The latest Wintrust mural features an engaging depiction of the mind-expanding possibilities found within the resources of Chicago Public Library (CPL). CPL is planning a host of activities and events to celebrate 150 years of service to Chicago communities, including:

1. A citywide birthday party where every Chicagoan can go to their neighborhood branch and join the celebration.
2. The launch of Library for the People, one of the first-ever people-centric library podcasts designed to give listeners a sense of the people who bring the modern library to life. 

The celebration of CPL's rich history begins with a beautifully-designed mural along the Kennedy Expressway.

The artwork

Mural artist Nick Goettling’s admiration for libraries from his childhood inspired this work of art:

“I wanted to find a way to show that the library is a portal to the entire world of knowledge and experiences,” said Goettling. “Going far beyond just books, the library provides us with so many tools, services, skills, training, and support, all for free. It demonstrates the best ideals of our society. Eventually, we developed this concept using color to organize the ideas, and illustrations of the common activities at the library (reading, researching, creating,) to serve as a gateway to all those experiences and knowledge. I wanted to visually show that one book or film can expand your entire world.”

The three panels represent the interpersonal connections that take place when learning about one another in libraries, according to Goettling.

Leading from the Library

Currently, libraries are on the frontlines of safeguarding access and equity, with CPL leading the way through bold initiatives, including:

• The 81 Club: A new initiative between CPL and Chicago Public Schools that makes accessing library resources easier for students and educators across the city.
• The Book Sanctuary: A international movement that continues to lead the efforts to protect banned and challenged books and also serves as a model for other public library systems, including Toronto Public Library in Canada and Broward County Library in Florida.
• Digital Access: CPL plays a central role in providing digital access and skills that are essential for individuals to engage in the modern world. Today, every branch offers free public Wi-Fi and devices for all people of all ages. The library meets Chicagoans wherever they are, whether using the computer for the first time, seeking assistance with online job applications, or taking free upskilling courses through LinkedIn learning.

The Wintrust connection

Wintrust has been a proud supporter of CPL since 2017, promoting access to a wide range of resources and programs for Chicagoans of all ages ­— including city-wide summer programming and community-responsive branch funding. Wintrust Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary Kate Boege has also served on the Chicago Public Library Foundation board as an active member of the Governance Committee for eight years.

CPL hopes viewers see in the mural the power and importance of Chicago Public Libraries to provide accessible information, build community, and open doors to possibility.

For more information on CPL, please visit chipublib.org.