The City of Chicago is grieving the profound loss of Brenda Langstraat Bui, a titan of the nonprofit sector and the beloved President and CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF). Brenda passed away on the evening of Friday, January 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of literacy, equity, and community transformation.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service and Literacy
Born in Indianola, Iowa, Brenda moved to Chicago and spent nearly three decades shaping the city’s social and cultural landscape. She was a proud alumna of Wheaton College and earned her Master of Arts in English and Fiction Writing from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Brenda’s career was defined by her unwavering belief that empowered communities of learners could change the world. Her leadership journey included:
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Chicago Public Library Foundation (2019–2026): As President & CEO, she led the Foundation through a period of historic growth, reaching over 22 million views with the “Live from the Library” virtual story-time and elevating the prestigious Sandburg Awards.
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Working In The Schools – WITS (2012–2019): Under her tenure as CEO, Brenda tripled the organization’s budget and spearheaded a critical merger to expand literacy support across 90 Chicago Public Schools.
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Parkways Foundation (2004–2011): She served as Executive Director, growing the philanthropic partner of the Chicago Park District from a $400,000 operation to a $5 million powerhouse.
The Heart Behind the Leadership
To those who knew her, Brenda was more than a visionary executive; she was a mentor with a “contagious joy for life.” Despite managing multi-million dollar budgets and high-level public-private partnerships, Brenda remained grounded in her love for individuals. Her friends fondly recall that she always found time in her busy week to read one-on-one with a child, passing on her deep love of books.
She was an active board member of the Lookingglass Theatre, United for Libraries, and an Emeritus Director of the Chicago Literacy Alliance. Her influence extended into the Impact House and Soho House communities, where she fostered connections among philanthropic leaders to share best practices and inspire growth.
Family and Personal Life
Brenda lived in Chicago’s West Loop with her devoted husband, Vanner (Ve) Di Bui, whom she married on December 30, 2021. Their partnership was built on mutual support and a shared commitment to the city they called home.
She is remembered as a woman of “extraordinary light” who led with her heart. As her colleagues at the Chicago Public Library Foundation stated, “We are grateful and forever changed by her leadership and her light.”