BE UNBOUND
Join us for the 2025 Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards. Let’s celebrate our honorees and the unbound spirit of Chicago Public Library where access expands, possibilities grow, and communities come together.
This year proudly marks the 25th anniversary of the Carl Sandburg Literary Award, which will be presented to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Percival Everett—a fearless storyteller and fierce advocate for libraries. We are proud to honor poet and cultural champion José Olivarez and
library visionary Mary Dempsey.
The Awards presentation will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the UIC Forum from 5:30 – 9:00pm.
Meet the Honorees
Percival Everett
Carl Sandburg Literary Award
2025 Pulitzer-Prize winning author Percival Everett is one of the most innovative writers in contemporary American literature. He has written more than 20 books including James, Dr. No, The Trees, Telephone, and Erasure.
José Olivarez
21st Century Award
Literary luminary José Olivarez is the author of two collections of poems, including, most recently, Promises of Gold, which was long listed for the 2023 National Book Awards.
Mary Dempsey
Cindy Pritzker Civic Award
Visionary leader Mary Dempsey is a former Commissioner of Chicago Public Library. She spearheaded the construction and renovation of 44 neighborhood branches, bringing the Library closer to every Chicagoan.
Event Chairs
Kimberley Goode, Senior Advisor, BMO
Cherryl T. Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer, Ardmore Roderick
Event Producer
Donna LaPietra
Sponsors
as of June 24, 2025
Your support funds lifelong learning opportunities for all at Chicago Public Library.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, visit this page for more details or reach out to Kate Nardin at knardin@cplfoundation.org.
Presenting Sponsor
Grand Benefactor Sponsors
Benefactor Sponsor
Patron Sponsors
- Bette Cerf Hill & Bruce Sagan
- ITW
- Amanda Morris
- PNC Bank
Premier Individual Supporters
- Erin B. Bodendorfer & Michael Neupert
- Katz & Stefani, LLC
Individual Supporters
- Morgan Carr & Jeremy Lewin
Special Thanks
Watch Our 2024 Awards
While you eagerly wait for the release of this year’s broadcast, watch last year’s remarkable Awards presentations featuring honorees Ann Patchett, Cristina Henríquez, and Chance the Rapper!
See your impact in action.
Contributions at every level support lifelong learning programs for all at Chicago Public Library.