Libraries are catalysts for communities. Activating minds. Persisting. Charging forward.
Libraries play a pivotal role in our community, society, and democracy – especially today.
This year, the Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards brings together two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead, Chicago’s literary rising star Rebecca Makkai, globally renowned artist Richard Hunt, and civic leader Bob Wislow to celebrate the power of public libraries.
Hosted by legendary newscaster Bill Kurtis, the Library Foundation Awards will feature an engaging conversation between Whitehead and National Public Radio host Scott Simon. The dinner and Awards presentation will be filmed in front of a live audience on October 24 and released in a specially produced free public broadcast available to all on November 1.
Read on for more information on our honorees and how you can join the movement to support free lifelong learning at Chicago Public Library.
Meet the Honorees
Colson Whitehead
Carl Sandburg Literary Award
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead is best known for his novels The Nickel Boys and The Underground Railroad.
Rebecca Makkai
21st Century Award
A beloved rising literary star, Rebecca Makkai is a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist for 2018’s The Great Believers.
Richard Hunt
Arts Award
World-renowned sculptor Richard Hunt has made the single largest contribution to public art in the United States.
The Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards raise critical funds that empower Chicagoans year-round. Since 2000, there have been:
23
Years of Celebration
$22,500,000+
raised for Library programs
50,000+
Library lovers who participated
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 Co-Chairs
Maggie R. Baczkowski
Wendy A. Berger
Graham C. Grady
Vice Chairs
- The Block & Malkin Families
- Leslie Bluhm
- Kathleen M. Boege
- Marcy & Greg Carlin
- David R. Casper
- Bob & Jane Clark
- Michelle L. Collins
- The Crown Family
- Jacqueline Griesdorn & Kevin Matzke
- Marc & Lisa Jones
- Donna LaPietra & Bill Kurtis
- Andrés Ordóñez
- Jane S. Park
- Pritzker Family
- Michael J. Sacks
- Susan & Robert A. Wislow
- Suzanne Yoon & Luke Molloy
- Helen Zell
*Vice Chairs as of 10/2/23.*
Event Producer
Donna LaPietra
Presenting Sponsor
Lead Sponsor
Grand Benefactor Sponsors
Benefactor Sponsors
Patron Sponsors
- Bank of America
- The Chicago Community Trust
- Comcast
- Mary A. Dempsey
- Jenny Friedes & Stephen Florsheim
- Bette Cerf Hill & Bruce Sagan
- Denise & Adam Hoeflich
Joan and William Brodsky - Rob Levin & Bonnie Fong
- Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
- KPMG LLP
- Martha & Richard Melman
- PNC Bank
- Liz & Charlie Schrock
- Taft Law
- TAWANI
- United Airlines
Premier Individual Supporters
- J.R. & Katie Berger
- Brenda Langstraat Bui & Ve Bui
- Deloitte
- Elissa Hamid Efroymson & Adnaan Hamid
- Koch Family Foundation
- Carol & Larry Levy
- Amanda Morris
- Sheila A. Owens
- Carole & Gordon Segal and Segal Family Foundation
- Robin Loewenberg Tebbe & Mark Tebbe
- Jayne Thompson
Individual Supporters
- Mr. & Mrs. Noman Bobins, The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation
- Paul Dykstra & Spark Cremin
- Marshall Field V
- Eve Moran
Special Thanks
Donate to the Library Foundation
Contributions at every level support lifelong learning programs for all at Chicago Public Library.