Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2024

Agenda

Welcome to the South Shore Library (info only)
Approval of minutes for the January 30, 2024 meeting (action required)
Administration and Finance Report (info only)
Kelly Fund Update (info only)
Programming and Strategy Update (info only)
Operations and Facilities Report (info only)
Commissioner’s Report (info only)
- 2024 Initiatives Update
- Provide universal access to the 81-Club
- Develop data dashboards & tech for continuous improvements
- Initiate Capital Planning Strategy
- Power the Renaissance Project
- Launch Community Equity Assessment
- Highlights from All Staff Institute Day (ASID) 2024
- Public Library Association Conference: Empowering Staff through Knowledge Exchange
- Library Documentary
- Media coverage
Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)
Other Business
Public Comment

Next Board meeting: September 17, 2024, 9:00 a.m. /Northtown Branch, 6800 N. Western Ave.

Open Session Minutes

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

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference: None

Absent: Jodi Block, Barbara Bowman, Ivy Walker, Michelle Boone

Welcome to the South Shore Library (info only)

Nesha Saunders, District 6 Chief and Mary Gen Davies, First Assistant welcomed the board and patrons, and highlighted some of the programing currently offered at the branch. South Shore has an abondance of programs to kick off summer. For teens, the branch is hosting anime and Monga clubs which meet regularly, a teen paint and sip and a jewelry making workshop. For adults, the branch just recently hosted a gardening for pollinators program, and in connection with CPL’s summer theme, Find Your Rhythm, they’re planning a coloring with jazz program for adults as well. On June 22^nd the branch will have an author event for kids with local author Kerri Honeywood reading her book Old Mr. Powell And Friends. They are hosting a senior tech training to assist seniors with learning to work their mobile devices; if this concept goes well the branch will create a series of trainings to offer tech support to seniors. And lastly, this summer, the South Shore branch will have a film screening with Shiquita James, actress from the movie Wakanda Forever, where she will talk about her experience while making the film.

Approval of minutes for the January 30, 2024 meeting (action required)

The board voted (5-0) to approve the minutes of the January 30, 2024 meeting.

Administration and Finance Report (info only)

Teri Campbell, Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance, 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 January 1 – April 30, 2024 for library purposes, magazines, books and periodicals totaled $4,792,777.79 for 5802 invoices
CPL’s hiring update included 73 newly hired staff, 36 full-time and 37 part-time positions. Of those hired, CPL filled 24 librarians and 10 other positions. Additionally, 29 transfers were also completed.
Deputy Commissioner Campbell recognized CPL’s newest senior team members: Julie Obrochta who joined CPL as the new Assistant Commissioner of Facility Planning and Building Operations on February 5^th, and on March 1^st we welcomed Chianta Dorsey as CPL’s new Division Chief of Archives and Special Collections. Commissioner Cambell also congratulated CPL staff that have retired since the previous board meeting:
- Dewana Dorsey - Librarian IV at West Pullman, 18 years of service
- Shirley Martinez - Library Associate at Budlong Woods, 25 years or service
- Allen Wilhoite - Library Associate at Altgeld, 25 years of service

Kelly Fund Update (info only)

Deputy Commissioner Campbell shared an overview of CPL’s Kelly Fund and its current allocations. Schlindwein and Associates continues to manage the fund since it opened in March 1997. The Kelly fund is a reserve for CPL to provide a dependable source of income for funding current and future Chicago Public Library programs. Approved by the Chicago Public Library Board of Directors, the investment policy and guidelines are followed and monitored to maintain the security of the Fund’s assets through investment in a diversified portfolio of quality securities and other assets to ensure a total rate of return necessary to preserve and enhance in real terms, the principal of the Fund.

Today, the approximate value of the portfolio totals $1.7milion. The fund manager has recommended to increase the current allocations for greater risk. The CPL Board decided to stay with the current fund allocations.

