other critically acclaimed novels include The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, Young Jane Young, and Elsewhere. Her books have been translated into over forty languages.

 

Operations and Facilities Report (info only)

Deputy Commissioner Clemons shared an update on CPL operations and facility projects.

Deputy Commissioner Clemons announced Brent Lapinski as the new Assistant Commissioner of Library Operations and Patron Experience department. Brent has been with CPL for 17 years serving our communities, recently as a District Chief.

Facilities - Capital Updates

Galewood-Montclare – we have identified a location to reopen a facility in that neighborhood. Fleet and Facility Management (2FM) will present the information to City Council for approval this week.

Obama Presidential Center – the licensing agreement between CPL and OPC is under review with the City’s law department. The agreement will be presented to City Council in the Spring.

Bessie Coleman – working with Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and developer DL3 to propose a new location in the former Washington Park Bank building. We are working with the Alderwoman Taylor’s office to assist with the process. The second community meeting with hosting this week with additional community meetings planned in the near future.  

Facility Improvements 

Bucktown-Wicker Park – in partnership with 2FM, the branch recently closed for a week to undergo improvements that included completed open work orders, new paint and lighting throughout the branch.

Humboldt Park – also in partnership with 2FM and TIF funding, the branch will continue improvements that have been in the works for the past few years. To finalize the project, the branch will receive new window replacements, new the rubber flooring and completion of solar panel installation.

2025 Planning – planning is underway with our 2FM partners.

Operations

Social Services – Commissioner Brown and Deputy Commissioner Clemons are serving on the Chicago Homelessness Initiative Collaborative established by the Mayor’s office being led by the Chief Homelessness Officer. A cross departmental group designed to enhance connection across city agencies. The initiative is comprised of representation from all city and sister agencies to work in alliance with addressing homelessness and barriers to stable housing. The group meets monthly with a goal of how to incorporate plans to address homelessness into the City’s 5-year strategic plan.

To further support this cause, CPL has additionally partnered with All Chicago and Street Samaritans, an agency that intervenes in the cycle of homelessness and poverty, connects people to solutions and works with them on their journey to stable housing. CPL District Chiefs Tamela Chambers and Nesha Saunders have worked closely with Street Samaritans to pilot this partnership at five library locations on the South Side: Blackstone, Chicago Lawn, King, Whitney Young, Woodson.  

 

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

  • Commissioner Brown shared an overview of CPL’s 2025 budget presented to City Council on November 8th highlighting the following:
    • CPL’s Library Fund saw 1% reduction, from $89.8M to $88.8M. There were no layoffs associated with this adjustment, and HR analysis confirms that current staffing capacity is sufficient to meet community needs, with no anticipated service disruptions.
    • CPL is on track to reach over 70 million community touchpoints this year with over 5 million in-person visits, over 35,000 tutoring sessions, and nearly 13 million check-outs.
    • At the November 8th meeting, City Council applauded the library and expressed strong support for CPL’s community programs and collaboration.
  • CPL has set a new benchmark in workforce development, achieving a 9% vacancy ratethe lowest in over six years.
  • Led by Deputy Commissioner Maggie Clemons, CPL launched a Safety Task Force in December, taking a decisive step toward ensuring safety and support at our libraries.
  • The Chicago Library Foundation has committed $150,000 to support CPL’s strategic planning efforts, in partnership with Gensler.
  • CPL recently launched our 2023 Annual Report, in correlation with our Lifelong Learning campaign affirming CPL as an educational partner for all stages of life.
  • CPL’s recent media coverage for our One Book, One Chicago and Day of the Dead celebrations has elevated our visibility and engagement.
  • Commissioner Brown acknowledged the legacy of Barbara T. Bowman, whose visionary service has profoundly shaped the Chicago Public Library and the communities we serve.

 

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)

Brenda Langstraat, President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation provided an update on behalf of the staff and Board of the Chicago Public Library Foundation and highlighted the following:

  • A video was shared showcasing the recent Library Foundation Awards.
  • The Library Foundation Board of Directors will vote on the 2025 Budget on November 14.
  • CPLF Associate Board’s Trivia event brought in $3,000 to support Library programs
  • Bruce Sagan, CPLF Board Member and Treasurer was presented with the National Medal of Arts by President Joe Biden
  • This year, LFA raised $1.2M in crucial funding to support Library programs across our three investment priorities: Bridging the Digital Divide, Closing the Academic Opportunity Gap, and Activating Creativity & Connection.
  • Starting November 7, the 2024 Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards broadcast is live. 

 

Other Business

None

 

Public Comment

The board received comments from patrons regarding accessibility matters and the how to connect with the CPL accessibility staff when necessary; Washington Park community members regarding the new location of the Woodlawn library and the name of the building where the new library will be housed; and kudos to Legler’s Regional Director and staff for their dedication to manage and secure staff and patrons at the library.

