Chicago Public Library offers in-person and online events for all ages at locations across the city. You can search for events by location, age range, topic, language and more. You can also view all online events.
View our full calendar of events- we look forward to seeing you at a CPL location.
Visit chipublib.org/digitalpasses and log in with your library card number and PIN. Once logged in, you can view all attractions and offers available to you.
You can also search for offers by date, attraction name or location. Information about each attraction and offer is available before making a reservation.
Using the calendar, you can choose what date you want to make the reservation for and then choose the Reserve option under the attraction. A confirmation box will appear, and you will receive a confirmation email.
Reservation details:
Due to demand, we’re unable to increase the limits on checkouts and holds. Checkout and holds limits are:
OverDrive
hoopla
You can hang out, mess around and geek out. All YOUmedia locations have laptops, cameras, music and gaming equipment, and some YOUmedia locations have 3D printers, vinyl cutters and more. It's an open environment where you choose what you want to do and skilled library staff provide coaching and assistance. And of course there are books, too!
Physical Materials
You may have up to 12 "not ready" or "paused" holds on physical materials. This does not include hold requests that are "in transit" or "ready for pickup."
Digital Materials
You may have up to 5 holds on OverDrive titles in addition to any holds you have on physical materials.
City of Chicago EZ Pay Stations are available at several CPL locations during regular library hours. View the EZ Pay Stations map.
You can pay the following at EZ Pay Stations:
The pay stations accept cash, credit cards, debit cards and personal checks. EZ Pay Stations do not give change for cash transactions.
You may choose notification by email or by phone (local numbers only).
We’ll email you when you have physical items ready to pick up or overdue.
We’ll also send a reminder two days before your physical items are due. If possible, we’ll renew these items for you for a full lending period plus two additional days.
Please add notices@chicagopubliclibrary.org to your email address book to assist delivery of notifications.
We’ll call you when you have physical items ready to pick up or overdue.
Due date reminders are not available by phone, but you can opt to have these sent by email and still receive other notifications by phone. To opt in, add an email address to your account.
We can only call local numbers. Accepted local area codes are 217, 224, 309, 312, 331, 464, 618, 630, 708, 773, 779, 815, 847 and 872.
Self-check stations are available at most CPL locations. Some materials—WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks and Playaways—must be checked out at the circulation desk.
To use the self-check, you’ll need to scan your library card or key in your library card number. You’ll also need to enter your PIN; this is the same number you use to log into your account on our website.
As always, please ask for help if you need it.
Book drops are available for returns, or you can return materials at the circulation desk.
Please return WiFi hotpots and Chromebooks at the circulation desk inside.
CPL cardholders may use Flipster magazines.
Study rooms may be booked up to two weeks in advance. Due to demand, study room use is limited to four hours per week and one session (of up to two hours) per day.
Book an individual study room at HWLC.
Individual study rooms are available on the 6th and 8th floors.
Book online or in person at the reference desk on the room’s floor.
Book a group study room at HWLC.
Group study rooms are for at least two and no more than nine people, and are available on the 5th, 6th and 7th floors.
Book online or in person at the reference desk on the room's floor.
Check our Study Room Use Guidelines for more information about using these rooms.
You can borrow a WiFi hotspot or a Google Chromebook Kit, which includes a WiFi hotspot and a Chromebook, from CPL through our Internet to Go program.
A WiFi hotspot is a device you can use to connect a mobile-enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet, to the internet.
A Chromebook is a lightweight laptop that runs Google’s Chrome operating system. It must be connected to the internet for you to access its features, which are all web-based. The WiFi hotspot connects the Chromebook to the internet.
The hotspot is portable, so you can connect your device almost wherever you are, like at home, on the bus or in the park.
The hotspot works in any area covered by the Sprint 3G or 4G LTE network.
Your materials will be automatically renewed up to 15 times if no one else has placed them on hold. The new due date will be one standard loan period from the latest due date. That’s the loan period plus 2 days from the renewal date.
Or you may renew materials yourself at any time by logging in to your account and going to My Borrowing, by calling our automated phone line, 312-450-3443, or by calling or visiting any CPL location. Material renewed this way will be due one standard loan period from the renewal date and counts toward the 15-renewal limit.
CPL cardholders in good standing who live in Chicago may use hoopla. Hoopla is not available to reciprocal borrowers.
To create your hoopla account, you will need your library card number and PIN. You also need an email address. You will be prompted to create a password to log in to your account each time you use hoopla.
Your barcode is your library card number. This is either the letter "D" followed by 9 digits (such as D123456789) or 12 digits (such as 123456789000).
The first time you log in, you'll create a username. You can log in with your username from then on. Or you can continue to use your barcode.
The 8th floor of the Harold Washington Library Center has:
The Uptown library has:
Learn more about reserving a music practice room.
CPL cardholders in good standing who live in Chicago may check out eBooks, audiobooks and magazines. OverDrive eBooks, audiobooks and magazines are not available to reciprocal borrowers.
We may be able to borrow regular, specialized or out-of-print titles from another library via interlibrary loan. Request an interlibrary loan.
We welcome community organizations to use our meeting rooms. You'll be notified of approval within three days.
You'll need to show current photo ID matching the name on the reservation when you check in.
