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Public libraries are catalysts of endless transformation – from storytimes igniting young minds to creative opportunities helping teens flourish to adults learning new digital skills that assist them with their job search. Together, we can keep the learning adventure going for all at
Chicago Public Library!
About the Design
The Chicago Public Library is more than a place to read books. It’s a place that transforms individuals and communities with wide-ranging programs and resources. For this year’s Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards, we bring that idea to life through the theme of Neverending Transformation — showcasing the transformative power of the Library with a vibrant, ever-evolving set of letterforms.
Mixing different typographic styles together embodies the rich culture of Chicago and illustrates the Library’s impact beyond books. Each letterform plays a role: pixelated letters represent CPL’s digital resources, experimental letters reflect its creative media and arts-based programming, and traditional letters evoke the many classic stories that line the shelves. Horizontal lines unify these letterforms, echoing the structure of bookshelves and lined pages in a journal waiting to be filled with stories. A twist of bright green conveys the growth and optimism we bring throughout the city. Altogether, this collection of letterforms captures our diverse community of voices and backgrounds in Chicago and the power of the Library to create positive change.
– FCB Chicago, Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards Design Partner
Meet the Honorees
Ann Patchett
Carl Sandburg Literary Award
Award-winnning author Ann Patchett is best known for novels The Patron Saint of Liars, Taft, Bel Canto, The Dutch House, and Tom Lake. She is the owner of the independent bookstore, Parnassus Books.
Cristina Henríquez
21st Century Award
A rising literary star, Cristina Henríquez is the author of The Great Divide and the acclaimed novel The Book of Unknown Americans, which was named a New York Times Notable Book of 2014.
Chance the Rapper
Arts Award
Raised on Chicago’s South Side, Chance the Rapper is a Grammy-Award winning hip-hop artist, songwriter, producer, and social activist who began his musical journey at Chicago Public Library.
Meet Our Guest Authors
In addition to celebrating our honorees, we’ll be recognizing local storytellers with recent releases and projects.
See a full list of guest authors here.
Watch Our Awards Archives
While you wait for this year’s broadcats to drop, watch (or rewatch) previous Awards presentations featuring honorees Colson Whitehead, Amy Tan, George R.R. Martin, and more!
Sponsors
as of October 25, 2024
Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting lifelong learning opportunities for all at Chicago Public Library.
To view sponsorship levels, click here.
Presenting Sponsor
Lead Sponsor
Grand Benefactor Sponsors
Benefactor Sponsors
Patron Sponsors
- Amazon
- Mr. & Mrs. Elvis and Alena Antigua
- Bank of America
- Wendy A. Berger & Dr. Jeffery L. Rodgers
- Comcast
- Graham Grady, Taft Law
- Jacqueline Griesdorn & Kevin Matzke
- Bette Cerf Hill & Bruce Sagan
- Leslie S. Hindman
- ITW
- KPMG LLP
- Rob Levin & Bonnie Fong
- Amanda Morris
- Melissa Potdar, McDonald’s
- Marianna Ruiz, Weber Shandwick
- TAWANI Foundation
- United Airlines
- Wintrust
Premier Individual Supporters
- Erin Bodendorfer & Michael Neupert
- Brenda & Ve Bui
- For Good Advisory
- Mark Gartland
- Indus Cares Foundation
- Katz & Stefani, LLC
- William Ketchum
- Carol & Larry Levy
- Jane S. Park
- Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation
- Raitt Cheifetz Family Charitable Fund
- Linda Johnson Rice
- John C. Robak
- Laura Sage & Robert Levinson
- John Salvino
- Carol & Gordon Segal,
Segal Family Foundation - Lisbeth C. Stiffel
- The Christopher P. Valenti Charitable Fund
- Daniel J. Walsh
Individual Supporters
- Morgan Carr & Jeremy Lewin
- Samantha B. Conrad, MD.
& Patrick D. McHale - Andrew Ladd and Carla Englof
- Lynn M. Lockwood
- Rina Ranalli/University Club of Chicago
- Mark Sproat
- Lorrayne Weiss
Special Thanks
Honorary Chairs
Mayor Brandon Johnson & First Lady Stacie Johnson
Governor JB Pritzker & First Lady MK Pritzker
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias & Jo Terlato Giannoulias
Event Chairs
Michael Fassnacht, Chief Growth Officer & President of Chicagoland, Clayco
Kimberley Goode, Chief Communications & Social Impact Officer, BMO
Event Producer
Donna LaPietra
Vice Chairs
- The Block & Malkin Families
- Leslie Bluhm
- Marcy & Greg Carlin
- Bob & Jane Clark
- The Crown Family
- Graham C. Grady
- Suren Gupta
- Donna LaPietra & Bill Kurtis
- Trisha Mowbray
- Andrés Ordóñez
- The Pritzker Family
- Michael J. Sacks
- Patrick G. & Shirley W. Ryan
- Suzanne Yoon & Luke Molloy
- Helen Zell
- Susan & Bob Wislow
See your impact in action.
Contributions at every level support lifelong learning programs for all at Chicago Public Library.