CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD CONFIRMS MAYOR LIGHTFOOT’S NOMINATION OF ANDREA TELLI AS NEW COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE JUNE 15

Telli is a recognized champion of urban libraries with nearly thirty years of experience leading library and branch operations with Chicago Public Library

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD CONFIRMS MAYOR LIGHTFOOT’S NOMINATION OF ANDREA TELLI AS NEW COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE JUNE 15

Telli is a recognized champion of urban libraries with nearly thirty years of experience leading library and branch operations with Chicago Public Library

Today, Chicago Public Library (CPL) Board of Directors confirmed Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s nomination of Andrea Telli for CPL Commissioner. Effective June 15, 2019, Telli will replace outgoing Commissioner Brian Bannon, who is stepping down to become the Meryl and James Tisch Director of The New York Public Library (NYPL).

“Andrea Telli is a champion for Chicago Public Library, and its role in building a strong, vibrant Chicago,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Our libraries strengthen our city’s many neighborhoods and provide free and open access to information and opportunities for Chicagoans to learn and grow. With her commitment to operational excellence and responsiveness to community needs, Andrea will build on CPL’s legacy and continue to serve the residents of Chicago successfully.”

Andrea served most recently as Deputy Commissioner of Public Services, where she oversaw operations for CPL’s 81 branches, its central library at Harold Washington Library Center (HWLC), and directed a significant span of capital improvements across CPL, including the opening of 12 brand new library branches in the past eight years, and major renovations in 18 branches. She has represented CPL as a mentor librarian through the International Network of Emerging Library Leaders (INELI), funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Telli has also served as Central District Chief for CPL, and Manager of the Humboldt Park Branch, among other roles.

“It is a tremendous honor to lead Chicago Public Library as Commissioner,” said Telli. “I love and respect the work that we do, and the positive impact that our libraries have on our city’s vibrant communities. I look forward to continuing to build CPL’s reputation for innovation and quality programming, and to serve our patrons effectively.”

“I am thrilled that Andrea will be taking the helm at CPL,” said Chicago Public Library Board President Linda Johnson Rice. “CPL is stronger today because of her vision and ability to execute at a high level, and I am confident the organization will thrive under her leadership.”

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