Newberry President and Librarian Astrida Orle Tantillo was recently featured in Newcity’s 2025 “Lit 50” list. “Lit 50” is an annual review that provides “a cultural map of this moment in Chicago’s literary history,” highlighting the work of authors, publishers, advocates, and institutions that have helped shape the city’s cultural record.
The Newberry remains as dedicated today as it was at its founding over 130 years ago to the important work of collecting and preserving local history and archival collections that shine a light on the work of literary luminaries, including Nelson Algren, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Jack Kerouac. The Newberry’s “Writers on Writing” series, organized in collaboration with StoryStudio Chicago, attracts large audiences to experience two authors in conversation, as they dive into the work and artistry of writing and cover the evolution of each writer’s career and writing process. The Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award, presented annually at the Newberry’s fall storytelling event, honors new works that transform public understanding of Chicago, its history, and its people.
“I am thrilled to be able to highlight the Newberry’s work alongside the many other institutions, authors, and advocates that help shape Chicago’s literary community,” said Astrida Orle Tantillo. “As I told Newcity, we have so many jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, historically significant, culturally relevant materials here—and it is amazing to see the worlds that open up when our visitors, students, and researchers, and audience members encounter these items through the wonderful work of our talented and dedicated staff.”
Newcity also acknowledged several Newberry partners, collaborators, and peer institutions in this year’s “Lit 50” review. Among those featured are Thomas Leslie, author and winner of the 2024 Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award; StoryStudio Chicago; the Chicago-based American Library Association; the School of the Art Institute; and Chicago Public Libraries.