All CPL Locations Closed Monday, May 26

All CPL locations are closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.

Make A 2-Color Sticker with Cricut

Design a simple two-color vinyl sticker with the electronic Cricut cutter.  Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.or......More

Design a simple two-color vinyl sticker with the electronic Cricut cutter.  Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Open Shop

Drop in during Open Shop to: Get a brief software overview Find out how we can help with your project Check out what people are making Use a laser cutter, electronic cutter, 3D printer, sewing machine, hot glue guns, and your creativity. Would you rather join a......More

Drop in during Open Shop to: Get a brief software overview Find out how we can help with your project Check out what people are making Use a laser cutter, electronic cutter, 3D printer, sewing machine, hot glue guns, and your creativity. Would you rather join a class? Try one of our scheduled workshops. Can't make it to Open Shop but would like assistance? Fill out an Ask a Maker form. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

LEGO® and More Club

Join us to see what you can create with LEGO® bricks and other fun building materials! For kids 4 to 13. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email ......More

Join us to see what you can create with LEGO® bricks and other fun building materials! For kids 4 to 13. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

K-Pop/TikTok Dance Challenge

Do you know all the latest dance trends? Show off your moves during our K-Pop/TikTok Dance Challenge Program. Teens can request songs or pick from our music video catalog. For teens 14 to 18. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility a......More

Do you know all the latest dance trends? Show off your moves during our K-Pop/TikTok Dance Challenge Program. Teens can request songs or pick from our music video catalog. For teens 14 to 18. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

West Loop Adult Book Club: The Wedding People

Join West Loop Library staff at Time Out Market to discuss The Wedding People by Alison Espach. This novel explores the life of Phoebe Stone, who unexpectedly finds herself within a wedding extravaganza in Newport, Rhode Island. She attends the wedding venue wi......More

Join West Loop Library staff at Time Out Market to discuss The Wedding People by Alison Espach. This novel explores the life of Phoebe Stone, who unexpectedly finds herself within a wedding extravaganza in Newport, Rhode Island. She attends the wedding venue without any luggage, hoping to end her life. However, through unexpected friendships, she learns to embrace life’s complexities. Meet up at TimeOut Market Chicago Restaurant in the Molly's Cupcakes Cafe. When you walk in, it's to the left. Look for the CPL sign! This event is for ages 21+ Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance forthis event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to requestaccommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before theevent.

West Loop Adult Book Club: Colored Television

Join West Loop branch with librarian Amy at Time Out Market to discuss "Colored Television" by Danzy Senna. Colored Television follows Jane, a writer hoping to turn her life around during a sabbatical spent house-sitting in the L.A. hills with her painter husba......More

Join West Loop branch with librarian Amy at Time Out Market to discuss "Colored Television" by Danzy Senna. Colored Television follows Jane, a writer hoping to turn her life around during a sabbatical spent house-sitting in the L.A. hills with her painter husband and two kids. As she struggles to finish her ambitious novel, Nusu Nusu, and secure tenure, she sets her sights on Hollywood as a backup plan. A promising meeting with a rising producer offers a shot at success—until everything starts to unravel. Meet up at TimeOut Market Chicago Restaurant in the Molly's Cupcakes Cafe. When you walk in, it's to the left. Look for the CPL sign! This event is for ages 21+ Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance forthis event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to requestaccommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before theevent.

Young at Heart: Homemade Bird Feeders

Senior adults, here is a fun way to welcome back your feathered friends this Spring.  This homemade bird feeder consists of a pinecone, birdseed, and some twine to hang the feeder. Please note, this kit will require butter or lard to affix the seeds to the pinecone. ......More

Senior adults, here is a fun way to welcome back your feathered friends this Spring.  This homemade bird feeder consists of a pinecone, birdseed, and some twine to hang the feeder. Please note, this kit will require butter or lard to affix the seeds to the pinecone. Stop by the Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center to get started on making your feeder that will be sure to attract some colorful visitors to your home.   This take-and-make kit is available as scheduled while supplies last. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Destination Discovery Story Time at Field Museum

