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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.