Grab and Go: Spring Walk Journal

Use this journal to capture the season’s change. Go on a walk in a natural area near you and write or sketch your observations. This grab and go kit is available at the 8th floor reference desk during library hours for the month of May or while supplies last. Accessi......More

Use this journal to capture the season’s change. Go on a walk in a natural area near you and write or sketch your observations. This grab and go kit is available at the 8th floor reference desk during library hours for the month of May or while supplies last. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

English Classes for Intermediate Levels/Clases de Inglés de Nivel Intermedio

Join an English class led by an Erie House tutor in the Popular Library of the Harold Washington Library Center. In each class, you will study intermediate-level English and learn about the library's English study resources......More

Join an English class led by an Erie House tutor in the Popular Library of the Harold Washington Library Center. In each class, you will study intermediate-level English and learn about the library's English study resources such as Cell-Ed.  Classes will be held on six Thursdays from April 24th to May 29th. Thursday, 4/24, 12:00-1:00 pm Thursday, 5/1, 12:00-1:00 pm Thursday, 5/8, 12:00-1:00 pm Thursday, 5/15, 12:00-1:00 pm Thursday, 5/22, 12:00-1:00 pm Thursday, 5/29, 12:00-1:00 pm Erie House is a modern social service nonprofit with programming and resources for children & youth, mental health & community wellness, adult education & training, legal services, and more. Son invitados a tomar clases de inglés dirigidas por un maestro de Erie House en la Popular Library en el primer piso de la Biblioteca Harold Washington. En cada clase aprenderá inglés intermedio y cómo utilizar recursos tales como Cell-Ed. Las clases se llevarán acabo seis jueves del 24 de abril al 29 de mayo.  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 comunitario, 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 [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Korean Book Discussion: 완장

HWLC 한국어 북클럽에 초대합니다. 이번 달에는 아시안 문화유산의 달을 맞아 윤흥길의 <완장>을 읽고 토론합니다.  『완장』은 한국전쟁 이후 우리 사회에 팽배했던 정치권력의 폭력성과 보통 사람들의 억울한 삶을 조명하며, 오늘날까지도 이어지는 암울한 역사와 권력의 어두운 이면을 예리하게 짚어낸 작품입니다. 특히 작가는 한국인의 권력의식을 ‘완장’이라는 상징물에 담아내고, 그와 얽혀 벌어지는 사건들을 통해 한국인의 권력 욕망과 그 애환이라는 심각하고 묵직한 문제의식을 해학과 더......More

HWLC 한국어 북클럽에 초대합니다. 이번 달에는 아시안 문화유산의 달을 맞아 윤흥길의 <완장>을 읽고 토론합니다.  『완장』은 한국전쟁 이후 우리 사회에 팽배했던 정치권력의 폭력성과 보통 사람들의 억울한 삶을 조명하며, 오늘날까지도 이어지는 암울한 역사와 권력의 어두운 이면을 예리하게 짚어낸 작품입니다. 특히 작가는 한국인의 권력의식을 ‘완장’이라는 상징물에 담아내고, 그와 얽혀 벌어지는 사건들을 통해 한국인의 권력 욕망과 그 애환이라는 심각하고 묵직한 문제의식을 해학과 더불어 남도 방언의 구수한 입말을 입혀 우리 문학의 저력을 보여주고 있습니다. * 출처: 예스 24 “작가인 나를 일개 미물 같은 존재로 전락시킨 거대 권력에 효과적으로 보복하는 길은 역시 작가의 펜을 무기 삼아 권력 그 자체를 우스꽝스럽기 짝이 없는 물건으로 희화화함으로써 실컷 야유하는 그 방법밖에 없었다. 사실주의적 정공법으로는 독재 정권의 검열을 피하기 어려운 시국이었다. 야유의 수단으로 풍자와 해학을 동원함으로써 당국의 검열을 우회해야만 했다. 이것이 장편소설 『완장』의 출생 배경이다. 이 소설을 씀으로써 나는 비로소 실의와 자괴지심을 딛고 재기할 수 있었다. 이를테면 이 소설이 절체절명의 궁지에 몰렸던 나를 구원한 셈이다.” _출간 40주년 기념 특별판 작가의 말에서 모임은 직접 HWLC 오시거나 Zoom을 통해 참여하실 수 있습니다.  직접 참여하실 분은 HWLC 8층, 8S-14 방으로 오세요. 온라인으로 참여하실 분은, 오른쪽 Registration 버튼을 누르고 이메일을 적으세요. 북클럽 24시간 전에 Zoom미팅 link를 받게 됩니다. 이 프로그램에 등록하실 때 자동으로 Library Use Guidelines 에 동의하시는 것으로 간주합니다.  How to Attend This event is available in person and online. Attend in person at the Harold Washington Library Center 400 S. State St. Chicago, Illinois, 60605, Room 8S-14, 8th Floor. 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. By registering for this event, you agree to abide by the Library Use Guidelines. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Author Alan Weisman: Hope Dies Last