Check our Meeting Room Use Guidelines for more information about using these rooms.
You may have up to 50 titles on your account. This includes materials checked out, as well as interlibrary loan requests.
There are limits on the number of titles you can have checked out at a time:
We charge overdue fines only on interlibrary loan materials.
No! Chicago Public Library cards do not expire.
Please visit any CPL location to fill out a library card application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address, such as any Illinois state-issued identification. You can choose the name you want to use on your library card registration.
If you don’t have a photo ID with your name and current Chicago address, please a bring a piece of mail to the address that matches the name on your ID, as well as a current photo ID.
Post office box numbers are not accepted. If you don’t have a fixed address, you may use a letter certifying your Chicago residency from the social service agency where you receive mail.
Yes. Print documents for pickup at any library location by uploading them or forwarding them as email attachments.
Printing at all CPL locations ends 10 minutes before closing.
All CPL locations offer free WiFi.
Look for the network CPLWIFI on your device. No special settings, usernames or passwords are required.
You’ll need to accept our terms of use to connect to the WiFi network.
We welcome your suggestions for purchase. Please complete the Suggest a Purchase form to let us know your request.
Chicago Public Library offers:
Please call (312) 747-4001 for more information about CPL’s services.
Harold Washington Library Center
Request a tour or field trip at HWLC.
Tours and field trips at Harold Washington Library Center serve all interests.
Tours and field trips generally last 30 to 120 minutes and are customized to meet each group's needs.
Other CPL Locations
Please call the location where you would like to set up a tour or field trip at least two weeks in advance. We are happy to create a customized experience for your group; advance notice helps us best meet your needs.
Email a librarian anytime or chat with a librarian Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Or give us a call at (312) 747-4300. Phone hours are:
Librarians are here to help with:
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.
Weddings, meetings, gala receptions, music or dance performances—whatever the event, we have the perfect venue for you. Please see Private Event Rentals for information about rooms, fees and more.
Yes. Computer help is available in person and online.
In-person Computer Help
CyberNavigator tutors are available for one-on-one in-person sessions at specific CPL locations. If you need help on a computer or online but don’t know where to start, a CyberNavigator can help you learn:
Sessions are available by appointment and can last up to an hour. View locations with CyberNavigators.
Online Computer Help
For online help, use Chicago DigitalLearn to find videos on computer skills like:
Chicago DigitalLearn videos are also available in Spanish.
To update your card:
You’ll need to show current ID with your updated address to complete the process. If updating your card by phone or online, please show ID on your next visit to the library.
Updates via the online form can take up to 48 hours to take effect.
If you’re a reciprocal library cardholder, we'll need to get verification from your home library. The expiration date of your CPL card will be the same as the expiration date of your card at your home library. When updating your card in person, please show your current library card from your home library.
EZ Pay Stations are self-service only. CPL does not support or maintain EZ Pay Stations. For assistance, contact:
To change how we contact you about items you have checked out or on hold, log into your account and go to My Settings / Contact Preference.
To update your phone number or email address, log into your account and go to My Settings.
For help with these changes, call (312) 747-4300.
Please check the description for an event in our events calendar to see if the event uses Zoom or YouTube. Each event listing includes a "How to Attend" section.
Register in advance using the instructions in the event listing. We’ll contact you by email or phone with the Zoom meeting ID and passcode. You’ll need this information—or the link in the email we send you—to join the meeting.
For events on YouTube, the event listing provides a link to the watch the event. No registration is required for these events.
Events on CPL's YouTube channel will be archived so you can watch them later.
No registration is required for Facebook events. Visit CPL’s Facebook page to find upcoming video events or to watch event recordings.
Occasionally we or our partners may host events using other services. If you have questions about how to participate, please contact the event organizer listed in the event description.
Yes, please see our events calendar.
Please call or email your preferred CPL location for information on any additional events.
Yes. To sign up for electronic receipts, please be sure your email address is up to date in your account on our website. To update your email, log in to your account and go to My Settings.
Then, on your next visit to the library, please ask a staff member to turn on electronic receipts for your account. Using electronic receipts helps reduce contact while you’re at the library.
Yes. Computers are available at CPL locations from the time a location opens until 10 minutes before the location closes.
There is no limit to the number of titles you can borrow.
Study rooms for both individuals and groups are available at the following neighborhood locations. Click on a location name to book online, or reserve in person at the location.
Study rooms may be booked up to two weeks in advance. Due to demand, study room use is limited to four hours per week.
Check our Study Room Use Guidelines for more information about using these rooms.
Once you've scanned a document or photograph, you can:
Please note, printing at all CPL locations ends 15 minutes before closing.
Most CPL locations have scanners. See our list of all locations for up-to-date information.
Please note, printing at all CPL locations ends 15 minutes before closing.
Musicians of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to use the music practice rooms. Reservations are recommended.
View the Music Practice Room Use Guidelines.
We can offer a research skills class as part of your tour or field trip at Harold Washington Library Center.
We offer an introduction to research skills, an advanced class for more experienced students and instruction on using our online resources. If your class is working on a specific project, we can help with that, too.
Please let us know your interests when you request a tour.
If you’re a CPL cardholder and a resident of Chicago 14 years or older, you can check out a WiFi hotspot or a Chromebook Kit. A valid photo ID is required to check out a Chromebook Kit.
