• Library Cards

  • Technology

    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.

  • Services

    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:

    • Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Librarians are here to help with:

    • Research
    • Locating materials
    • Book, movie and music recommendations
    • Questions about using resources and services

  • eBooks

    Due to demand, we’re unable to increase the limits on checkouts and holds. Checkout and holds limits are:

    OverDrive

    • 10 checkouts
    • 5 holds

    hoopla

    • 5 checkouts per month

    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.

  • Online Resources

    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.

  • The Reading Set

    The Reading Set is your starting point for book clubs across Chicago. With more than 300 titles available through Chicago Public Library, you can set the tone for lively discussion, fresh perspectives and lasting connections. Each set includes 8-12 copies so your group can read together with ease, and select titles feature discussion questions to keep conversations engaging from the first page to the last.

    How to Reserve a Reading Set:

    1. Log in using your Chicago Public Library barcode and pin
    2. Click “The Reading Sets” link above (next to the “Home” link) to begin your search
    3. Are you searching for a Reading Set without a specific date in mind?
      1. Search by title, author, or category
      2. Select a Reading Set and click “Reserve”
      3. Choose your library location for pick-up
      4. Select the start date for your reservation using the calendar
      5. Click “Add Items”
      6. Click the Cart in the upper right corner
      7. Click “Submit Reservation”
    4. Are you searching for a Reading Set with a specific date in mind?
      1. Click the Cart in the upper right corner
      2. Click “Reserve Items”
      3. Select the start date for your reservation using the calendar
      4. Every Reading Set now listed is available for your specific date
      5. Follow the above instructions beginning from 3.2
    5. Once submitted, you will receive a reservation confirmation email with the details of your reservation

    Items within The Reading Set will be checked out to your CPL library card a few days before your reservation date. The Reading Set will then be delivered to your preferred library location for pickup. Though The Reading Set will be checked out onto your CPL library card, you must wait until the first day of your reservation to pick up your Reading Set. You will need your CPL library card or photo identification to pick up The Reading Set.

    Reading Sets will be held behind the desk at your pickup location. A staff member will be able to give it to you.

    You may return The Reading Set to any Chicago Public Library branch location. Please return all material in the provided tote bag.

    You may cancel your reservation or change the dates (depending on availability) of your reservation by logging into your account, clicking “Reservations,” making your preferred updates, and then clicking “Submit Changes.”

    If you have additional questions, please email TheReadingSet@chipublib.org

  • Facilities

  • Get Involved

    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.