2024 Benjamin Franklin Awards Celebration
honoring
Cecelia Gore and John Gurda
for their significant contributions to literacy and lifelong learning.
“Milwaukee Public Library plays a significant role in building healthy families and vibrant neighborhoods. I distinctly recall my home library, the Atkinson branch. Atkinson was located approximately three blocks from my home. The building had a unique architecture with high ceilings and stained glass. I can still recall the calm, cool environment on a hot summer day. A place where friends could connect, find great books to read and/or participate in a neighborhood program. I am thrilled that these opportunities continue to exist today. Our community deserves safe, attractive spaces where all are welcome and have an opportunity to thrive. Milwaukee Public Library provides that, and I am proud to be affiliated with this magnificent institution!”
-Cecelia Gore
“Reduced to its essential function, the public library is as a sort of curated Internet—without the ads, without the dross, without the sprawling anarchy. The library is an open door, carefully measured but generously proportioned, to the gathered knowledge of the world and the cultural output of our own civilization—for everyone and for free. That makes it one of the greatest and most democratic institutions on earth.”
-John Gurda
What is your favorite library memory?
2024 Benjamin Franklin Awards Celebration Gallery
Photos by Scott Paulus
What is the Benjamin Franklin Awards Celebration?
The Benjamin Franklin Awards Celebration, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Milwaukee Public Library, takes place each fall to celebrate literacy and lifelong learning. This one-of-a-kind event at the Wisconsin Club will be one to remember. It will start with cocktails, appetizers, live music and will end with an awards program, and live auction including unique experiences. — not to mention savory dinner stations, decadent desserts, and a hosted bar. The Benjamin Franklin Awards Celebration draws over 500 library lovers each year, and we hope you will be among them this year!
Why I Support Milwaukee Public Library Foundation
"Growing up in Milwaukee, both Sue and I were raised in families that greatly valued reading and learning. So I have loved to read my whole life and our local library was always a very special place to me. Books are a wonderful window into the world of knowledge, history and so many stories about human achievement. Libraries open all those windows to us and deserve our ongoing appreciation and support. Sue and I are proud to receive this award and to support one of the finest library systems in the world right here in our hometown."
Sue and Bud Selig
2019 Benjamin Franklin Award Recipients
Past Honorees
1989 - Harold W. Schwartz
1990 - Patrick Cotter
1991 - Fritz Gerlach
1992 - Howard Fuller
1994 - Frank Pelisek
1995 - Sue Ann Thompson
1996 - Jack Mac Donough
1997 - Betty Quadracci
1998 - Mayor Norquist & Common Council
1999 - Jane Bradley Pettit
2000 - Marianne Lubar
2001 - Michael Bolger
2002 - Jim Wigdale, Brother Bob Smith
2003 - Sister Joel Read
2004 - Harry Franke
2005 - Journal Communications, Steve Smith Chairman of the Board & CEO
2006 - The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation (Michael W. Grebe)
2007 - Northwestern Mutual, Edward J. Zore
2008 - Lucile Krug, Chris Bauer, Kate Huston Raab
2009 - Robert Mariano
2010 - The Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation, Gale Klappa
2011 - George Will
2012 - Paul E. Purcell
2013 - Mark and Debbie Attanasio
2014 - Dr. Mary Kellner, Faye McBeath Foundation
2015 - Greg Oberland, Mary Meehan
2016 - The Milwaukee Bucks
2017 - Senator Herb Kohl, Don Rosanova
2018 - Jay and Madonna Williams
2019 - Sue and Bud Selig
2020 - Milwaukee Public Library Heroes
2021/2022 - Arthur Harrington, Dr. Joan Prince
2023 - John W. Daniels, Jr., Rotary Club of Milwaukee
2024 - Cecelia Gore, John Gurda
Your Support Builds a Stronger Community
Give to the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation