Chicago's Famed Library Leader Brenda Langstraat Bui Dies at 52, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Joy and Devotion
Brenda Langstraat Bui, the beloved CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, has left an indelible mark on the city she loved. At just 52 years old, her life was cut short in a tragic accident at her home in the West Loop, leaving behind a community that will deeply miss her infectious smile and boundless energy.
Bui's dedication to the library system and foundation was unwavering, inspiring countless individuals with her passion for literacy and education. Her tireless efforts to ensure that every Chicagoan had access to libraries and resources earned her the admiration of colleagues and patrons alike.
As president and CEO of the foundation, Bui played a pivotal role in eliminating late fees and providing free library cards to all Chicago Public Schools students. She was a champion for reading and learning, not just as an ideal, but as a lived experience that brought joy to those around her.
Bui's love affair with Chicago was palpable, from her high school days attending the same classes as her future husband, Ve Bui, to her later years as a passionate advocate for the city's literary scene. Her legacy will continue to be felt through the countless programs and initiatives she helped launch during her tenure at the foundation.
A devoted wife, daughter of Vietnamese immigrants who fled their homeland after the fall of Saigon, Bui embodied the very spirit of resilience and determination that defined her life's work. Even in death, her love for karaoke, theme parties, and Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" will be remembered by those closest to her.
Funeral services will take place in Iowa, while a memorial service is being planned by the Chicago Public Library Foundation in Chicago. As the city mourns the loss of this bright light, it cannot help but celebrate Bui's life as a testament to the power of love, laughter, and dedication to one's community.
Brenda Langstraat Bui, the beloved CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, has left an indelible mark on the city she loved. At just 52 years old, her life was cut short in a tragic accident at her home in the West Loop, leaving behind a community that will deeply miss her infectious smile and boundless energy.
Bui's dedication to the library system and foundation was unwavering, inspiring countless individuals with her passion for literacy and education. Her tireless efforts to ensure that every Chicagoan had access to libraries and resources earned her the admiration of colleagues and patrons alike.
As president and CEO of the foundation, Bui played a pivotal role in eliminating late fees and providing free library cards to all Chicago Public Schools students. She was a champion for reading and learning, not just as an ideal, but as a lived experience that brought joy to those around her.
Bui's love affair with Chicago was palpable, from her high school days attending the same classes as her future husband, Ve Bui, to her later years as a passionate advocate for the city's literary scene. Her legacy will continue to be felt through the countless programs and initiatives she helped launch during her tenure at the foundation.
A devoted wife, daughter of Vietnamese immigrants who fled their homeland after the fall of Saigon, Bui embodied the very spirit of resilience and determination that defined her life's work. Even in death, her love for karaoke, theme parties, and Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" will be remembered by those closest to her.
Funeral services will take place in Iowa, while a memorial service is being planned by the Chicago Public Library Foundation in Chicago. As the city mourns the loss of this bright light, it cannot help but celebrate Bui's life as a testament to the power of love, laughter, and dedication to one's community.
... just heard about Brenda Langstraat Bui... what can u say? she was literally the heartbeat of that library in Chicago... always makin it fun for people to read & learn. 52 yrs old, too young... i remember seein her at a book launch, shinin so bright... loved how passionate she was about literacy... hope her legacy keeps inspirin others to make a difference 
I mean, think about it... Brenda Langstraat Bui was all about spreading joy & literacy to the masses, but what if that came at a cost? Like, did her constant enthusiasm for libraries & reading ever lead anyone to take themselves too seriously? 
... how can someone so full of life leave us so suddenly? It's crazy to think about all the good she did in this city... I mean, who else would have fought to make library cards free for every kid? 
But seriously, Brenda Langstraat Bui was one of those people who made a difference just by being herself... she embodied this crazy mix of kindness, determination, and humor that's hard to find in anyone else.
my heart goes out to the people who knew her... 52 is way too young to leave us ... i feel so bad for ve bui and their family 
she was truly making a difference in chicago's community with all those programs and initiatives... it's not just about libraries, but about spreading love of reading and learning to everyone 
i'm thinking of Ve Bui too, their love story is beautiful 
. It's no wonder her legacy will live on through all the programs and initiatives she helped launch 
I mean, her legacy is gonna live on through all the programs and initiatives she helped launch, but it's just not the same as having her around to spread joy and make a difference in person. 
. She fought for education & literacy with all her might 
, making libraries accessible to everyone 
. We'll miss her infectious smile 
and boundless energy 
️. Let's celebrate her life with love 
. Rest in peace, Brenda 
- pat benatar for life!! 
]
I gotta say, people always talk about how sad it is when someone passes away too young... like, yeah, she was only 52 which is pretty young, but let's not forget that her life was basically cut short in an accident 
. I mean, think about it, she changed the game for Chicago Public Schools students by making library cards free 
. It's time to shift our focus from "she was young" to "she was amazing" 
like another library legend just passed away last month in NYC 