This illustration released on May 3, 2017 by the Obama Foundation shows plans for the proposed Obama Presidential Center with a museum, rear, in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side. (Obama Foundation via AP, File)
CHICAGO (AP) — The MacArthur Foundation plans a $5 million grant to create a new Chicago Public Library branch at the Obama Presidential Center.
The Chicago-based nonprofit made the announcement Monday, saying the money will help pay for construction at the planned site of former President Barack Obama’s $500 million presidential center in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. The 5,000-square-foot public library will house multimedia collections, have community programs, a children’s area and offer space for reading and studying.
MacArthur President Julia Stasch says housing a public library branch in the presidential center will connect Chicago residents and visitors “to each other and to a world of imagination and information.”
The center was originally slated to open in 2021, though ground hasn’t yet broken because of litigation over the use of public parkland.
Related stories:
Developer Wants Obama Presidential Center to Spur South Side Regeneration
Judge OKs Suit Aimed at Halting Obama Library in Chicago
Lawsuit Opposing Obama Presidential Center Grows
