Thank you for signing up to receive updates from oplsouthside.org.
Thank you for signing up to receive updates from oplsouthside.org.
Share this:

What is a Presidential Library?

The University of Chicago is leading a collaboration to bring the Barack Obama Presidential Library to the heart of the South Side. Learn more about presidential libraries and museums below.

What is a presidential library?
A presidential library is a non-partisan institution managed by the federal government. The mission of the Library is to preserve the history of a presidential administration. In addition to housing the archives of a president’s time in office, all presidential libraries also include a museum. Most presidential libraries have an education center and auditorium space.
What goes into a presidential library?
The contents and operation of a presidential library are governed by federal law, including the Presidential Libraries Acts of 1955 and 1986. All records from a presidential administration, including papers, emails, and artifacts, are housed in a presidential library.
Who chooses where it goes?
It is up to President Obama and Mrs. Obama to choose the location of the library. In partnership with members of the community, the University is exploring a range of potential locations in neighborhoods across the South Side to help inform that choice.
Is the University of Chicago proposing to locate the Library on its campus in Hyde Park?
No. The University and our community partners believe the most benefit would come from locating the Library in one of our neighboring communities on the South Side, where it would spur new economic development.
Who operates and manages presidential libraries?
Once a library is constructed, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) assumes responsibility for its operation and maintenance in accordance with the Presidential Libraries Acts of 1955 and 1986. Presidential libraries are operated and maintained by NARA through its congressionally appropriated operating budget, which includes archival, curatorial and administrative staffing for the library.  Some staff and programs at presidential libraries are paid for with funds from associated private foundations organized to fund the construction of the library and provide continuing support for library. The Presidential Library Foundation manages the construction phase of the library.
What is the process for making a decision about the location of the Obama Presidential Library?
On Jan. 31, 2014, the Barack Obama Foundation was established to oversee planning for President Obama’s future presidential library. On March 20, the Foundation released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), to solicit responses from institutions or other parties interested in hosting the library. The Foundation wrote in its announcement, "Responses to the RFQ are requested to be submitted by June 16, 2014. This summer, the Foundation will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to the most competitive applicants, requesting comprehensive proposals for evaluation. The Foundation expects to reach a decision and select a site in early 2015.”  Visit the Foundation website.
GET ENGAGED
Thank you for signing up to receive email updates about the effort to bring the Barack Obama Presidential Library to the South Side. Visit oplsouthside.org to:
  • Share a comment or idea
  • Write a letter of support
  • Print and share a flyer
Follow discussions on Twitter using #oplsouthside
Map of U.S. Presidential Libaries
The U.S. government currently operates 13 presidential libraries. The Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum are in separate locations in Michigan. And the Richard Nixon Library and Museum has two locations, Yorba Linda, Calif., and College Park, Md.
Top to bottom: 
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, Hyde Park, NY
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Dallas, TX
Learn More
Explore Presidential Libraries on the National Archives website.
Edward H. Levi Hall | 5801 South Ellis Avenue | Chicago, IL 60637 US
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.