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Relive highlights from the 2022 Library Foundation Awards with this Digital Book!

The Library Foundation brings together Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Tony Kushner, Top Chef Rick Bayless, and TikTok sensation Shermann “Dilla” Thomas to celebrate bold storytelling—from our tables to TikToks to theaters—and the powerful ways stories can nourish, connect, and inspire us to act.  

Legendary newscaster Bill Kurtis will emcee, and the evening’s centerpiece will be a conversation between Sandburg Literary Award honoree Tony Kushner and Scott Simon, host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday.The evening was filmed in front of a live audience of Library supporters.

Read on for more information on our honorees and how you can support access to free lifelong learning opportunities for all at Chicago Public Library.

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Meet the Honorees

Tony Kushner

Carl Sandburg Literary Award

Critically acclaimed writer Tony Kushner is best known for his two-part epic Angels in America and his work on films including Munich and Lincoln.

Rick Bayless

Arts Award

Rick Bayless is an American chef and restaurateur who specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine with modern interpretations.

“Dilla” Thomas

21st Century Award

TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is a fascinating blend of modern historian and cultural worker.

Check out their full bios

The Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards raise critical funds that empower Chicagoans year-round. Since 2000, there have been:

22

years of celebration

$21,000,000+

raised for Library programs

33,000+

number of Library lovers who have participated

Honorary Chairs

Mayor Lori Lightfoot & First Lady Amy Eshleman

Governor JB Pritzker & First Lady MK Pritzker

Event Co-Chairs

Francia E. Harrington 

Andrés Ordóñez

Event Producer

Donna LaPietra

Presenting Sponsor

Lead Sponsor

Grand Benefactor

Benefactor

Patron

  • Wendy A. Berger
  • Michelle L. Collins
  • Comcast
  • Conagra Brands
  • Crossland Literacy
  • Elizabeth & Mark Donnelly
  • Terrance L. Diamond
  • Jennifer Friedes & Steven C. Florsheim
  • David F. Heroy
  • Bette Cerf Hill & Bruce Sagan
  • ITW
  • KPMG LLP
  • Leadership Story Lab
  • Bryan & Kate Logan
  • PNC Bank
  • TAWANI Foundation
  • Wintrust

Premier Supporter

  • Caroline T. & Charles K. Huebner
  • Carol & Larry Levy
  • Cheryl Mayberry McKissack & Eric McKissack
  • Sheila Owens
  • Linda Johnson Rice
  • The Segal Family Foundation

Individual Supporter

  • AT&T
  • Brenda Langstraat Bui & Ve Bui
  • Christie Hefner
  • JP Morgan
  • Sandy Raitt & Rob Cheifetz
  • Rita Ryan
  • Kristen Seeger

Special Thanks

Donate to the Library Foundation Awards

Contributions benefit lifelong learning programs at all 81 Library branches.

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