YOUmedia is available at more than twenty CPL locations.
CyberNavigator technology tutors are available citywide. View all CPL locations with CyberNavigator tutors.
A free hoopla app is available for many Android, iOS and Kindle devices. Use the app to watch, listen to or read any hoopla titles.
You can also play titles on your computer. To play titles using Internet Explorer or Safari, you'll need to install the free Widevine plugin on your web browser.
You can watch hoopla movies and TV shows on your TV with the hoopla iOS or Android app and Apple TV or Chromecast devices. Or you can connect your device to your television using an HDMI adapter.
Whether you use hoopla on a mobile device or a computer, you'll have access to the same titles.
You may check out up to 10 OverDrive titles at a time, excluding OverDrive magazines.
The loan period for eBooks and audiobooks is up to 3 weeks.
You can set shorter default loan periods by changing the settings in your OverDrive account.
You can check out an unlimited number of OverDrive magazine issues for up to 3 weeks each. OverDrive magazine issues do not count towards your 10 item limit.
Everything is returned automatically. There are never any late fees.
From any page on our website, click "Browse" in the menu along the top. This will display another menu; please click "eBooks."
Once you're on our eBooks page, you'll see links for:
You can also find eBooks and other digital content in our catalog.
Your PIN is initially your ZIP code.
To change your PIN, log in to your account and go to My Settings.
If you've forgotten your PIN, you may be able to get a reset link by email. If you're unable to request a reset link by email, contact us.
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.
The Copy Center at Harold Washington Library Center has closed.
Please see our Scanners FAQ for information about using scanners to print, save or email documents at Harold Washington Library Center and other CPL locations.
You can book a meeting room at these CPL locations:
CPL cardholders in good standing who live in Chicago may request an interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan is not available to reciprocal borrowers.
The loan period depends on the type of material:
Materials will be automatically renewed up to 15 times if no one else has placed them on hold. Or you may renew materials yourself. Renewals you initiate count toward the 15-renewal limit.
Interlibrary loan materials may not be renewed.
Yes. If you don’t have a Chicago Public Library card, you can request a daily guest pass for computer access.
Homework help is available at our Virtual Teacher in the Library events.
Use Brainfuse for online, one-on-one homework help.
Find additional online resources for kids and teens.
Children under 14 are eligible for a juvenile card. A parent or guarantor needs to sign the child’s library card application and show one piece of ID with home address.
Chicago students can also visit any CPL location and request an 81 Club student card.
You can join an event on Zoom using a:
To set up a Zoom account, visit Sign Up - Zoom.
The email invitation we’ll send you includes a clickable link; the meeting ID and passcode; iPhone one-tap mobile access; and a dial-in number.
If you register using your phone number rather than email, we’ll call you to give you the meeting ID and passcode, as well as the dial-in number.
Joining a Zoom meeting using the smartphone app is recommended only for use with unlimited data or a WiFi connection.
Joining a Zoom meeting by phone is recommended when you want to use a landline phone, or if you have a mobile phone with unlimited minutes.
Automatic transcription is included in all CPL events using Zoom. Need live captioning for an event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org. Requests for live captioning must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Attending CPL Events on Zoom
By registering for a CPL event on Zoom, you agree to abide by the Library Use Guidelines. Zoom is a third-party website and events may be hosted by an organization CPL has partnered with. We recommend you review the privacy policies of any third-party sites before providing them with any personal data. For more information, please see our Website Privacy Statement.
Log into your account on the CPL website to access Flipster.
Select a magazine to check out by clicking on its cover. The magazine will automatically open for you to read online. Use the navigation tools on the right side of the screen to move around within the issue.
You need an internet connection to download magazines, but once downloaded, magazines can be read offline. Selected titles will expire but can be downloaded again. Weekly titles that are downloaded expire after two days and monthly titles after seven days.
There are no due dates and no late fees.
While not necessary, you may wish to create a Flipster account, which allows you to save preferences, organize your research with folders, share your folders with others, view others' folders, save and retrieve your search history, and create email alerts and/or RSS feeds.
Flipster apps are available for iOS and Android.
The following file types are supported:
The Chamber Room contains a baby grand piano, music stands and chairs. The purpose of the Chamber Room is to be a rehearsal area for small acoustic or vocal music ensembles of from 3 to 10 people.
Each practice room contains an upright piano, music stand and coat rack. The purpose of these rooms is to allow library patrons to practice or perform music.
We can accommodate larger groups, but groups larger than 20 need to be split into smaller groups.
Please note: Instructors or adult staff members may need to accompany groups based on size and assistance needed.
Please provide a minimum of three weeks' notice when you request your tour.
We can accommodate groups with 6 to 35 people.
WiFi hotspots are available for checkout or holds at the following locations. To place a hold on a WiFi hotspot, your pickup location must be a location that carries hotspots.
View Chromebook Kit availability.
YOUmedia locations are designed for certain grades. View high school locations and locations for grades 6-8.
You can have up to 5 holds on OverDrive titles.
You can check out 5 hoopla titles every calendar month.
One music album counts as one checkout, and one episode of a TV show counts as one checkout.
Loan periods are set by studios and producers. Everything is returned automatically. There are never any late fees.
