Chicago Public Library

Home
United States
Chicago, IL
Chicago Public Library

Read, learn, discover. Chicago Public Library has locations in every Chicago neighborhood: chipublib.org/locations

05/31/2026

Don’t miss Harold Washington Library Center’s June author event! In collaboration with Women & Children First bookstore, CPL will bring you a riveting conversation with author Terry Tempest Williams about her new book, “The Glorians.” This collection of essays is an exploration of beauty, science and transformative moments of hope.

Monday, June 15
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center

This event will also be livestreamed on CPL’s page and YouTube channel.

Learn more: chi.gov/terrytwilliams

05/29/2026

The summer reading challenge kicks off June 6 as part of the library’s citywide program with activities for all ages.

05/27/2026

It's almost time, Chicago! On June 7, CPL and the American Writers Museum will host the American Writers Festival at Harold Washington Library Center. This free literary event will include book signings, author panels, literary crafts, writing workshops and more, all celebrating the power of the written word. Featured writers include Mayda Del Valle, Jen Hatmaker, Lauren Groff, Tananarive Due and John J Fugelsang. You won’t want to miss it.

Learn more: chi.gov/awf

Sunday, June 7
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center

📸 INDIRAP Productions

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who have fallen while serving our country and give thanks to their contributions.

Illinoisan John A. Logan (pictured in this photo, second general from the left) declared the first official Memorial Day on May 30, 1868, in his role as Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans' group for Union soldiers.

Logan fought in the Mexican-American War in 1847 before being elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, then to the U.S. House. He then left Congress to fight in the Civil War where he organized the 31st Illinois Volunteer Infantry for the Union.

Through the day he established, we remember all those who have given their lives for our country.

📸Sherman and His Generals, 1866, Photographic Views of Sherman's Campaign by George N. Barnard, Chicago Public Library, Special Collections, American Civil War Photographs and Images and Grand Army of the Republic Photographs and Images

05/22/2026

Do you love CPL? Are you a Chicago high school student between the ages of 16 and 19? Apply for a paid summer teen internship with CPL!

Under the supervision of CPL staff, you will collaborate with other interns to assist patrons, promote summer programs, organize and decorate spaces, create book lists, encourage reading and learn about all facets of public library work.

This year, in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago, all interns will be trained to lead the Artist’s Studio in the Library, an initiative that connects art, creativity and community.

Learn more and apply today: chi.gov/teensummerinternships

05/21/2026

Know someone who needs support adapting to the digital world? CPL has the perfect tool: DigitalLearn! With 24/7 access and no login required, you can easily learn the basics of computer use. Learn how to use email, search for a job online, use video conferencing and more through short, easy-to-digest courses.

Prefer a classroom environment? CPL also offers in-person classes that teach you skills using DigitalLearn — just ask a librarian for more information!

Get started with the free platform today: chi.gov/digitallearn

05/20/2026

Summer is a new chapter — start it with us! Join us for our Summer at CPL kickoffs at Legler, Sulzer and Woodson Regional Libraries on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You, your family and friends will be able to enjoy live music, hands-on activities, Chicago-themed crafts and games and more. RSVP here: chi.gov/summeratcpl

05/19/2026

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, CPL is pleased to welcome historian and activist Scott Kurashige to discuss his new book, American Peril.

05/18/2026

In less than a month, Gamer’s Universe will take over Harold Washington Library Center. Sign up today to enjoy esports and cosplay competitions, original games, board games, prizes and much more!

Register today: chi.gov/gu2026

Saturday, June 13
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All ages welcome!

05/15/2026

Archiving letters like the examples pictured here — an envelope from the 1960s sent by civil rights activist Timuel Black Jr. and an account from the 1930s documenting life in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood — is a key way Chicago Public Library preserves Chicago’s history. Letters like these connect Chicagoans with their past, and now, you can be a part of Chicago’s future.

CPL invites Chicagoans to write Letters to America sharing reflections, hopes and stories rooted in Chicago experiences. This citywide initiative commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and creates space for civic reflection and storytelling.

Learn how to participate: chi.gov/letterstoamerica

Photo sources:

1) Envelope used for a letter from Timuel Black Jr. to Ermetra Black, July 30, 1964, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature, Chicago Public Library.

2) Letter from Mrs. Fannie Young to CPL librarian Helen Zatterberg, circa 1930s, Northside Neighborhood History Collection, Chicago Public Library.

Address

400 South State St
Chicago, IL
60605

Telephone

+13127474300

Website

https://www.chipublib.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chicago Public Library posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Chicago?