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Brenda Langstraat Bui (1973-2026)

We’ve been moved by the many heartfelt tributes and generous gifts received in Brenda’s honor. We invite you to read tributes shared or leave your own message in her memory.

When Brenda joined the Library Foundation in 2019, she grounded us with a clear direction: meaningful growth rooted in our vision for a more informed and connected Chicago through our Library. She would often say, “There is a Foundation before me and there will be a Foundation after me. So while I’m here, while we’re all here, let’s do the best work we can to help transform the lives of every Chicagoan.”

We will honor her life in continuing to ensure that Chicago Public Library and the Foundation remain a welcoming home for everyone who loves reading, learning, and creating.

Read her full obituary here.

Brenda has been a close friend to many of us in the city. She has been a passionate advocate to ensure that our Library system is a thriving force for all of Chicago’s residents. Her career has impacted countless people in numerous ways.

-Bob Wislow, Chicago Public Library Foundation Board Chair

Brenda Langstraat Bui was my partner in everything regarding the Chicago Public Library. She was the best partner imaginable. Working together about how to get kids and young people reading, how to make our libraries a lifeline for youth in their out-of-school time, and how to fill neighborhood libraries with families while celebrating Chicago’s extraordinary writers and literary life.
 

-Commissioner Chris Brown, Chicago Public Library

From the very first time we worked together to advance the success and impact of the Chicago Public Library, I was struck by Brenda’s vision, her seemingly endless energy, and the joy she brought each day to making our library system the very best it could be.

-Linda Johnson Rice, Chicago Public Library Board Chair

    Social Media Tributes

    Lesle Honore – Poem for Brenda
    Working in the Schools (WITS)
    CPL Commissioner Chris Brown
    Jonna Ward, Library Support Network
    Kimberley Goode
    Sylvia Ewing

    City Hall Proclamation

    On Wednesday, February 18, the City of Chicago honored Brenda with an official proclamation recognizing her extraordinary leadership and impact on the Chicago Public Library Foundation and the city she loved. Thank you to Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, Ald. Samantha Nugent, Ald. Maria Hadden, and Commissioner Chris Brown for honoring Brenda and her legacy of partnership and impact across our libraries.

    Brenda In the Press

    Watch Brenda’s interview with WGN 9 Chicago to see her incredible passion for this work on full display.

    Watch Here

    Share Your Stories

    Have a story to share about Brenda? Leave a reply below for us to share with the Langstraat and Bui families.

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