CPL welcomes environmental journalist Alan Weisman to discuss his new book Hope Dies Last: Visionary People Across The World, Fighting To Find Us A Future.  Environmental journalist Alan Weisman has established himself among the most prophetic voices on humani......More

CPL welcomes environmental journalist Alan Weisman to discuss his new book Hope Dies Last: Visionary People Across The World, Fighting To Find Us A Future.  Environmental journalist Alan Weisman has established himself among the most prophetic voices on humanity’s relationship to the Earth. For his latest, Hope Dies Last: Visionary People Across the World, Fighting to Find Us a Future, he returns with a book ten years in the making: a study of what it means to be a human on the front lines of our planet’s existential crisis. In his new book, Weisman profiles stubborn, clear-eyed, brave visionaries around the world, determined to find how we can stop burning the past to preserve our chance at a future; stop extinguishing species on which our own depends; power civilization without broiling it; and, without sacrificing more nature, grow as much food by 2050 as in all human history to avoid calamitous famines and torrents of refugees. Alan Weisman has reported from all seven continents and in more than sixty countries. His books include the New York Times bestseller The World Without Us, translated into thirty-four languages and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and winner of China’s Wenjin Book Prize; and Countdown, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His work has appeared in Harper's, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, The New York Review of Books, Vanity Fair, Orion, Mother Jones, Discover, and Salon, among others, and on NPR. A cofounder of the journalism collective Homelands Productions, he has also been a laureate professor of international journalism at the University of Arizona.  Alan will be in conversation with Alison Cuddy. Alison Cuddy is a Chicago-based writer and editor. She is the former host of the award-winning program Eight Forty-Eight on the NPR affiliate WBEZ and served as Artistic Director of the Chicago Humanities Festival. She is a board member of the Arts Club of Chicago and a member of the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council. How to Attend: Doors to the Auditorium open at 5:30 p.m., and seating is first come, first served (350 capacity). Books are available for purchase and the author will autograph books at the conclusion of the program. This event will also take place live on CPL's YouTube channel and CPL's Facebook page. You'll be able to ask questions during the event as well! Can't make it to the live stream? We'll archive the video on YouTube to watch later. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo credit: Becky Kravetz

Film Screening: Didi (2024)

Join us for a screening of Didi. In the summer of 2008, an innocent and impressionable thirteen-year-old named Chris engages in a series of teenage antics in the lead-up to his first year of high school. Armed with his video camera, Chris makes a series of videos that......More

Join us for a screening of Didi. In the summer of 2008, an innocent and impressionable thirteen-year-old named Chris engages in a series of teenage antics in the lead-up to his first year of high school. Armed with his video camera, Chris makes a series of videos that document his summer while he learns the ins and outs of teen romance, skateboarding, and feeling grateful for his immigrant mother. © Focus Features - 91 minutes - R Community Cinema is at a branch near you! Check out hundreds of other screenings at libraries across Chicago. Accessibility English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing will be available for this screening.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Discussion: Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törz

Please join a discussion of Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törz. For generations, the Kalotay family has guarded a collection of ancient and rare books. Books that let a person walk through walls or manipulate the elements - books of magic that half sisters Jo......More

Please join a discussion of Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törz. For generations, the Kalotay family has guarded a collection of ancient and rare books. Books that let a person walk through walls or manipulate the elements - books of magic that half sisters Joanna and Esther have been raised to revere and protect.  All magic comes with a price, though, and for years the sisters have been separated. Esther has fled to a remote base in Antartica to escape the fate that killed their own mother, and Joanna's isolated herself in their family home in Vermont, devoting her life to the study of these cherished volumes. But after their father dies suddenly while reading a book Joanna has never seen before, the sisters must reunite to preserve their family legacy. In the process, they'll uncover a world of magic far bigger and more dangerous than they ever imagined, and all the secrets their parents kept hidden - secrets that span centuries, continents, and even other libraries... This suspenseful and richly atmospheric novel draws readers into a vast world filled with mystery and magic, romance and intrigue - and marks the debut of an extraordinary new voice in speculative fiction.  - from the publisher, William Morrow How to Attend This event is available in person and online. Attend in person at the Harold Washington Library Center 400 S. State St. Chicago, Illinois, 60605, Popular Library, 1st floor 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 [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Promoting Housing Stability through Legal Aid and the Courts

