With sadness and deep gratitude, we reflect on the extraordinary life of Cindy Pritzker, a visionary whose leadership shaped the Chicago Public Library into what it is today. The millions who rely on our libraries—children discovering their first books, students building their futures, families finding a place to learn and grow—owe so much to her dedication and belief in the power of public libraries.
When Cindy joined the Chicago Public Library Board in 1984, she saw not just what was, but what could be. As President from 1989 to 1998, she led a remarkable era of growth, overseeing the construction of 30 new or renovated neighborhood branches and championing the creation of Harold Washington Library Center. She understood that libraries are more than buildings, they are the foundation of an informed, inspired, and connected city.
Yet, Cindy knew that the strength of a library system isn’t just in its physical spaces but in the opportunities it creates. That’s why, in 1986, she founded the Chicago Public Library Foundation, ensuring that programs supporting lifelong learning would flourish in every neighborhood. Under her leadership, the Foundation built an endowment exceeding $20 million, which is an investment that continues to enrich lives today.
Beyond the library, Cindy’s impact could be felt across Chicago’s cultural and civic landscape. She served on the boards of the Art Institute, Lyric Opera, and Museum of Science and Industry, bringing people together to champion institutions that serve everyone. But it was her unwavering belief in libraries—as places of access, possibility, and belonging—that remains her most lasting gift to our city.
Cindy Pritzker’s legacy lives in every branch, every program, and every reader who finds inspiration within our libraries. She built more than a library system: she built a Chicago where knowledge, culture, and opportunity belong to us all.
Read more about her extraordinary legacy in the Chicago Sun-Times, and join us in honoring a leader who changed Chicago forever.