Programming and Strategy Update (info only)

First Deputy Commissioner Messner provided an update on programming and initiatives offered at CPL locations systemwide. As library programming is one of CPL’s top focus areas for 2024, the library has identified the following as key priorities:

Creating a strategy to reengage CPL patrons
Enhancing and supporting community-based programming
Enhancing youth engagement (e.g. college and career exploration); and
Launching a branch level email newsletter to patrons

Summer at CPL

This year’s summer reading theme encourages Chicagoans of all ages to #FindYourRhythm with music-themed programming from June 8 to August 4. The program launched with a block party at the Harold Washington Library Center on June 8, and other kick-off celebrations across the city were held at branch locations that included musical performances, program sign-up opportunities and book giveaways. Cultural partners include Art Institute of Chicago, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, and more, with programs that explore sound exploration, art and STEM.

The Summer kick-off also celebrated teens who submitted their art along with the winners of the Teen Winter Challenge in a reception held in YOUmedia.

Gamer’s Universe

Through CPL’s partnership with I Play Games!, Chicago Public Library hosted its first table at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) at McCormick Place, April 26-28. The event sees roughly 90,000 attendees throughout the three-day event. Our six CTGG Esports interns helped run the outreach table alongside CPL staff and shared information about Gamer's Universe with convention attendees.

During the weekend’s events, we brought 53 teen interns from the CTGG, Best of the Best, and Digital Content internships to C2E2 on a field trip to learn more about conventions, publishing, and social media. Additionally, five of our teen interns from CTGG and BotB, plus our Junior Teaching Artist for CTGG (Glenn), hosted a panel called "Chicago High Schoolers Unleash the Power of Books, Gaming, and Pop Culture." The teens shared their internship experiences and thoughts on books and gaming. It was well received, and the teens felt positive about the experience.

One Summer Chicago

Summer internships in partnership with After School Matters are paid internships for high school teens age 16-18 for six weeks. This year, CPL hired 135 interns that provided support at 50 CPL locations. CPL held a teen sticker design contest with the summer theme (Find Your Rhythm) and the winning sticker design will be handed out to teens who register for the Teen Summer at CPL.

Teen Librarians across the city were given the opportunity to apply for program funds to host a local partner or workshop, up to $500. Programs were hosted at 26 locations ranging from poetry, mural making, learning to DJ, t-shirt design, song sculptures, art and comics fair, podcasting, dancing, beat making and engineering, and music production. A few branches hosted centrally organized songwriting workshops with Old Town, along with an escape room experience at three branches.

Youth Employment at CPL

In addition to internships, the library also provides youth an opportunity to apply for entry level part-time positions to prepare them with the experience to enter promotional positions within CPL and across City government. Minimum qualifications are dependent on the role: Page positions require the teens willingness and ability to perform the duties of the job; Library Clerk positions require a high-school diploma or GED + 6 mos. of customer service or clerical work experience (or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience); teens applying for Library Associate positions need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Speed hiring events for all positions will be held over the summer. In 2023, 85 youth aged 16-24 were hired between January – December 2023. The library currently has 86 youth employed.

Queer Radical Fair and Incubator

Since March, seven CPL teens have been participating in the Radical Fit’s Fashion Incubator, co-hosted with Sky Cubacub of Rebirth Garments, to design their lewks for the runway. Sky is a Chicago based fashion designer and chainmaille artist that creates wearables for queer and trans disabled folks of all sizes and ages. This program includes twenty mentorship sessions with Sky and the opportunity to debut their looks at the fashion show in July. Teens are learning pattern making, sewing, and other design skills to make their designs pop at the Queer Radical Fair, being held at Ping Tom Park on July 25^th.

Author Event – Nikole Hannah-Jones

In honor of Juneteenth, Chicago Public Library is pleased to welcome Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project and a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine. Hannah-Jones will be in conversation on her work on The 1619 Project with journalist Natalie Moore on Thursday June 20^th at HWLC.

The book version of The 1619 Project as well as The 1619 Project children's book, Born on the Water, were instant #1 New York Times bestsellers. Her 1619 Project is now a six-part docuseries on Hulu and won the Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. Hannah-Jones has spent her career investigating racial inequality and injustice, and her reporting has earned her the MacArthur Fellowship, known as the Genius grant, a Peabody Award, two George Polk Awards and the National Magazine Award three times.

