Amy Eshleman

Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Planning and Partnerships, The Chicago Public Library

As Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Planning and Partnerships, Amy Eshleman is responsible for the implementation of long-range planning and the public/private collaborations and resource sharing partnerships of the 76 locations of the Chicago Public Library.  She was appointed to this newly created position in 2006.  Prior to 2006, she served as the Library’s Director of Development and Outreach.  Amy joined the Library in March, 1994.

Amy was responsible for the development and implementation of the Library’s most recent five-year strategic plan – Chicago Public Library 2010 and is leading the Library’s current strategic planning effort. Working with her colleagues at CPL, she developed programs such as One Book, One Chicago; Chicago Book Festival; the Kraft Great Kids program; Computer Smarts @ CPL and CyberNavigators. Amy is currently leading the CPL team in the creation, implementation and expansion of YOUmedia, the Library’s innovative space for teens that is a national model for interest-driven, participatory learning.