 

Commissioner’s Report

CPL'S 2025 Budget Highlights 

Financial Overview 

On November 8, CPL presented its 2025 budget to City Council. While the City faces a deficit impacting the Corporate Fund, CPL’s Library Fund saw a modest decrease, from $89.8M to $88.8M—a 1% reduction. Importantly, there are no layoffs associated with this adjustment. The reduction affects 21 vacant positions and reduces some part-time hours, but with CPL’s vacancy rate now at a six-year low of 9%—achieved through efficient hiring—service levels are expected to remain consistent. HR analysis confirms that current staffing capacity is sufficient to meet community needs, with no anticipated service disruptions. 

Our Library Materials Budget, though reduced by $500,000, maintains the substantial 25% increase secured in 2022, preserving competitive per capita spending and ensuring ongoing access to essential resources. 

Community Impact and Engagement 

CPL is on track to reach over 70 million community touchpoints this year, highlighting our extensive reach and impact across Chicago: 

  • In-Person Engagement: With over 5 million visits and a 42% increase in program attendance, CPL continues to be a dynamic resource for Chicagoans. Nearly 20,000 teens engaged in YOUmedia spaces, enhancing our impact on youth development and digital literacy.
  • Educational Support: CPL provided over 35,000 tutoring sessions and thousands of early literacy programs, reaching well over 100,000 participants. Through One Summer Chicago, we offered hundreds of job and volunteer opportunities for youth; next year, each library aims to employ at least two youths through the program.
  • Library Services and Connectivity: Nearly 13 million check-outs, a 17% increase in eBook circulation, and a 28% rise in Wi-Fi usage reinforce our essential role as a connector of information and resources.

As demand for digital resources grows, we are in discussions with the City on further eBook investments, aligning with our mission to bridge digital gaps and expand access to knowledge. 

Budget Hearing and Recognition 

During the November 8th budget hearing, council members voiced strong support for CPL’s community programs and collaborations, especially applauding the mental health clinician initiative at Edgewater, Mt. Greenwood, Legler Regional, and Woodson Regional branches, and our innovative vending units providing essentials like Narcan and hygiene kits for unhoused individuals. The unit at Harold Washington Library Center is now the most frequently used in Chicago, underscoring CPL’s responsive approach to public health needs. 

Council members also expressed interest in securing sustained capital funding to modernize CPL’s facilities, a discussion that will continue with the Mayor’s Office, 2FM, and the State. Additional enthusiasm was shared for CPL’s archival projects, particularly our initiatives focused on preserving Chicago’s Latine heritage. 

2024 Nov 8 - Committee on Budget and Government Operations on Vimeo 

 

CPL Strategy Updates: Workforce, Safety, and Innovation 

CPL Hiring Update 

CPL has set a new benchmark in workforce development, achieving a 9% vacancy rate—the lowest in over six years. This milestone reflects our innovative hiring strategies and unwavering commitment to excellence, solidifying CPL as a leader in the library field. 

Internal promotions remain a cornerstone of our approach, creating dynamic career pathways while efficiently addressing backfilling needs. Supported by union-backed tuition reimbursement programs, many staff members are advancing their careers through degrees like the Master of Library Science, ensuring a highly skilled workforce. 

Through grassroots recruitment efforts, CPL has diversified its entry-level workforce. Over 75% of new Page hires identify as people of color, and 48% are under the age of 24, reflecting our dedication to fostering a future-ready team. While 20% of our workforce identifies as Hispanic, we recognize the need to strengthen their representation in senior leadership roles. 

CPL’s commitment to hiring excellence, workforce diversity, and career growth redefines what it means to serve a community. Our workforce reflects Chicago’s vibrancy, and through these advancements, we continue to set the standard for libraries nationwide. 

Safety Task Force Update 

CPL has taken a decisive step toward ensuring safety and support with the launch of a Safety Task Force this December. This initiative builds on earlier updates to Use Guidelines and new incident reporting tools, enhancing transparency and responsiveness system-wide. 

Led by Deputy Commissioner Maggie Clemons, the Task Force will draw from the Library Journal Safety Summit, industry best practices, and staff insights to craft a comprehensive action plan. The plan will include immediate, mid-term, and long-term strategies to strengthen safety protocols, emergency responses, and workforce well-being. 

In collaboration with NAMI Chicago, the Task Force began work this month and will continue through Q1 2025. This effort, in partnership with CPL’s Immediate Response Team and AFSCME union leadership, ensures ongoing evaluation and adaptation to meet emerging challenges. 

CPL is setting a new standard for public library safety—one rooted in innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication. Every CPL branch is committed to being a safe, welcoming space for the Chicago community. 

Strategic Funding 

A $150,000 commitment from the Chicago Public Library Foundation reinforces CPL’s leadership in innovation and strategic planning. By extending Gensler’s role as both our strategic plan and capital strategy partner, we ensure seamless integration of programmatic and space planning, driving efficiency and meaningful engagement. 

With expertise from libraries in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston, Gensler will lead effective community engagement efforts that prioritize impactful outcomes while avoiding duplication. Adding to this, Tommi Laitio, former head of Helsinki Library, brings a global perspective that supports CPL’s vision to deliver world-class services. 

