Chicago Public Library Fndtn

Author Salman Rushdie was the 2009 recipient of the Carl Sandburg Literary Award, which is presented annually at the Harold Washington Library Center by the Chicago Public Library Foundation and the Chicago Public Library in honor of a significant body of work that has enhanced public awareness of the written word. The 21st Century Award, honoring recent achievement in writing by an author with ties to Chicago, was presented to fiction writer Patrick Somerville. Both awards were presented at a fundraising dinner for the Chicago Public Library Foundation on October 15, 2009 chaired by civic leader Frances Comer and Abbott Chairman and CEO Miles D. White.