She also serves as the Knight Chair of Race and Journalism at Howard University, where she founded the Center for Journalism & Democracy. Hannah-Jones is also the co-founder of the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, which seeks to increase the number of investigative reporters and editors of color, and in 2022 she opened the 1619 Freedom School, a free, afterschool literacy program in her hometown of Waterloo, Iowa. Hannah-Jones holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and African-American studies from the University of Notre Dame

American Writers Festival

This past Saturday, May 19^th, CPL hosted the American Writers Festival in partnership with the American Writers Museum on Sunday. The free literary festival was held on five stages throughout HWLC and featured leading contemporary authors, poets, artists, and playwrights. Over 5,000 people were expected to attend.

The festival featured in depth conversations with diverse writers including sci-fi authors, game writers and designers, journalists and poets. From labor history to true crime thrillers to jazz music, the festival celebrated the past, promoted the present and inspired the future of American writing. Children’s storytimes, photo booths, literary crafts and mini writing workshops were held for adults and kids, and authors signed books for sale.

Día de los niños y libros: A Celebration of Children and Books

On Saturday, April 20^th, CPL hosted a large-scale event at the Harold Washington Library Center, in the tradition of El día de los niños/El día de los libros, celebrating children, reading, and the communities and cultures of our city.

Partners included the Art Institute of Chicago, Casa Central, Junior League of Chicago, Los Amigos Books, WTTW (with character appearance by Nature Cat), and CPL’s cultural committees. Bilingual story times, games, play, and art activities, performances by Little Parade and Miss Katie Sings, and a reading and Q&A with author Claudia Guadalupe Martínez were also present. CPL welcomed over 750 patrons of all ages.

Family Fun Fest

On Sunday, April 7^th, Thomas Hughes Children’s Library hosted the Family Fun Fest. These open house celebrations are held once per quarter, with a seasonal theme. All ages are welcome to attend. At this event, we hosted 260 patrons to participate in story times, open-ended art projects, STEM activities, scavenger hunts, and play stations, including a full pop-up playroom. Featured guest performers have included local musicians, a magic show, and interactive caregiver workshops from experts on Montessori play and strategies for helping kids learn to read. Future Family Fun Fests will be held on Aug 4^th and October 6^th.

I Can Do It Programs

On Saturday, April 27^th, CPL hosted “I Can Do It” programs across the city. Presented by a bilingual Montessori educator, these programs promoted preschool independence by leading children and their caregivers through everyday activities like helping in the kitchen and getting dressed. These sessions were hosted for kids 3 to 5 and their caregivers; it was highly recommended that participants attended all four sessions.

Chicago Public Library Strategic Plan

CPL’s executive team is working with a pro bono partner to create CPL’s strategy for the next five years as the 2020-2024 strategy sunsets. We recently received a scope for the strategic plan and will share more details as they are received.

Operations and Facilities Report (info only)

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

Facilities

CARE Projects – For 2024, branches selected for the Clean and Repair Everything (CARE) projects include Avalon (complete), West Pullman (in progress) closed through early June, Thurgood Marshall and Bucktown-Wicker Park are forthcoming.

Chinatown - Chinatown is currently being revamped and will receive new lighting and an updated HVAC system.

Solar Panel Project – Funded by the Chicago Recovery Plan in partnership with 2FM, Humboldt Park, South Chicago, Toman and West Lawn branch libraries will undergo a full facility retrofit that includes the installation of energy efficient lighting, solar panels and new heating and cooling systems. The end goal of this project is to have a 90% reduction in energy use, cost savings and improvement of patron and employee comfort at these locations.

Mayfair Feasibility Study - In partnership with the Public Building Commission (PBC), Fleet and Facility Management (2FM), and the Alderman’s office, a feasibility study is being conducted regarding the Mayfair branch to identify a new site for the community. Also exploring partnership opportunities to co-locate the library with a mix-use development, with focus on the Lawrence/Pulaski TIFF district.