Please note: Daily lending limits may temporarily override individual borrowing limits.
Yes. Fill out our eBooks Support form and we will be in touch.
Please visit any CPL location to pay a fine or fee. We accept cash in any amount. Payments over $5 may be made by personal check, money order or traveler’s check with proper identification. We also accept checks drawn against banks outside Illinois with proper identification.
You can book a meeting room up to three months in advance but no later than seven days before the requested use.
Check our Meeting Room Use Guidelines for more information about using these rooms.
Request an interlibrary loan online. Or call our office at (312) 747-4344 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you’re unable to renew your books, CDs, DVDs or other materials, your account may be restricted, you may have reached the renewal limit or someone else may have the title on hold. Your account is restricted if you have an outstanding balance exceeding $30 on your account.
We would need to take a look at your account to be sure of the reason, so please contact us for assistance.
You’ll receive an email when your hold is ready for pickup. If you haven’t added your email address to your account, you’ll receive notification by phone.
Yes, but we assume no responsibility for personal equipment plugged into our electrical outlets.
One-sided prints are 15 cents; two-sided prints are 25 cents. The first $1.50 in printing each day is free.
Color printing is not available.
All CPL locations have computers with the Edge browser and Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office includes:
CPL computers also have:
Use WorldCat A to Z Titles to search or browse the titles of all full-text newspapers, magazines and journals available in our online resources.
Type in the name of the publication you’re looking for, and WorldCat A to Z Titles will list which resources contain the publication, including the years covered. You can link directly to each resource from WorldCat A to Z Titles.
If you are 14 or older, you may show your current, valid student ID from a Chicago high school as one form of ID when getting a library card. You'll need to show another piece of ID that includes your home address.
Library cards for teens 14 to 17 have the same privileges as library cards for adults, except that teens under 18 cannot check out Digital Museum Passes.
Chicago students can also visit any CPL location and request an 81 Club student card.
To update your child’s card:
You’ll need to show proof of address to complete the process. If updating your child's card by phone or online, please show proof of address on your next visit to the library.
Updates via the online form can take up to 48 hours to take effect.
Your child can apply for a Full Access library card when they reach the age of 14.
You do not need a webcam to attend an event on Zoom because video is optional.
Background noise makes it difficult to hear the speaker. Keep your microphone on mute, and unmute your microphone only when you are speaking. You can mute and unmute by clicking the microphone icon, or holding down the spacebar when you speak. If you joined the meeting by phone, use *6 to mute or unmute yourself.
Accessibility
Automatic transcription is included in all CPL events using Zoom. Need live captioning for an event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org. Requests for live captioning must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Attending CPL Events on Zoom
By registering for a CPL event on Zoom, you agree to abide by the Library Use Guidelines. Zoom is a third-party website and events may be hosted by an organization CPL has partnered with. We recommend you review the privacy policies of any third-party sites before providing them with any personal data. For more information, please see our Website Privacy Statement.
Yes. If a family member or friend is available to pick up your holds, they can do so in one of two ways. You can give them your library card to check out your materials. Or, if you contact us in advance, we can arrange to have the family member or friend check out your holds using their card. In that case, the materials would be checked out on their account, not yours.
To manage the costs of this service, there's a limit on the total number of titles that can be checked out each day. Once this overall daily lending limit is reached, no checkouts are allowed until the system resets in the evening.
In the meantime, you can browse and add to favorites; then return later to borrow titles.
The daily lending limit is a librarywide limit that differs from your individual monthly borrowing limit.
Contact EBSCO Information Services at (800) 758-5995 or support@ebsco.com.
Flipster also has a Getting Started Guide, FAQ document and these video tutorials:
Or you can contact eBooks Support if you need additional help.
Yes, we can issue library cards.
Please arrange to drop off your completed application forms at least two weeks prior to your visit to Harold Washington Library Center.
Please let us know when you request a tour or field trip if you would like library cards. For more information, call (312) 747-4300.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own acoustic instruments to use in the practice rooms. Amplifiers and drums are not permitted.
You can borrow a WiFi hotspot or a Chromebook Kit for three weeks. A hotspot or kit will be automatically renewed up to 15 times if no one else has placed it on hold. Or you may renew the hotspot or kit yourself up to 15 times.
Check with each YOUmedia location for hours.
OverDrive titles can be returned early. Find step-by-step instructions on How to Return Titles to Your Library (including Kindle Books).
You may request books, audiobooks, articles, educational audiovisual materials and microfilm through interlibrary loan.
The following are not available to request through interlibrary loan:
Longer checkout periods are available for some titles. Please ask about vacation loans when checking out your materials.
Most materials may be returned to any CPL location. Internet to Go WiFi hotspots must be returned to the location where they were checked out.
Most CPL locations have book drops where most materials, including books, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks, may be returned at any time.
Selected materials may not be returned to a book drop and instead must be returned to the circulation desk during library hours. These materials are labeled "Do not return in book drop" and include discovery backpacks, Finch robots, fishing poles, Internet to Go WiFi hotspots and kits and Launchpads.
Please visit the CPL location you selected as the pickup location for your hold.
Books are filed by last name on a public holds shelf. CDs and DVDs are held at the checkout desk.
At the Harold Washington Library Center, please pick up your holds in the Popular Library on the 1st floor.
