FAQs

Thank you for considering a gift to the Chicago Public Library. You may make donations through the Chicago Public Library Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to support collection development, program and technology initiatives that connect library users to their community and to the world and ensure that all Chicagoans have the freedom to read, to learn and to discover at the Chicago Public Library.

Foundation-funded programs, such as One Book, One Chicago, Teacher in the Library and the Summer Learning Challenge, and support for neighborhood libraries keep the spirit of books and the thrill of discovery alive for all Chicagoans.

Thank you for thinking of us for your donation of materials. Because of the high cost of processing unsolicited materials, we do not accept donated materials.

We buy materials at a significant discount; these materials arrive ready to shelve. We also regularly remove outdated materials to make room for new materials.

We recommend that donations be given to shelters, foster homes, nursing homes, community agencies serving children, thrift shops and veterans organizations.

Thank you for your interest in joining us to provide quality library service to all our patrons. Please see Jobs at CPL for information about the application process.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Please contact your neighborhood location about possible volunteer opportunities.