Water Works – The Water Works branch is being temporarily relocated through Fall. The Looking Glass theatre company leases the space from the city, and they are currently renovating the lobby of the building. A video was shared to show where the library has been relocated inside the building.

Winter Garden – The Winter Garden, on the 9^th floor of the Harold Washington Library Center, has been refreshed with new furniture.

Art Dedications – In 2022, the library began working with DCASE on an art project in response to anti-violence work. To support this cause, CPL started community-based art projects at three locations: Brighton Park, Uptown and West Lawn. Each community worked with an artist to develop art pieces that were reflective of the communities they served. Artists that supported this initiative included Aram Han Sifuentes (Brighton Park), Dorian Sylvain (Uptown), and James Jankowiak (West Lawn).

Operations

Chicago Department of Public Health Partnership – The Public Health Vending Machine Pilot in partnership with CDPH, was established to provide overdose prevention supplies to people in Chicago at no cost. From November 2023 – January 2024, of the five vending machines located across the city, machines located at library locations have seen the most use with over 800 items being dispensed at HWLC, and over 500 items dispensed at the Uptown branch.

Mental Health Clinician Pilot

In another pilot partnership with DCASE, CPL currently has mental health clinicians on staff at three library locations: Mount Greenwood, Beverly and Edgewater. The Legler Regional Library will also begin providing this service to the community beginning June 4^th on Tuesdays for 8-hours per day. No appointment is necessary.

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

Commissioner Brown’s report highlighted the following:

2024 Initiative Update:
- The 81 Club initiative is advancing into its next phase of implementation which will allow students to use their CPS ID as their CPL library card, thereby removing any barriers to student access.
- The library is utilizing data to make informed decisions to enhance the services and resources offered to our library patrons. For 2024, the library will focus on establishing branch-level visual dashboards to empower CPL staff in evaluation and growth endeavors.
- CPL has partnered with the Department of Planning to create a comprehensive Capital Strategy Plan for CPL system's facilities. As part of this initiative, a set of library typologies will be developed that will embody flexible concepts adaptable to specific neighborhood needs, propose innovative colocations and partnerships and consider leading international library design.
- Commissioner Brown shared an update the collections processed as it relates to the Mellon Grant and outlined future components of CPL’s grant initiatives.
- Upcoming steps regarding the equity assessment and community engagement strategy will include the solicitation of competitive bids for consultants to undertake the equity assessment, which will encompass extensive community engagement.
At this year’s ASID held on April 24^th, CPL welcomed 798 staff. Throughout the day, staff engaged in improv performances, and courses that highlighted themes of teamwork, adaptability in the face of change, and the value of everyone’s contributions to the team dynamic.
Also in April, staff attended the Public Library Association Conference, with some taking the stage to deliver insightful presentations as part of preconference sessions or breakout sessions during the conference.
Chicago Public Library is collaborating with Amy Poehler, Paper Kite Productions and Whiskey Bear, a creative production studio, for a documentary project centered on libraries.
Chicago Public Library's marketing and communications department continues to orchestrate an impressive amount of media coverage, shining a bright spot on our extensive programming, diverse collections, innovative initiatives and fruitful collaborations with the Mayor's Office

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (info only)

Brenda Langstraat, President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation provided an update on contributions and initiatives reached by the Foundation:

The Chicago Public Library Foundation’s annual report it live and available for viewing at https://empowereverychicagoan.org, highlighting donor supported programs and initiatives from 2023.
In 2024, CPLF has welcomed more than 300 new donors
The Associate Board’s Night in the Stacks event was a success raising $120,000.
Stories of how the Community Cinema program at branches has impacted neighborhoods were shared.
Interest in joining the Foundations’ Associate Board has increased by 30% since last year.
Through the generous support from the Terra Foundation and the Japan Foundation of New York, the “Pilsen Days” exhibition will open to the public on June 3^rd.
The Library Foundation will host a breakfast conversation for donors to share insights into our distinctive public-private partnership on June 25^th.
Save the date for the 2024 Library Foundation Awards, calendared for October 30^th!