You may use up to two computer sessions a day. Sessions on most computers are one hour; sessions on “express” computers are 15 minutes. Computer sessions are available from the time a location opens until 10 minutes before the location closes.
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.
The availability of printing and emailing varies by resource, but most of these resources offer the option to print or email the information you find.
Look for buttons or links to download a printer-friendly version of the information or to email a copy of the information.
YOUmedia is free. It doesn't cost anything to use equipment or visit any YOUmedia space.
When you are ready to leave an event, click the red Leave button, which is on the bottom right of the computer screen and the top right of the mobile app.
If you joined the meeting by phone, simply hang up to leave the event.
Materials not returned within 7 days after the due date will incur a block on your account, preventing you from checking out materials until the items have been returned. Once an item has been overdue for 60 days, it will be considered lost and a replacement fee will be added to your account. Replacement fees for lost material will automatically be removed from your account upon return of the material.
Overdue fines are charged only if interlibrary loan materials are returned late.
Failure to pay outstanding balances to CPL or reciprocal libraries may result in your account being blocked and library services being restricted.
It's free to scan a document and either save it to a USB drive or email it.
Black and white printing of a scanned document costs 15 cents for each single-sided page. Double-sided and color printing is not available from the scanners.
Music practice rooms at Harold Washington Library Center can be reserved one week in advance. Reserve online, in person or by calling the Arts & Music Reference Desk at 312-747-4800.
Walk-ins are also welcome if the room is not already reserved.
When making reservations, please be prepared to provide a contact name, phone number, email address, the name (if any) of the ensemble, group, organization and the number of people expected.
You'll need to show a current photo ID matching the name on the reservation when you check in to use the music practice room. Accepted forms of ID include:
Music practice rooms at Harold Washington Library Center:
The Uptown library has:
View the Music Practice Room Use Guidelines and more information.
A lunchroom (max capacity 35) is available for tours and field trips. If your group needs to use the lunchroom, please let us know when you request your tour.
A WiFi hotspot or a Chromebook Kit must be returned to the circulation desk of the CPL location where it was checked out. They may not be returned to bookdrops or other CPL locations.
All hoopla titles are available immediately, no holds required.
Yes, you can renew a title up to three days before it expires if no one else has placed it on hold. Find step-by-step instructions on OverDrive Help: How to Renew Digital Titles.
If someone else has placed a title on hold, you can't renew it, but you can request it again up to three days before it expires.
Some publishers do not offer eBooks to libraries, do not offer eBook versions of new titles to libraries or delay availability of eBook versions of new titles to libraries.
Each interlibrary loan request counts as a hold on your account. You may have up to 12 holds "not ready" or "paused." This does not include hold requests that are "in transit" or "ready for pickup." If you have 12 holds that are "not ready," you won’t be able to place an interlibrary loan request.
For more information, see Your Account: Holds FAQs.
Holds are held at your pickup location for six days.
We’re unable to extend the amount of time an individual hold is held; this ensures everyone receives their holds in a timely manner.
To update your name or address:
You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your updated information, such as your driver’s license or state ID, when updating your address in person or on your next visit if updating your address by phone or online. You can choose the name you want to use on your library card.
If you don’t have a driver’s license or state ID with your updated information, please bring two pieces of current ID. One of these must include your name and Chicago address. Accepted forms of ID are:
Yes, you’re eligible for a Chicago Public Library card. Please visit any CPL location to fill out an application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and address, as well as your current City of Chicago property tax bill.
We offer assistive technology for people with disabilities at all CPL locations.
Each CPL location has two ADA computer workstations: one for adults and one for children. These workstations feature:
All CPL computers have Windows 10 Ease of Access accessibility resources for vision, hearing, dexterity, mobility, focus and other related needs.
The Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center on the 5th floor of the Harold Washington Library Center has assistive technology resources for individuals who are blind, have low vision or physical disabilities that prevent them from performing tasks such as using a computer mouse. Visit the ARTBC page or call (312) 747-4001 for more information.
Harold Washington Library Center has a videophone with video relay service for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals may use the videophone to place video relay calls to hearing people, who receive the calls on a standard phone. Calls are routed through an interpreting center, where an interpreter, fluent in ASL and spoken English or Spanish, appears on the device. The deaf and hard of hearing caller signs the message to the interpreter, and the interpreter relays the conversation between the two parties. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals can also use the videophone to call other deaf or hard of hearing individuals with a videophone.
Telesensory magnifiers, which magnify written materials up to 45 times their original size, are available at:
Woodson Regional Library has a videophone with video relay service for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals may use the videophone to place video relay calls to hearing people, who receive the calls on a standard phone. Calls are routed through an interpreting center, where an interpreter, fluent in ASL and spoken English or Spanish, appears on the device. The deaf and hard of hearing caller signs the message to the interpreter, and the interpreter relays the conversation between the two parties. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals can also use the videophone to call other deaf or hard of hearing individuals with a videophone.
Want to test Zoom out before joining an event? Use Zoom Test Meeting to try it out.
Check the Zoom FAQ for detailed how-tos and videos.
You may use a music practice room for up to one hour, with more time allowed if no one is waiting for a room. You may use the rooms once per day.
