Welcome and thank you for joining us for the live filming of the 2021 Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards. Your support makes the transformative work of Chicago Public Library possible.

We hope you enjoy tonight’s presentation.

We care deeply about the well-being and safety of our guests and staff at our Library Foundation Awards. Due to COVID-19, we are implementing health and safety procedures that include:

• Guests are asked to remain masked during the event, except while actively eating or drinking.
• To minimize contact throughout the event, we have placed beverages on the table. Please enjoy. Waitstaff is happy to replenish upon request.
• Stay masked and adhere to social distancing when entering, navigating, and leaving the Cultural Center spaces.

First Course Trio

Petite Corn Soufflé set on Tomato Ginger Jam

Butternut Squash and Pear Salad with Gourmet Greens, Cranberry Vinaigrette

Panko Crusted Goat Cheese Medallion, Raspberry Plum Sauce

Accompanied by Classic Italian, Bavarian Pretzel, Parmesan and Bacon-Wrapped Grissini Sticks

Entree

Roasted Greek Style Beef Short Ribs

With a Split Timbale of Potatoes Savoyard, Grilled Seasonal Vegetables and Cognac Demi-glace

Dessert

Crème Brûlée atop a Shortbread Biscuit with Whipped Chocolate Ganache, Salted Caramel, Roasted Almonds, Raspberry and Micro Greens

Wines

Federalist Lodi Cabernet

Terlato Friuli Pinot Grigio

Special thanks to Jewell Events Catering and Terlato Wines.

Welcome

Brenda Langstraat, President & CEO, Chicago Public Library Foundation
Robert A. Wislow, Board Chair, Chicago Public Library Foundation
Linda Johnson Rice, Board President, Chicago Public Library
The Honorable Lori E. Lightfoot, Mayor, City of Chicago and Amy Eshleman, First Lady, City of Chicago

Dinner

Commencement of Broadcast Filming
Bill Kurtis, Master of Ceremonies

Toast from our Presenting Sponsor
David R. Casper, U.S. CEO, BMO Financial Group

Mission Moment: The transformative Impact of the Library
Brenda Langstraat, President & CEO, Chicago Public Library Foundation
Chris Brown, Commissioner, Chicago Public Library

21st Century Award Presentation
J. Nicole Brooks, 21st Century Award Honoree

Arts Award Presentation
Theaster Gates, Arts Award Honoree

Mission Moment: An Expression of Gratitude
Brenda Langstraat, President & CEO, Chicago Public Library Foundation
Chris Brown, Commissioner, Chicago Public Library

Carl Sandburg Literary Award Presentation & Conversation with Amy Tan
Led by Scott Simon, Author and Host of NPR Saturday

Dessert

Event Concludes