Obama wants a public library inside his presidential center in Chicago

“The Chicago Public Library branch at the Obama Presidential Center will offer tremendous educational and cultural benefits to the South Shore community and all of Chicago,” Emanuel said. “In the spirit of Barack and Michelle Obama, this branch will serve as a neighborhood anchor with 21st century learning opportunities and shared spaces that will bring together community residents to gather, share and succeed for generations to come.”

“Mayor Emanuel says he wants to be clear: it was former President Obama’s idea to include a public library in the future Obama Center, not his. Says it is a “testament to his spirit” and commitment to civic and community engagement,” one reporter at the press briefing tweeted.

The announcement came before local officials have approved the project, though they are expected to back it. Federal agencies also have not approved its proposal and issue permits allowing them to build on free parkland. Local and national conservation and historical groups oppose the project because it is being proposed at Jackson Park, a park that’s almost as old as New York City’s Central Park and could be built on private land.

Local residents have repeatedly told city officials at town halls and press briefings they worry about being pushed out of their lower-income community because of the gentrification the center will prompt, as well as the $175 million in road and infrastructure work local taxpayers will bear if it’s approved.

The Chicago Plan Commission is scheduled to meet May 17 to discuss road re-alignments for the center.