In conjunction with the exhibit, Evicted: A Closer Look at America's Housing Struggle and Crisis, join CPL and the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness for a panel discussion about the nationally recognized ......More

In conjunction with the exhibit, Evicted: A Closer Look at America's Housing Struggle and Crisis, join CPL and the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness for a panel discussion about the nationally recognized Chicago/Cook County program to help people facing eviction.  Moderator Bob Glaves, Executive Director of the Chicago Bar Association will be in conversation with Rick Ruffing of Stout, Dennericka Brooks of Legal Aid Chicago with input from representatives of the City of Chicago and Cook County. A recent report from the global advisory firm Stout found the City of Chicago Right to Counsel pilot "RTC," which works hand-in-hand with the Early Resolution Program (ERP) in the Circuit Court of Cook County, forms a unique and innovative model designed to ensure all unrepresented tenants can access high-quality legal assistance in eviction cases tailored to the tenant's circumstances. The report found that this cost-effective model is making a tangible, positive impact in promoting housing stability and improving access to justice across Cook County. The report further found that the ERP+RTC model, with sufficient funding, can be a cost-effective and replicable approach to promoting housing stability by tailoring services to the client's needs.  One of the lead evaluators from Stout, Rick Ruffing, will discuss the findings from their report and how this model can be replicated statewide in a cost-effective way, with input from representatives of the City of Chicago and Cook County and one of the key legal aid partners for the program, Dennericka Brooks from Legal Aid Chicago. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email[email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Rick Ruffing, Director - Disputes, Claims & Investigations, Stout Dennericka Brooks, Managing Director, Legal Aid Chicago Bob Glaves (Moderator), Executive Director, Chicago Bar Foundation Dominic Tocci, Deputy Bureau Chief, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development Olivia Ortega, Director of Policy, Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago

Make Earrings or a Pendant with the Laser Cutter

Create a pair of earrings with a laser cutter and Inkscape, a 2D design software. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipu......More

Create a pair of earrings with a laser cutter and Inkscape, a 2D design software. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo provided by the Maker Lab

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Patch Making

Do you like putting patches on your backpack and/or clothes? In this program, we will create stick-on patches with our paints, fabrics, collage materials, and more. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Plea......More

Do you like putting patches on your backpack and/or clothes? In this program, we will create stick-on patches with our paints, fabrics, collage materials, and more. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Spring Tree Identification and Guided Walking Tour

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 [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Young at Heart: Japanese Book Making

Welcome, Seniors! In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for a creative and artistic experience as you craft your very own book using the traditional Japanese bookbinding technique, Sempuyo. This centuries-old method involves bindi......More

Welcome, Seniors! In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for a creative and artistic experience as you craft your very own book using the traditional Japanese bookbinding technique, Sempuyo. This centuries-old method involves binding sheets of paper with colorful decorative paper to create a unique, accordion-style book. Whether you use it as a journal, sketchbook, or keepsake, this hands-on activity is a fun opportunity to explore your creativity and make a beautiful handmade masterpiece. All materials will be provided—just bring your imagination and a ready-to-create spirit! Registration is not required. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo Courtesy Staff

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 [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

ESL Practice: English Conversation Group

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Join our conversation group with Literacy Chicago and improve your ability to communicate. This conversation group is for people who already know some English and would l......More

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Join our conversation group with Literacy Chicago and improve your ability to communicate. This conversation group is for people who already know some English and would like more practice. This group focuses on having lively discussions about current events, life in Chicago, and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expressing yourself in English, gain conversational vocabulary, meet new people, and have fun! Please apply for enrollment at the Literacy Chicago website before attending your first session. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (312) 858-6020. ¿Quiere practicar hablar y comprender inglés y mejorar sus habilidades comunicativas? Únase a nuestro grupo de conversación con Literacy Chicago y mejore su capacidad de comunicarse. Este grupo de conversación es para personas que ya saben algo de inglés y les gustaría practicar más. Por favor solicite la inscripción en el sitio web de Literacy Chicago antes de asistir a su primera sesión. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con [email protected] o llame al (312) 858-6020. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.