If you're happy/sad/mad/nervous and you know it, clap your hands and join Librarian Megan and her friends at Field Museum for a special story time celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month. We will talk, sing, read and learn all about our feelings, plus suggestions for......More

If you're happy/sad/mad/nervous and you know it, clap your hands and join Librarian Megan and her friends at Field Museum for a special story time celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month. We will talk, sing, read and learn all about our feelings, plus suggestions for at-home activities to practice mental and emotional wellness with our littlest patrons! For kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers. How to Attend This event is available in person and online. Only online attendees need to register for the Zoom link. Attend in person at the Field Museum PlayLab 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 Attend online via Zoom Register by 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 27. Only one registration per household is needed. Register by 24 hours before the event. You’ll receive an email with a link to the secure Zoom meeting about 24 hours before the meeting. Questions about attending online events? Check out our Events FAQs. Accessibility Automatic transcription is included in all CPL events using Zoom. Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Family Story Time

Join us for stories, songs and fun for the family! For kids 0 to 5 and their families. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@c......More

Join us for stories, songs and fun for the family! For kids 0 to 5 and their families. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Living Your Hero's Journey: A Workshop for Bringing Your Highest Potential to the World

Rev. Dr. Patricia Novick is an activist and ordained minister who has worked with organizations that include Enlace Chicago, Erie Neighborhood House, Mujeres Latinas en Acción, and the Latino Policy Forum. She recently led the Unsung Community Heroes project for the Il......More

Rev. Dr. Patricia Novick is an activist and ordained minister who has worked with organizations that include Enlace Chicago, Erie Neighborhood House, Mujeres Latinas en Acción, and the Latino Policy Forum. She recently led the Unsung Community Heroes project for the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation.    In a 2-hour workshop, participants are helped to think about the elements of their personal hero’s journey—their core values and mission, the obstacles they face, and their inner and outer resources. From this self-exploration, they create a prototype avatar that they can keep near them to remind them of their highest values and goals, and to remind them of the sources of resilience and support that they can access on their journey. They will be shown examples of avatars that they might choose to create. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Latin American Authors Book Club: Reputations

Are you interested in reading books by international authors? Join the Latin American Authors Book Club. Each month, you will experience a variety of literature written by contemporary Latin American authors. This month's title is Reputations by Juan Gabriel Vá......More

Are you interested in reading books by international authors? Join the Latin American Authors Book Club. Each month, you will experience a variety of literature written by contemporary Latin American authors. This month's title is Reputations by Juan Gabriel Vásquez from Colombia. Javier Mallarino, Colombia’s most influential political cartoonist, is celebrated for a remarkable career. But just hours after a ceremony honoring his legacy, a chance meeting with a young woman forces him to revisit a troubling event from his past. The encounter calls into question his reputation and life's work. How to Attend This event is available in person and online. Attend in person at the Harold Washington Library Center, 8th floor, room 8S-14 Attend online via Zoom Only one registration per household is needed. You’ll receive an email with a link to the secure Zoom meeting about 24 hours before the meeting. Questions about attending online events? Check out our Events FAQs. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Parachute Play

Join us for half an hour of songs, stories and parachute movement! For kids 0 to 5 with their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email ......More

Join us for half an hour of songs, stories and parachute movement! For kids 0 to 5 with their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Grab and Go: Rainbow Friendship Bracelet Kit

Celebrate Pride Month with a classic striped friendship bracelet using embroidery string and knots. Wear it yourself or build community by gifting it to a friend. This grab and go kit is available at the 8th floor reference desk during library hours f......More

Celebrate Pride Month with a classic striped friendship bracelet using embroidery string and knots. Wear it yourself or build community by gifting it to a friend. This grab and go kit is available at the 8th floor reference desk during library hours for the month of June or while supplies last. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo source: CPL staff