Other Business

None

Public Comment

The board received comments from patrons advocating for a new library in the Washington Park community and are recommending the space near the corner of 61st and King Drive; developing an approach to bring more awareness to the public of the importance of libraries and encouraging people of all ages to read; a request to have youth present when considering what programs are created/offered for their age group; and improving the programs and initiatives offered for black people. A representative from Chicago Documenters Chicago was also present.

Commissioner’s Report (Full Report)

81 Club Update

The 81 Club initiative is advancing into its next phase of implementation. Currently, CPS is in the final stages of legal review for a master data share agreement. The overarching aim is to seamlessly integrate City Library access into the CPS student experience, where the student ID will serve as the CPL library card number, thereby removing any barriers to student access.

In addition to progressing with the agreement, CPL will actively participate in six back-to-school fairs scheduled for early July and August. Our ongoing partnership with CPL entails a range of activities, including continuing card activation, providing support for neighborhood libraries during rollout, integrating the program into curricula, and ensuring sustained growth in line with established metrics. Notably, the 81 Club has facilitated CPL in doubling the number of youth library card sign-ups in 2023 compared to 2022.

Utilizing Data for Informed Decision Making

CPL is committed to leveraging data to enhance the services and resources offered to our valued library patrons. In 2023, we extensively utilized data in the development of our Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP), aiming to amplify 81 Club card registration and usage in underserved communities. [Include hyperlink to the REAP document, if available.]

Looking ahead to 2024, our focus is on establishing branch-level visual dashboards to empower CPL staff in evaluation and growth endeavors. The current dashboard encompasses annual trends pertaining to door counts, circulation, holds, Wi-Fi and computer usage. Moreover, it provides community-level data to facilitate targeted outreach and support efforts.

The next iteration will introduce a programming and collections dashboard, further enriching our analytical capabilities. CPL is actively crafting a comprehensive training plan to support data-driven decision-making throughout our library system.

Capital Strategy Update

In collaboration with the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), CPL is embarking on the development of a comprehensive Capital Strategy Plan for the CPL system's facilities. Together with DPD, CPL will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) and engage consultants early this summer. We anticipate a procurement timeline of 2 to 4 months, with engagement activities commencing in late summer or early fall.

As part of this initiative, a set of library typologies will be developed for future reference. These typologies, beyond CPL's library prototype of the 2000s, will embody flexible concepts adaptable to specific neighborhood needs, propose innovative colocations and partnerships and consider leading international library design. This includes strategies for partnerships and insights from national funding models that could be adapted to Chicago.

A crucial aspect of this plan involves robust engagement, drawing upon the collective insights of CPL staff and patrons to understand how our buildings are currently utilized. We seek to understand patrons' and staff's visions for the future - envisioning spaces that are more flexible and adaptable to better serve our communities. Distinct to Chicago, CPL's network of libraries serves as true neighborhood anchors. Through this plan, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of both the geographic distribution and functional aspects of our neighborhood libraries, with a commitment to maintaining our position a leader in international library design.

Mellon Grant Progress Report: Elevating Black Histories through the Renaissance Project

At the close of Q1 2024, our team successfully processed 10 collections, amounting to 160 linear feet of materials. Notable among these collections are the Ishamel Flory Papers, Dr. Fannie Rushing Papers, and the Black Radical Congress Archive, reflecting the diversity and richness of our Vivian G. Harsh archival holdings.

In Q2, our focus remains on processing the Doris Saunders Papers and the Developing Community Project, Inc. Archive. By the quarter's end, we anticipate processing approximately 115 linear feet of materials, bringing the combined total for Q1 and Q2 to roughly 275 linear feet. Moreover, staff at the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection and Special Collections at HWLC have initiated the selection and preparation of materials for digitization, a crucial step in ensuring broader accessibility to our valuable resources.

Looking ahead, we outline future components of our grant initiatives:

Programming: Over the next three years, we plan to launch branch-level programming to activate collections for community engagement. Proposed programming includes panels, lectures, workshops on collections care, author talks, and physical exhibits, fostering deeper connections between our collections and communities.