Groups using the chamber music room are guaranteed two hours, with more time allowed if no other group has reserved the room.
At this time we don’t offer building tours for individuals or families. Please pick up our “Self-Guided Tour” brochure in the lobby of Harold Washington Library Center.
Check out our events calendar to see what's happening during your visit.
A WiFi hotspot will be turned off and wireless service will be terminated if the hotspot is not returned on the due date.
If the hotspot is lost, please contact the location where you checked it out immediately. The replacement fee is the market value cost CPL will be charged to replace the hotspot. Cost as of October 2019 is approximately $100.
The Chromebook will be turned off and wireless service will be terminated if the kit is not returned on the due date.
If the Chromebook Kit is lost, please contact the location where you checked it out immediately. The replacement fee is the market value cost CPL will be charged to replace the kit. Cost as of October 2019 is approximately $350.
If you're in high school, bring your school ID and your library card if you have one.
If you're in sixth through eighth grade, just bring yourself.
If you don't have a library card, you can still visit YOUmedia, and we can also help you get a library card.
Click the "Return" button at the top right of the hoopla title detail page.
We make every effort to obtain materials at no cost. However, some libraries charge a lending fee, and we must pass on these fees.
All free sources will be exhausted before using locations that charge lending fees. If a fee is required, we will contact you before requesting the material.
Typically, fees start at $10. Most requests for copies from medical periodicals require a fee of at least $10.
Please be aware that if you don’t pick up an interlibrary loan for which an approved fee has been charged, you will still be responsible for paying the fee.
We do not keep records of what you've checked out. However, you can turn on the Borrowing History feature in your account to keep track of titles you check out going forward.
To change the pickup location for an individual item on hold (including items that are "in transit" or "ready for pickup"), please contact us for help.
To change your default preferred holds pickup location, log in to your account and go to My Settings / Account Preferences: Holds and Pickup Location.
You may update your email address online. Log in to your account and go to My Settings.
Yes, as a full access Chicago Public Library cardholder, you may be eligible for library services at Illinois reciprocal libraries. 81 Club and Temporary cardholders are not eligible for reciprocal services.
Reciprocal libraries include:
If you are an Illinois resident who lives in a community with a reciprocal library, you are eligible for a Chicago Public Library card.
Reciprocal cardholders can check out books, DVDs and other materials, and use our online resources. Reciprocal cardholders cannot check out Digital Museum Passes or Internet to Go WiFi hotspots, or use OverDrive eBooks, audiobooks and magazines or hoopla videos, music and audiobooks.
Please visit any CPL location to fill out an application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name and address, as well as your current library card from your home library. After verification from your home library, we will issue a Chicago Public Library card.
If you are an Illinois resident who does not live in a community with a library and Chicago Public Library is the closest library to your residence, pursuant to 23 Ill. Adm. Code 3050 you may be eligible for a Chicago Public Library card for an annual fee. Please contact us for help determining your eligibility.
Chicago Public Library is committed to making information on this website accessible to all users, including people with disabilities.
If you cannot fully access the information on any page on our site, please contact Tiffany Breyne at (312) 745-3739 or by email at webmaster@chipublib.org. Please include the nature of the accessibility issue, the web address (URL) of the material with which you are having difficulty and your contact information.
We will try to provide the information to you in an alternate format and/or make the necessary improvements to make the information accessible.
In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Chicago has established a formal grievance procedure. If you wish to file a complaint, please contact the City’s designated ADA coordinator, Rachel Arfa, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, at (312) 744-7209 or by email at Rachel.Arfa@cityofchicago.org.
The library currently doesn't offer guided tours of the art in Harold Washington Library Center.
A checklist of the art in the building, organized by floor, is available in the lobby.
No, but you'll need to fill out a form with your name, address and what school you attend when you visit YOUmedia for the first time.
Yes, you can pause a hold that is “not ready.” While your hold is paused, you will continue to move ahead on the waiting list, but the hold will not be sent to your pickup location while it is paused. Use this option to manage your holds when you are away or don't have time to read.
To pause a hold, log in to your account and go to Holds.
All titles are available for streaming. Most are available for download, based on studio or publisher restrictions. However, when available for download, titles may only be downloaded to mobile devices, such as iOS and Android phones or tablets.
If you’ve accidentally selected the wrong format, contact eBooks Support.
Pending requests will appear in your account as soon as they are processed. If you have not seen it appear within 7 business days, please contact us. However, these requests usually take two to six weeks to arrive. It may take up to 20 business days to learn that no library will supply the title.
If your deadline is urgent, please ask a librarian or use WorldCat via FirstSearch to find the title at a nearby library. You may be able to check out the title from another Illinois library through reciprocal borrowing.
No, we do not offer library cards to out of state visitors. However, you don't need a library card to use materials on site at the library.
Yes, you may use your flash drive on our one-hour computers. No personal files will be saved on the hard drive.
Flash drives may not be used on 15-minute express computers.
YOUmedia offers a variety of equipment and devices for use in the YOUmedia space. You can use these items regardless of any fees on your account.
On the hoopla app, there’s a button that looks like a box with an arrow at the top right of the title detail page. Tap this to see the “Contact Us” button, and from there you can select “Report a Problem.”
On the hoopla website, if there’s a problem with playing a title, you should see the error message in the playback window with a link to “Report a Problem.”