This strategic funding, paired with active Board participation, is a testament to our forward-thinking approach. CPL remains committed to setting the pace for library innovation, creating unmatched service for the people of Chicago. 

 

Lifelong Learning Campaign 

Our Lifelong Learning campaign, launched with the 2023 Annual Report, affirms CPL as an educational partner for all stages of life. The campaign centers on Carmen Piper Lane, a fictional character embodying lifelong learning, inspiring Chicagoans to share personal stories that celebrate growth and discovery. 

This initiative invites the community to connect and contribute to a shared narrative, fostering a sense of unity and pride in CPL’s role as a lifelong resource. These stories, collected on our campaign webpage and across social media, highlight CPL’s impact across the city and include a dedicated Spanish-language page to enhance accessibility. 

Impactful Media Coverage 

 

CPL’s recent media coverage for our One Book, One Chicago and Day of the Dead celebrations has elevated our visibility and engagement: 

  • One Book, One Chicago: Our 2024 selection, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, garnered significant media attention, starting with CBS 2 Chicago’s coverage reaching over 60 million viewers on September 4. Further coverage from Patch (10.8M), Chicago Tribune (5.6M), and Chicago Sun-Times (4.1M) highlighted this year's theme and invited the public to participate in OBOC events, including those hosted by the American Writers Museum.
  • Day of the Dead Production: The Day of the Dead LIVE! program was showcased on CBS 2 Chicago and ABC 7 Chicago, reaching an additional 57 million viewers. Interviews with key participants, Juanita Cardena and Mariella Colon, celebrated the cultural richness of the event and encouraged public engagement.

This strong media presence reflects Chicago’s enthusiasm for CPL programs and strengthens our position as a vibrant center for learning and cultural celebration, reinforcing our commitment to serve as an inclusive, community-driven library system for all Chicagoans. 

 

Honoring Director Barbara Taylor Bowman’s Legacy 

We are privileged to honor Barbara Taylor Bowman, whose visionary service has profoundly shaped the Chicago Public Library and the communities we serve. Appointed to the CPL Board by Mayor Emanuel in 2013, Barbara’s legacy as a pioneering co-founder of the Erikson Institute and her groundbreaking work in early childhood education have set an enduring example of advocacy and commitment. 

Barbara’s contributions to CPL are numerous and transformative. She was a valued voice in the Board’s work, playing an instrumental role in championing the Equity Policy, launching the fine-free initiative to expand access for all, and supporting vital programs such as the 81 Club and the creation of early learning spaces across branch libraries. Her thoughtful leadership and unwavering dedication have created inclusive opportunities that resonate throughout our library system. 

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, the Mayor’s Office will issue a proclamation to celebrate Barbara’s legacy. We extend our deepest gratitude to Barbara and her family for her exceptional service and the lasting impact of her life’s work, which will continue to inspire generations. 

 

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report

Brenda Langstraat Bui, President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, provided an update on behalf of the staff and Board of the Chicago Public Library Foundation and highlighted the following:

Updates

  • The Library Foundation Board of Directors will vote on the 2025 Budget on November 14. We thank Commissioner Brown, First Deputy Mary Ellen Messner, and the Library program teams for all their efforts to create an overall proposal for support that truly leverages private investment to go “above and beyond.” This is a deeply collaborative process each year and we appreciate the time, thought, and care that goes into the undertaking.

Celebrations

  • The CPLF Associate Board hosted another successful Trivia Night at Replay Lincoln Park on October 3. The event brought in $3,000 to support Library programs!
  • CPLF Board Member and Treasurer Bruce Sagan was presented with the National Medal of Arts by President Joe Biden – the highest arts honor awarded in federal government. Bruce has long been a champion of our Chicago Public Library, local journalism, and arts in our city and world.
  • Our most recent highlight is the 2024 Library Foundation Awards event. On October 30, 600 civic and business leaders from across Chicago joined us to celebrate Ann Patchett (Carl Sandburg Literary Award), Cristina Henríquez (21st Century Award), and Chance the Rapper (Arts Award)—three visionaries whose creative journeys have been shaped by their public library experiences. Together, we raised $1.2M in crucial funding to support Library programs across our three investment priorities: Bridging the Digital Divide, Closing the Academic Opportunity Gap, and Activating Creativity & Connection.
  • Starting November 7, the 2024 Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards broadcast is live! This free and accessible broadcast shares our signature annual event with thousands of people worldwide (more than 17,000 of them in 2023!) while raising important awareness of our mission and the essentiality of public libraries. Highlights of this year’s broadcast include: 
  • A riveting conversation between Parnassus Books owner and international best-selling author Ann Patchett and NPR's Scott Simon. 
  • A celebration of 30+ local authors whose works have helped preserve Chicago's legacy as the best literary city. 
  • Inspiring insights from our city's teens on why they come to our Library.
  • PLUS: A special live performance from rapbrarian and Library employee Roy Kinsey!