Obama Presidential Center to House New Branch of Chicago Public Library

From WLS-TV:

The Obama Presidential Center, which will be built in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, will include a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, according to the mayor’s office.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined the Obama Foundation to make the announcement Wednesday morning.
This is the first time a presidential center will have a public library inside.

Read the Complete Article
From the Chicago Tribune:

But while officials have signed a letter of intent spelling out how they envision a public library branch operating on the campus, it is just the first step in a longer process to secure the facility.
Any contracts or leases would have to be presented to the City Council for approval. The council also would have to approve a budget that sets aside funding for staffing, books and technology to be placed in the proposed library branch.
[Clip]
Unlike other public library branches that close on Sundays and typically operate only until the early evening, the Obama branch will have hours that match the foundation’s other programs. But instead of full staffing, the branch will have self-service checkout options, officials said.

Read the Complete Article
See Also: Official Announcement (via Obama Foundation)

Filed under: Funding, Libraries, News, Public Libraries