Microgrants: In years 2-4 of the grant period, we will provide financial support through microgrants to academically affiliated and independent researchers seeking to produce new works and scholarship centered around Black lives. Selected researchers will be invited to conduct onsite research in collections at Harsh and HWLC, facilitating innovative scholarship and knowledge production.

Education: In year 3, Dr. Asif Wilson will collaborate with a 10-person steering committee to develop a guide on best practices for incorporating archival resources into classroom instruction. Subsequently, in year 4, the committee will organize a curriculum convening for educators to engage directly with CPL's Black history collections, facilitating the creation of learning activities, lesson plans, and syllabi aligned with our archival holdings.

Equity Assessment and Community Engagement Strategy

As previously outlined, we are steadfast in our commitment to conducting an equity assessment informed by the Chicago community, utilizing its insights to create a comprehensive strategy and action plan. This update details our progress and upcoming steps in this endeavor.

Shortly, CPL will be soliciting competitive bids for consultants to undertake the equity assessment, which will encompass extensive community engagement. While we aimed to finalize contracts by Spring 2024, we are diligently collaborating with the Department of Procurement Services to expedite the contractual process.

Equity Assessment Consultant Deliverables:

In collaboration with CPL's Equity Office, the selected consultant will deliver:

A strategy, roadmap, and tools for conducting a system-wide equity assessment in tandem with CPL staff, evaluating existing policies, operations, staffing, programming, collections, and community engagement through an equity lens.
Tools for sustained and ongoing assessment, building staff capacity, and sharing insights in the field of public librarianship.
A facilitated information gathering process and analysis of data to identify growth opportunities and inform our next strategic plan.
Benchmarking analysis of other public library systems' equity strategies and recommendations for enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within CPL.

Community Engagement Consultant Deliverables:

Working alongside CPL's Equity Office, the selected consultant will provide:

A framework, strategy, and tools for community engagement, ensuring staff involvement and capacity building.
Training on community engagement methods for up to 40 CPL staff.
Facilitated community engagement processes and analysis of conversations to inform CPL's Equity Strategy and Action Plan.
Tools for sustained and ongoing engagement and sharing insights in public librarianship.

Additionally, we anticipate welcoming our new Senior Equity Officer soon, as our candidate has accepted the position and is progressing through the employment process.

Highlights from All Staff Institute Day (ASID) 2024

On April 24th, 2024, the Harold Washington Library Center hosted the annual All Staff Institute Day (ASID) 2024. This collaborative event was organized by the ASID 2024 committee, the Staff and Organizational Development team and the Corporate and Private Events team. Throughout the planning process, we collected feedback from across the system through conversations, meetings and surveys.

ASID serves as a pivotal day for our staff to come together, learn and foster a sense of community. This year, we were thrilled to welcome 789 staff members. The day commenced with an engaging improv performance, highlighting themes of teamwork, adaptability in the face of change and the value of each individual's contributions to the team dynamic. Additionally, we introduced a feature showcasing the musical talents of our staff members and other music ensembles, which were met with enthusiastic acclaim.

Following the opening session, staff members attended a diverse array of breakout sessions tailored to their professional development needs. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including reader advisory, career advancement, fiscal literacy regarding the City's budget, effective communication strategies, conflict resolution and essential self-care practices. Moreover, our resource fair boasted an impressive lineup of community partners, benefit providers and local educational institutions offering programs in library and information science. This year, we reintroduced the highly regarded unconference segment of the day, providing an opportunity for staff members to lead engaging discussions on various topics, from serving new arrivals to best practices in data collection. Overall, ASID 2024 was a resounding success, exemplifying our commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our valued staff members to thrive both personally and professionally.

