Barack Obama

Chicago Public Library to Open Branch at Obama Presidential Center

The center is expected to open in 2021

The new Obama Presidential Center in the city’s Jackson Park neighborhood will feature a Chicago Public Library branch, the city announced Wednesday.

In a joint press release from Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office, the Obama Foundation, and the Chicago Public Library, civic leaders hailed the decision as a win for South Side residents who will have the opportunity to access the location.

“The Chicago Public Library branch at the Obama Presidential Center will offer tremendous educational and cultural benefits to the South Shore community and all of Chicago,” Emanuel said in a statement. “In the spirit of Barack and Michelle Obama, this branch will serve as a neighborhood anchor with 21st century learning opportunities and shared spaces that will bring together community residents.”

According to a press release from the city of Chicago, the library will focus on civic engagement and conduct programming to engage community members, and will also feature job placement services and spaces for students to read and study.

[NATL] White House Photographer Shares Favorite Obama Photos From 2016

“A public library underscores so much of what we at the Obama Foundation are about,” Obama Foundation Board Chair Marty Nesbitt said. “CPL is among the most impressive library systems in the country and we are incredibly lucky to partner with them to offer more of their programming and resources to South Side residents.”

According to the foundation’s website, the new Presidential Center is expected to create 2500 permanent jobs on the South Side, and will have an economic impact of $3.1 billion in its first 10 years when it opens in 2021. 

Contact Us