Chicago Public Library

Browse Programs

The Chicago Public Library (CPL) is a place where people can come together to participate in a wide variety of program opportunities. CPL is at the forefront of joining with cultural and educational partners such as the Chicago Public Schools, Chicago's museums, non-profit organizations, our sister city departments and the private funding community, to create innovative programs such as One Book, One Chicago, Great Kids Museum Passports, Chicago Matters and Teacher in the Library which have become benchmarks for Library programs across the country. The branch librarians create wonderful programs and partnerships which reflect the information and entertainment needs of their local community.

Adult Book Discussions These programs bring adults together to foster dialogue and discussion about monthly book club selections. At select CPL branches.	Bookamania Held each November, this is a celebration of books for the entire family including performances, craft programs and storytellers.	Celebrating Diversity CPL celebrates the contributions of Chicago's diverse communities with six history and heritage events each year.

Charlotte Kim Scholars in Residence Since 1998, the Chicago Public Library has invited prominent librarians and other experts to address our staff and other professionals on the changing nature of librarianship.	Chicago Amplified Listen to past Chicago Public Library events by visiting Chicago Amplified, Chicago Public Radio's web-based audio archive of public programs held throughout the Chicago region.	Chicago Book Festival An annual citywide literary festival that celebrates the city's rich and diverse literary past, present and future, and features some of the country's most accomplished authors.

Chicago Matters Initiated and funded by the Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Matters is an annual exploration — via television, radio, print and community dialogue — of an issue of broad concern to the Chicago region.	Children's Summer Reading Program Read for fun all summer long during the annual Summer Reading Program open to kids three to fourteen.	Kraft Great Kids CPL teams with the Chicago Park District and Kraft Foods to offer great programs for kids and families. Includes the Museum Passport program.

Law at the Library Co-sponsored by the Chicago Bar Association, this program provides free legal information to the public on today's hot topics, including employment, divorce and taxes.	Money Smart CPL teams with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to help consumers learn how to manage their personal finances.	NatureConnections Special collections and programs celebrating nature and natural history in the city. Kids can read, learn and explore nature all around us.

One Book, One Chicago This award-winning program cultivates a culture of reading and discussion in Chicago by bringing our diverse city together around one great book.	Science Chicago For twelve months, beginning in September 2008, the city of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs band together to execute an unparalleled program to provide our community with unique opportunities to learn, create and explore in the electrifying world of science.	Star Reading Program Chicago Public Library, in partnership with Chicago 2016, introduces children to the spirit and values of the Olympic Games with the Star Reading Program.

Summer Reads for Adults Read Green, Live Green offers adults the chance to explore great books and fun events related to the environment throughout the city this summer.	Teacher in the Library Providing high quality, professional after-school homework help to Chicago's children and youth each school year.	Teen Volume Exciting programs designed for teens ages thirteen and older. Includes author visits, book discussions, staged readings, a teen advisory council and more.

Words & Music Each summer the CPL and the Ravinia Festival provide free lawn passes to select Ravinia classical performances.

Programs and Partnerships