Explore Composting with Worms for Kids

Join Children's Librarian Mary Othic and Master Composter Marjorie Isaacson during International Compost Awareness Week to learn about composting, and see some of nature's best composters, red wiggler worms. The session will include a story and activity.  For kids 5 ......More

Join Children's Librarian Mary Othic and Master Composter Marjorie Isaacson during International Compost Awareness Week to learn about composting, and see some of nature's best composters, red wiggler worms. The session will include a story and activity.  For kids 5 and up and their families How to Attend Register by the start of the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must be used to register. As a reminder, school email addresses may block external emails such as those from CPL. Due to space limitations, please include the total number of children and adults as attendees when you register. 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.

International Compost Awareness Week: Composting Demo and Q&A

For International Compost Awareness Week, see composting in action at a local community garden. Join Master Composter Marjorie Isaacson for a demonstration of how to turn organic waste into a valuable soil amendment. Removing organics from your garbage helps mitigate c......More

For International Compost Awareness Week, see composting in action at a local community garden. Join Master Composter Marjorie Isaacson for a demonstration of how to turn organic waste into a valuable soil amendment. Removing organics from your garbage helps mitigate climate change - learn more about how everyone can compost at their homes For more compost adventures, visit https://illinoiscomposts.org/icaw-2025/ 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.

Curious Kids Club

Curious Kids Club is a place to think, learn and have fun! In May, we will explore hydroponics. In this program, plant a Paperwhite bulb using only rocks and water then observe the growth of the root system and watch the bulb bloom. For kids 6 and up. This ScienceCo......More

Curious Kids Club is a place to think, learn and have fun! In May, we will explore hydroponics. In this program, plant a Paperwhite bulb using only rocks and water then observe the growth of the root system and watch the bulb bloom. For kids 6 and up. This ScienceConnections program is made possible by generous funding through the Chicago Public Library Foundation. How to Attend Register by the start of the program. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must be used to register. As a reminder, school email addresses may block external emails such as those from CPL. 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.

Literacy Chicago's ESL Series: English Conversation

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Then join Literacy Chicago instructors for 90 minutes of English conversation on current events, life in Chicago and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expr......More

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Then join Literacy Chicago instructors for 90 minutes of English conversation on current events, life in Chicago and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expressing yourself in English and gain conversational vocabulary while meeting new people and having fun!  This group meets every Tuesday at 6:00pm to 7:30pm.   Participants should register online at Literacy Chicago Online Enrollment website before attending their first session. For more information visit Literacy Chicago website 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.

Weird Book Club: Severance

Do you like science fiction, fantasy, horror, or just plain strange books? Meet fellow weird readers to discuss strange and speculative fiction at Weird Book Club, an adult book discussion group that meets at Map Room, on the last......More

Do you like science fiction, fantasy, horror, or just plain strange books? Meet fellow weird readers to discuss strange and speculative fiction at Weird Book Club, an adult book discussion group that meets at Map Room, on the last Monday of every month. This month, we are reading Severance by Ling Ma. **Please note this meeting is on the second-to-last Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday.** A millennial woman barely notices the apocalypse due to her soul-crushing corporate job in Manhattan. Books are available to checkout at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch circulation desk, while supplies last. Many titles are also available as eBooks or eAudiobooks on the Hoopla and/or Libby app. Can't make it this month? Join us to discuss this title at Midwest Coast in March. Registration required. How to Attend This event takes place in person. Please follow the masking requirements of the location this event is hosted at. This event is for ages 21+ 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.

Literacy Chicago's ESL Series: English Conversation

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Then join Literacy Chicago instructors for 90 minutes of English conversation on current events, life in Chicago and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expr......More

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Then join Literacy Chicago instructors for 90 minutes of English conversation on current events, life in Chicago and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expressing yourself in English and gain conversational vocabulary while meeting new people and having fun!  This group meets every Tuesday at 6:00pm to 7:30pm.   Participants should register online at Literacy Chicago Online Enrollment website before attending their first session. For more information visit Literacy Chicago website 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.

Meet Marjorie Stewart Joyner: Hair Ornament Workshop

Participants will explore the life and legacy of Marjorie Stewart Joyner through images and patents showcasing her remarkable contributions. As a pioneering figure in Chicago's history, Joyner made her mark by opening her first beauty shop and becoming a protégé of Mad......More

Participants will explore the life and legacy of Marjorie Stewart Joyner through images and patents showcasing her remarkable contributions. As a pioneering figure in Chicago's history, Joyner made her mark by opening her first beauty shop and becoming a protégé of Madam C.J. Walker. While Joyner’s philanthropic, educational, and business endeavors took her across the country and abroad, she remained deeply involved in Chicago’s cultural and civic life.  After the engaging lecture, jeweler Joy Joshua will lead a workshop where participants can design their own unique bejeweled hair ornaments, drawing inspiration from photos of Marjorie from our collection.   Learn more in our archives!  This program is made possible with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the Chicago Public Library Foundation. 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. Image: Marjorie Stewart Joyner Papers, [Box 48, Folder 429], Chicago Public Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature

All CPL Locations Closed Monday, May 26

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

Rush Hospital Harm Reduction Team

Rush University Center to Transform Health and Housing tables at the branch to reach out to patrons needing assistance and provide supplies like Narcan and hygiene kits.  

Literacy Chicago's ESL Series: English Conversation

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Then join Literacy Chicago instructors for 90 minutes of English conversation on current events, life in Chicago and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expr......More

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Then join Literacy Chicago instructors for 90 minutes of English conversation on current events, life in Chicago and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expressing yourself in English and gain conversational vocabulary while meeting new people and having fun!  This group meets every Tuesday at 6:00pm to 7:30pm.   Participants should register online at Literacy Chicago Online Enrollment website before attending their first session. For more information visit Literacy Chicago website 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.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to requestaccommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before theevent.

Books and Brews Discusses: Biography of X

Join us for our monthly Books and Brews book discussion. For May, join West Town librarians and others in our community to discuss Biography of X by Catherine Lacey. Place a hold or pick up a copy of the book at the West Town Branch. This event takes place at ......More

Join us for our monthly Books and Brews book discussion. For May, join West Town librarians and others in our community to discuss Biography of X by Catherine Lacey. Place a hold or pick up a copy of the book at the West Town Branch. This event takes place at Tuman's Tap and Grill, for ages 21+. 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.