Yes, we do have Kindle eBooks.
To transfer library eBooks to your Kindle, you must be connected to a WiFi network. You also may transfer Kindle eBooks to your Kindle using a USB cable.
For more information on how to use the OverDrive service with a Kindle, please refer to the help section.
Log in to your account and go to My Borrowing to track the status of your interlibrary loan request.
To check the status of requests for microfilm, photocopies or in-library use only items, please call Interlibrary Loan at (312) 747-4344 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
At HWLC YOUmedia and Woodson Regional YOUmedia, you can book the studio once you're certified. To get certified, you must attend studio certification.
To learn more about using other YOUmedia studios, reach out to the teen staff at the appropriate CPL location.
OverDrive offers hundreds of popular magazines in multiple languages. Flipster offers over twenty-five additional titles frequently sought by our patrons, but not offered through OverDrive. These titles include The Atlantic, Bloomberg Businessweek, Entertainment Weekly, Essence, People, Real Simple, Scientific American, and Time.
Check hoopla Help for answers to more frequently asked questions.
Or contact eBooks Support if you need additional help.
Yes, but we'll need to transfer your information from your old card to your new card.
Please send your old and new card numbers to OverDriveSupport@chipublib.org and we'll transfer your information (checkouts, holds, wish list items and history) to your new card number.
You’ll receive an email notification when your interlibrary loan is ready for pickup. If you haven’t added your email address to your account, you’ll be notified by phone.
The loan period for interlibrary loans is three weeks.
Interlibrary loan materials cannot be renewed.
Materials checked out via interlibrary loan are subject to the lending library's fees as well as CPL’s overdue fines and fees for replacement or repair of lost or damaged materials.
We charge overdue fines of 25 cents per day for interlibrary loan materials returned late.
Like all materials checked out from CPL, interlibrary loan items not returned within 7 days after the due date will incur a replacement fee, which will be added to your account. For interlibrary loan items, this replacement fee is a placeholder until we receive the actual replacement cost from the lending library. Your library card will be blocked until interlibrary loan items are returned or the replacement cost is paid.
If you need an item longer than the loan period, we suggest you submit another interlibrary loan request for the same title two weeks before the initial due date. That way we should have another copy of the title by the time you return the first copy.
OverDrive has an extensive Help section with answers to the most common questions.
Or you can contact eBooks Support if you need additional help.
If you are 18 years or older and have a physical CPL library card, you are eligible to use the digital pass program. Some attractions may require a photo ID for access to the attraction on the day of the reservation.
Bring your reservation pass. Your confirmation email will note if a printed pass is required or if a mobile pass is accepted. Bring the printed or mobile pass as directed. We encourage you to visit your local library location if you need assistance with printing.
Bring a photo ID to confirm identity and age. Some attractions may require a photo ID. Make sure the name on the ID matches the name on the reservation pass.
If you have not printed or downloaded your digital pass, you can log in to the reservation website and cancel up to the date of your reservation without counting against your limit for that attraction. After canceling, you would use the calendar to find another date to reserve your pass.
We recommend waiting to print or download your digital pass until you are sure you will be able to use it on the reservation date.
Visit chipublib.org/digitalpasses and log in with your library card number and PIN to see your current reservations.
Digital passes are available for a wide range of museums, historical societies, zoos and more across Illinois. Visit chipublib.org/digitalpasses to view all offers.
You can have three active reservations at one time. Once one of your reservation dates has passed, you can make another reservation.
Digital passes do not require holds. Visit chipublib.org/digitalpasses to reserve a pass.
Digital passes may not be renewed.
Digital passes do not need to be returned; they will expire after their reservation time period.
The 81 Club is a partnership between Chicago Public Library and Chicago Public Schools that removes barriers for students and teachers all over Chicago to access CPL resources. Students can participate in the classroom as well as with their new student card. The student card is valid for the entire year (including summer) and will need to be updated annually one year from the date the card was issued.
All Chicago Public Schools teachers have an eTeach card that allows access to a number of digital resources to use in their classrooms.
The 81 Club student card removes the barrier of students needing to provide identification and a signed application from a parent/guarantor. The student card is more limited than a regular CPL card, in that students will be able to check out only 5 physical items. Restrictions that apply to regular CPL cardholders 13 and under also apply to the student card (e.g., no museum passes, hotspots or Chromebooks).
Yes, 81 Club student cards are available for all students from kindergarten through grade 12 in the city of Chicago, regardless of school enrollment or precise age.
YOUmedia recording studios are available for teens in high school only. Teens should reach out to teen staff at these branch locations about using the recording studio:
Various sorting options are available until you have 100 titles in your Borrowing History. After you have more than 100 titles, the information is no longer stored in the same way, because keeping all of that information in the system would cause page load times to be unacceptably slow.
Adding titles to your Completed shelf allows you to sort and filter with more flexibility. In addition to sorting, you can exclude titles you don't want, and filter the shelf, making it easier to find a specific title.
CPL allows for you to choose the name that you want to use on your library card. An accepted form of ID is still required to get a card or update your address.
Materials checked out via interlibrary loan are subject to the lending library's fees as well as CPL’s overdue fines and fees for replacement or repair of lost or damaged materials.
