On Tuesday, former U.S. President Barack Obama visited Burke Elementary students at Chicago’s Bessie Coleman library branch. He read a book about the trailblazing pilot—the first Black woman and woman of Native American descent to earn a license—joked about his gray hair, admired their artwork, and gave out books, hats, and gloves.

The former president in a post confessed to have enjoyed the exercise: “I had fun reading to some Burke Elementary students at the Chicago Public Library today. When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, we’ll have a new branch of the library for the community to enjoy.”

The event previewed programs for the new library at the Obama Presidential Center, opening in June 2026 after topping out recently.

Obama was in town checking progress on the center, which will offer public programs, sports courts, and green space to inspire young leaders.