"For more than 20 years, One Book, One Chicago has brought our city together through story, and this year's selection could not be more timely," Library Commissioner Chris Brown said. "'Olga Dies Dreaming' is the first Puerto Rican-authored novel chosen for the program, and it resonates deeply with Chicago's own history of activism and politics -from housing struggles to movements like the Young Lords, to the complex role of political families. It is a story about resilience, identity and belonging that mirrors the lived experiences of our neighborhoods today."
Events for the citywide reading program will take place September Through November at Harold Washington Library Center, beginning with a Silent Reading Soirée on Sept. 24. The programming guide for the 2025 OBOC season can be viewed through this link, chi.gov/obocguide2025.
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"From West Pullman on the south side to Rogers Park on the north side, Chicagoans share a deep connection with their neighborhoods. 'Olga Dies Dreaming' explores what it means to call a place home, whether it's a neighborhood, a city or a country" Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
Chicago Public Library and Mayor Johnson also announced La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón, Somos Arte, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, Stay & Play Game Café, Africaribe, the National Public Housing Museum and the Jazz Institute of Chicago as new cultural partners for the 2025 OBOC season. Returning partners include the American Writers Museum, CHIRP Radio, the Art Institute of Chicago, DePaul University, Northeastern Illinois University and Harold Washington College.