To ensure that ILL materials are properly returned, we suggest the following:
Interlibrary loan items are not owned by Chicago Public Library, therefore these requests cannot be paused.
To cancel an interlibrary loan request, please email ill@chipublib.org or call (312) 747-4344 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Yes, we will make every attempt to obtain the specific title through interlibrary loan. However, many universities and colleges may keep the most recent edition in their course reserves or reference collections, which means they might not lend out these items.
No, we do not have fax machines at any of our locations.
We do have scanners, which you can use to scan and email a document. Please see our Scanners FAQ for more information.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Please contact your neighborhood location about possible volunteer opportunities.
To contact the Interlibrary Loan Department, please email ill@chipublib.org or call (312) 747-4344 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you live outside Chicago and would like to borrow materials or request photocopies of articles, obituaries or death notices from newspapers at CPL, please submit an interlibrary loan request through your local library.
For obituary requests giving the date of death, we will search up to two newspapers for three days following that date. Other requests must include specific information:
If we locate an obituary or article, the minimum photocopy fee is $5.25 (25 cents a page plus $5 handling) per request. Please do not send money; a bill will accompany the photocopy sent to your local library.
Adobe Digital Editions 2.0, which is an app used to read eBooks from OverDrive, is compatible with several screen readers for people with low vision or visual disabilities.
Individuals who are unable to read standard print material due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability are eligible for downloadable book service via the National Library Service Braille and Audio Reading Download Service. This service is available through the Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center.
You’ll be charged a fee for replacement or repair of lost or damaged materials. We won’t hold you responsible for items lost or damaged by fire, flood or theft when documented by a police or insurance report.
If an item is lost, you’ll be required to pay the replacement cost of the item as well as any overdue fines owed for interlibrary loan materials. Once paid for, the item belongs to you.
If you find the item within 30 days of the date it was paid for, you can obtain a refund by bringing the item and the receipt to any CPL location. We refund only the cost of the item; any associated overdue fines will not be refunded. All refunds will be issued by U.S. mail from the City of Chicago.
If you lose your library card or key chain, please call any CPL location as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported.
Please visit any CPL location to fill out a new library card application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address.
If you’re a reciprocal library cardholder, you’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name and address, as well as your current library card from your home library. After verification from your home library, we’ll replace your Chicago Public Library card.
If your library card is damaged or broken, please bring it to any CPL location and we'll replace it free of charge. (lost card)
You may still use library services. You’ll need to show your current, valid driver’s license or state ID to allow staff to access your account.
A parent or guarantor listed on a child’s library card may still use library services for the child after showing a current, valid driver’s license or state ID to allow staff to access the child's account.
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities works to meet the needs of people with disabilities who live and work in Chicago. It offers services for accessible housing, employment, transportation and more.
Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center provides disability related referral and information for city, state and national services. It also provides access to books, equipment, technology and resources designed for individuals with disabilities. Please call (312) 747-4001 or email artbc@chipublib.org.
If you’re outside the library, please make sure you’re logged in to your account.
Still can’t connect? Please ask a librarian for help.
Most online resources are available anywhere with your library card.
Exceptions are ABCmouse.com, Ancestry Library Edition and Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage. Use these resources on CPL computers or on your personal device when connected to the library WiFi.
No, we do not have fax machines at any of our locations.
We do have scanners, which you can use to scan and email a document. Please see our Scanners FAQ for more information.
Email a librarian anytime or chat with a librarian Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Or give us a call at (312) 747-4300. Phone hours are:
Librarians are here to help with:
Homework help is available at our Virtual Teacher in the Library events.
Use Brainfuse for online, one-on-one homework help.
Find additional online resources for kids and teens.
Due to demand, we’re unable to increase the limits on checkouts and holds. Checkout and holds limits are:
OverDrive
hoopla
From any page on our website, click "Browse" in the menu along the top. This will display another menu; please click "eBooks."
Once you're on our eBooks page, you'll see links for:
You can also find eBooks and other digital content in our catalog.
Yes. Fill out our eBooks Support form and we will be in touch.
Some publishers do not offer eBooks to libraries, do not offer eBook versions of new titles to libraries or delay availability of eBook versions of new titles to libraries.
Adobe Digital Editions 2.0, which is an app used to read eBooks from OverDrive, is compatible with several screen readers for people with low vision or visual disabilities.
Individuals who are unable to read standard print material due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability are eligible for downloadable book service via the National Library Service Braille and Audio Reading Download Service. This service is available through the Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center.
Use WorldCat A to Z Titles to search or browse the titles of all full-text newspapers, magazines and journals available in our online resources.
Type in the name of the publication you’re looking for, and WorldCat A to Z Titles will list which resources contain the publication, including the years covered. You can link directly to each resource from WorldCat A to Z Titles.
The availability of printing and emailing varies by resource, but most of these resources offer the option to print or email the information you find.
Look for buttons or links to download a printer-friendly version of the information or to email a copy of the information.
If you’re outside the library, please make sure you’re logged in to your account.
Still can’t connect? Please ask a librarian for help.
Most online resources are available anywhere with your library card.
Exceptions are ABCmouse.com, Ancestry Library Edition and Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage. Use these resources on CPL computers or on your personal device when connected to the library WiFi.
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.
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