Computer Basics: Upload & Download

This beginner computer class will focus on all the steps you need to download, upload, and share important documents with those that need them. If you've ever struggled to upload a resume on a job site, or had difficulty downloading a file from your email, this class i......More

This beginner computer class will focus on all the steps you need to download, upload, and share important documents with those that need them. If you've ever struggled to upload a resume on a job site, or had difficulty downloading a file from your email, this class is for you. We'll be using the computers in the building, so no need to bring anything with you. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

YOUmedia Teen Recording Studio Certification

Want to reserve the YOUmedia HWLC Recording Studio? First, you have to get certified!! Register for an introduction to sound recording, Garageband, equipment setup, save and exporting audio files. After the certification, you can reserve the recording studio and work ......More

Want to reserve the YOUmedia HWLC Recording Studio? First, you have to get certified!! Register for an introduction to sound recording, Garageband, equipment setup, save and exporting audio files. After the certification, you can reserve the recording studio and work on your projects independently. For teens 14 to 18. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Meet the Maker-in-Residence, Nicole

HWLC's summer Maker-in-Residence, Nicole Low, is a multifaceted artist and maker who's many areas of proficiency and creativity range from woodworking and welding to animation and musicianship. While serving as the Maker-in-Res......More

HWLC's summer Maker-in-Residence, Nicole Low, is a multifaceted artist and maker who's many areas of proficiency and creativity range from woodworking and welding to animation and musicianship. While serving as the Maker-in-Residence, Nicole aims to extend to the community opportunities for learning new skills and creating art as a tool communication and connection with the people around you. Nicole's projects and workshops during the residency will focus largely on woodworking - an area of expertise Nicole uses in their professional career as a creator for the Goodman Theater Props Department - plus a dash of animation and CAD. Stop by Floor 3 at HWLC on Monday evenings in June through July 7 to meet Nicole and talk about any of their numerous skills, find out what it's like to be a prop designer for a world-renowned theater, and get a glimpse of what Nicole is planning for upcoming Maker-in-Residency workshops: wood bending; wood sculpture; and animation. Bent Laminations by Nicole Lowe Photos provided by Nicole Lowe The Maker-in-Residence program is funded by Exelon, Peoples Gas, and other generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

The Silent Scribe Society: Writing Program

Through this writing group, we will continue the legacy of writers that gathered before our times. As a member of the Silent Scribe Society, you can air out your woes, successes, and goals you have for your literature. You can focus on your craft and get your story wri......More

Through this writing group, we will continue the legacy of writers that gathered before our times. As a member of the Silent Scribe Society, you can air out your woes, successes, and goals you have for your literature. You can focus on your craft and get your story written! Come join writers who truly believe that it is the responsibility of artists to reflect the times. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

English Class for Beginners With Erie House/Clases de Inglés Para Principiantes con La Casa Erie

Join us in the Popular Library at the Harold Washington Library Center for an English language class led by Erie House. In each class, you will learn basic English and about the library's English study resources such as ......More

Join us in the Popular Library at the Harold Washington Library Center for an English language class led by Erie House. In each class, you will learn basic English and about the library's English study resources such as Cell-Ed.  Erie House is a modern social service nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Son invitados a tomar una clase de inglés dirigida por un maestro de Erie House en la Popular Library en el primer piso de la Biblioteca Harold Washington. En cada clase aprenderá inglés básico y cómo usar recursos tales como Cell-Ed. Erie House es una organización comunitaria sin fines de lucro comprometida con el bienestar de las familias. Provee programas para niños, jóvenes, adultos y familias. Ofrece recursos sobre la salud mental y bienestar communitario, educación y entrenamiento para adultos, servicios legales, y más. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Accesibilidad ¿Necesitas interpretación en lenguaje de señas u otro tipo de ayuda de accesibilidad para este evento? Comunícate por teléfono al (312) 747-8184 o por correo electrónico access@chipublib.org para solicitar adaptaciones. Las solicitudes se deben hacer como mínimo 14 días hábiles antes del evento.