Public Library Association Conference: Empowering Staff through Knowledge Exchange

In early April 2024, thirteen dedicated CPL staff journeyed to Columbus, Ohio, to participate in the Public Library Association Conference. Among them, six staff members took the stage to deliver insightful presentations as part of preconference sessions or breakout sessions during the conference. The topics covered a diverse range of areas, including best practices in staff training and development, the provision of multilingual services and programs, innovative approaches to public service, strategic staffing models, book banning and strategies for supporting young readers. The PLA Conference stands out as the premier gathering dedicated exclusively to public libraries. With hundreds of sessions and events offered, staff had ample opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences and glean valuable insights from various corners of the nation.

Whiskey Bear

Chicago Public Library is collaborating with Amy Poehler, Paper Kite Productions and Whiskey Bear, a creative production studio, for a documentary project centered on libraries. Currently, the team is engaged in filming and production, having made two visits to the Chicago Greater Area already, with plans for a third visit in late summer or early fall. The documentary aims to highlight the dedication of library staff and the diverse programming they offer.

Media coverage

Chicago Public Library's marketing and communications department has orchestrated an impressive amount of media coverage, shining a bright spot on our extensive programming, diverse collections, innovative initiatives and fruitful collaborations with the Mayor's Office. In recent months, our efforts have garnered widespread press attention, reaching an audience of over 2 million individuals. This substantial media presence reaffirms CPL's vital role in honoring the rich cultural landscape of our city, particularly through our heritage month programming, and in elevating both established literary figures and rising voices through our acclaimed author events.

Poetry Month/Poetry Fest

Fox 32 Chicago (4.9.2024) - First Chicago Poet Laureate Avery R. Young performs on Good Day Chicago

Fox 32 Chicago spoke with Library Commissioner Chris Brown about what to expect during this year’s Poetry Month programming and Poetry Fest. Joining him was Chicago’s First Poet Laureate, avery r young, who performed a poem for the segment.
Reach: 1,183,844

WBEZ (4.29.2024) - Coverage of Ada Limón Keynote

Station Reach: 240,500
WBEZ attended the keynote and covered Ada Limón's keynote.

Women's History Month

Fox 32 Chicago (3.11.2024) - Chicago Public Library celebrates Women's History Month

Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown and Mariella Colon, Librarian of Civic, Cultural, and Literary Engagement visited Fox 32 Chicago's studio and spoke with Fox anchor Natalie Bombke about the different programming opportunities available throughout the month.
Online Reach: 1,295,263
Broadcast Viewership: 55,243

CBS 2 Chicago (3.5.2023) - Chicago Public Library celebrating Women’s History Month

Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown spoke with CBS Chicago about Women's History Month programming happening at CPL branches.

Local Viewership: 39,519

Common Event with Interviews

NBC 5 Chicago (1.30.2024) - Common kicks off Chicago Black History Month celebration with discussion of new book

NBC's Arts and Culture reporter LeeAnn Trotter spoke with Common about his new book and kicking off Black History Month at CPL along with Chicago Public Library Board President Linda Johnson Rice about Common being a role model for the community and contributing to and highlighting Black history.

Online Reach: 3,150,566
Broadcast Viewership: 54,363
Also shared by iHeart radio reporter Joe Soto
Online Reach: 86,431

ABC 7 Chicago (1.30.2024) - Chicago-born artist, actor Common shares journey of self-care, movement toward healthier lifestyle

ABC 7 anchor Terrell Brown spoke with Common at HWLC about his new book and health transformation.

Online Reach: 4,020,059
Broadcast Viewership: 32,988
Terrell also shared a post about the interview on his Instagram and tagged Chicago Public Library.

WGN 9 Chicago (1.30.2024) - Common confirms romance, upcoming song with Jennifer Hudson in interview with WGN’s Dean Richards

WGN's Entertainment Reporter Dean Richards spoke with Common at HWLC about his recent book release in an 18-minute-long conversation. The interview was also featured in their Spotlight Chicago segment mentioning the event as the official kick-off for Black Heritage Month programming at Chicago Public Library.

Online Reach: 1,951,189
Broadcast Viewership: 30,685

WTTW (1.31.2024) - Common Talks New Book, Criminal Justice Reform, and Self-Care as ‘Political Warfare’

WTTW anchor Brandis Friedman interviewed Common at HWLC as part of WTTW's Black Voices segment.

