Browse Programs
The Chicago Public Library 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, nonprofit organizations, our sister city departments and the private funding community, to create innovative programs such as One Book, One Chicago, Kids Museum Passports and Teacher in the Library, which have become benchmarks for library programs across the country. The branch librarians create wonderful programs and partnerships that 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 selected CPL locations. |
 Best of the Best Best of the Best is a free, annual, all-day in-service program for librarians, teacher-librarians, and reading and children’s literature specialists. |
 Bookamania Held each November, this is a celebration of books for the entire family including performances, craft programs and storytellers. | ||
 Celebrating Diversity The Chicago Public Library celebrates the contributions of Chicago’s diverse communities with six history and heritage events each year. |
 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 Financial Scholars Program Improve financial literacy skills at any age with EverFi’s cutting-edge digital curriculum. Sponsored by Chase in selected Chicago Public Library locations. | ||
 Children’s Summer Learning Challenge Read for fun all summer long during the annual Summer Learning Challenge open to children up to age 14. |
 CyberNavigators The Chicago Public Library, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library Foundation, brings CyberNavigators to neighborhood library locations to provide free computer training to the public. |
 Kids Museum Passport The Chicago Public Library partners with Museums Work for Chicago to sponsor the Kids Museum Passport program. Check out free passes to 15 world-class cultural institutions around Chicago. | ||
 Kraft Great Kids The Chicago Public Library teams with the Chicago Park District and Kraft Foods to offer great programs for kids and families. |
 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 The Chicago Public Library teams with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to help consumers learn how to manage their personal finances. | ||
 Neighborhood Writing Alliance The Chicago Public Library partners with the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, creators of the Journal of Ordinary Thought, to present free weekly writing workshops for adults. |
 One Book, One Chicago One Book, One Chicago has expanded—join us for a year exploring a great theme through books, films, performances, lectures, storytelling and art. |
 PNC Grow Up Great For Me, For You, For Later is an initiative developed by Sesame Workshop in partnership with PNC Grow Up Great to enhance young children’s understanding of basic financial concepts. | ||
 Poetry Fest Celebrate National Poetry Month with a free festival of poetry readings, workshops, performances and discussions all under one roof. |
 ScienceConnections Special collections and programs celebrating science and nature in the city. |
 Summer Reads for Adults The annual adult summer reading program offers adults the chance to explore a theme through lively, informative, imaginative events and interesting books. | ||
 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 13 and older. Includes author visits, book discussions, staged readings, a teen advisory council and more. |
 Words and Music Each summer CPL and the Ravinia Festival provide free lawn passes to selected Ravinia concerts. | ||
 Zena Sutherland Lecture The annual lecture honors the late Zena Sutherland, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and retired editor of the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. |
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