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
Obama Center Gets Unanimous City Council Approval to Land in Chicago