CBS 2 Chicago (1.30.2024) - Common holds conversation at Harold Washington Library

CBS 2 Chicago picked up the live stream of the Common event and covered the story.

Online Reach: 43,843,683

Also covered through Yahoo News
Online Reach: 58,768,089

Chicago Defender (1.31.2024) - Common Comes Home: Chicago Native Talks New Book, Self-Care and Inspiration

Coverage of the Common event.
Online Reach: 94,814

Chicago Public Library Foundation Report (Full 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:

Recent Contributions

Please visit our new 2023 annual report at https://empowereverychicagoan.org. In it we recognize what Library Foundation donors have helped make possible across our city. We were thrilled to report that participation for donor-supported programs was up nearly 90% from 2022!
Over the past two years, the Library Foundation has welcomed more than 2,000 new donors at all giving levels. And, so far in 2024, we have welcomed more than 300 new donors—a testament to how important our public library is to the Chicago community.
Our spring 2024 Night in the Stacks event hosted by our Associate Board was a huge success! In total, the sold-out event raised $120,000, including $10,000 in raffle ticket sales.
Community Cinema is a program under our “Activating Creativity & Connection” priority that would not be possible without our donors. Here are just a few impact stories that we heard from the branches!

"We have a wonderful partnership with Envision Unlimited, an organization within the area that works with adults with disabilities or other special needs. One of my highlights has been doing a monthly screening with Envision members in mind. We work together to pick a fun movie, make popcorn (with special toppings), and enjoy a movie together as a community. One of my favorite screenings from this past year was The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It ended up being a nice combo of folks from Envision as well as families and kids from the Humboldt Park area. Some patrons were even in costume! This is a great example of how the Library can provide meaningful programming, strengthen partnerships, and promote joy with our patrons " – Humboldt Park branch

 “We've had an incredibly gratifying year of Community Cinema films at the Budlong Woods branch. Public libraries bring people together, and our films are no exception, providing a free social activity for seniors and an inexpensive community film activity for children and families.” – Budlong Woods branch

“Two months ago, I had a large group of adults from a group home come and attend a movie screening during Black History month. It was truly an unexpected and welcomed surprise. They came again last month. They loved the atmosphere of being in a theater and watching a movie for free. Their counselor says they'll come back whenever it fits in with their schedule. I'm glad we were able to gain a new audience for the screenings.” – Brainerd branch

“Over the past year we have begun offering matinee movies at 1pm on Mondays and it has been invaluable, especially for our senior patrons who prefer daytime outings. We've received heartwarming feedback and stories from them, highlighting how these screenings have become a cherished part of their week, fostering social connections and cultural engagement. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming the program's inclusivity and diverse film selection. Looking ahead, we're excited to use our community cinema license to showcase concert movies like Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll and Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same in the summer to coincide with the 2024 Summer @ CPL music theme.” – Avalon branch

Exciting Updates

Interest is growing in our Associate Board, a dynamic group of rising Chicago leaders committed to accelerating the potential of our public library. Our spring application cycle saw almost 50 applications submitted for 12 open spots—that’s up almost 30% from last year!
New exhibition! Thanks to generous support from the Terra Foundation and the Japan Foundation of New York, the “Pilsen Days” exhibition will open to the public on June 3. We hope all members of the public will visit the exhibition off the Winter Garden to experience this cross-cultural and cross-generational project featuring the photographs of Japanese photographer Akito Tsuda, which document Pilsen in the 1990s and capture many of the people and places that built that vibrant community. Additional satellite exhibits will run during fall 2024 at two other neighborhood branch locations.
On June 25, the Library Foundation will host a breakfast conversation for donors and other stakeholders to share insights into our distinctive public-private partnership, including how private contributions support the “above and beyond” at our Library and what our Library has planned for the near future.
The Library Foundation Awards will be held in-person on October 30 and the free event broadcast released shortly afterward to be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. More information will be available on our website later this summer: https://cplfoundation.org.