Lifelong Learning
Lifelong Learning at Your Local Library
#CPL4LIFE
This year, our annual report,, opens a new window opens a new window and introduces Carmen Piper Lane, a character who embodies the lifelong learning journey of a Chicago Public Library patron. Now, we want to hear your story.
Whether you’re diving into our curated booklists, participating in One Book, One Chicago, or attending Gamer's Universe, we want to know how engaging in lifelong learning has enriched your life.
Discover how Chicagoans are engaging in lifelong learning at the Library.
Maya R
I learned how to make my own pillow by taking a sewing class at the library. It was so fun to gain a new skill while meeting new people. I enjoyed browsing the collection while I was there and checking out some new books, as well.
Brenda M
The Chicago Public Library is more than a resource, it’s a life source. I’ve been taking my children to the library for years. They’ve done reading programs, literacy events, cultural and recently my children were able to check out books written by their mother, Brenda Perez Mendoza’s Racial Justice in America Latinx Series.
Roberto
I go to my local library to read books and magazines on technology, and novels. I also buy old books for sale. Lately, I have been reading about bicycles and also painting. I like to ride bicycles, and I paint in watercolor and acrylic. The library has many references for both of my passions.
Nicole C
We love CPL and especially our neighborhood branch, Garfield Ridge. The summer reading program is our favorite! We also enjoy using museum passes to explore our awesome city.
Ann L
My children enjoy using the puzzles and other toys at the library, and I appreciate the Teacher in the Library program, which helps them with their homework. The librarians have also showed us how to use Brainfuse, which is a great online resource. We always have fun at the events at the library, including storytimes and crafting programs.
Tray J
I grew up near the Hall Library in the 1980s, and I found my love of reading there. I recently found myself going through some difficult times and discovered a book at this branch called Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen. This place helped me when I was 10 years old, and now it continues to help me at 47. So many memories!
Angela S
My children enjoy using the puzzles and other toys at the library, and I appreciate the Teacher in the Library program, which helps them with their homework. The librarians have also showed us how to use Brainfuse, which is a great online resource. We always have fun at the events at the library, including storytimes and crafting programs.
Belinda
When I was a child in the 1960s, I basically lived at Kelly Branch library. The staff there remembered my name, family, and the books I enjoyed. Now, I am happy to share this same love of reading with my nephew when we visit the Greater Grand Crossing branch. The librarian, Ms. Hinton, is knowledgeable about books my nephew needs for his reading level. She shows me adult mystery books I love to read. Since the pandemic, my husband and I haven't been out much, but we will definitely be back. We have too many of our friends on the shelves.
April L
I love celebrating moments with my family at the library. We enjoy listening to mariachi music at our local Humboldt Park branch and making glow-in-the-dark slime at STEAM-Powered Saturday at Harold Washington Library Center. The library is the place where we not only bond over stories, but also connect with other people in our community. Our goal is to visit every branch!
Jeff P
I recently visited the Uptown Library. I was there to work on my resume, and I was experiencing some difficulty. One of the employees assisted me. He directed me to a career builder tool on the CPL website. It was amazing. He also followed-up, reviewed my resume and made sure I was satisfied. The library is a great place for job seekers to get resources.
Joseph B
The South Shore branch profoundly influenced me when it came to my love of books and reading, over sixty-five years ago. I went on to become very successful in business and life, and I still think of the fantastic librarian there, Ms. Sharon Hicks, who was always ready to help me find a good book or give me ideas for researching a given topic. I hope that the children of Chicago continue to get a good start in life by discovering the great value of books and learning.
Kasia M
My son learned how to crochet an owl at the Simple Stitches Crochet Club at the Austin-Irving branch. He loves it. The library staff do a wonderful job preparing materials for projects. We also borrow books from the library, and the staff is always welcoming and helpful. The whole place is very clean and organized. It's a great place to come with kids and teach them different ways to spend time and enjoy the books, as well. So, fun!
Patricia A
The Dunning branch has great programs for kids and adults, and it is right here in my community. The best part about this library is the staff. My son attends Dever Elementary School, and this year he had to do three group projects. His group and many others would meet at the library to work on their projects. The staff was exceptional in helping these students find appropriate sources. I saw one group of students painting items for their project. I was sure that they would be told that they couldn't complete their project there. I was pleasantly surprised when the staff brought out a tablecloth and let them finish. I'm glad that the staff is so kind to the youngest patrons of the library. I am so happy to have such a lovely library in my neighborhood.
Jeanne S
I'm 78 years old now, and I learned so much from the wonderful librarians at Bezazian and the amazing book selections at that branch. The book that impacted me the most all those years ago was By Secret Railway, a book about the Underground Railroad that let me know that there were injustices in the world that needed to be rectified. I love the library.
Jerry Perez
I can't praise the Scottsdale branch enough for the exceptional services they provide. As a regular patron, I am continually impressed by the wealth of resources available at my fingertips. The extensive collection of books, magazines, and digital materials caters to a broad range of interests and ensures there's always something new to explore. The library staff deserves immense appreciation for their dedication and helpfulness. Whether I'm seeking assistance in locating a specific title or exploring new genres, they are consistently knowledgeable and approachable. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment truly enhances the overall library experience.
Joanna M
We love this scavenger hunt, and we participate every month with our children. Having access to books has been a gift for our entire family of five. We also love participating in various events like the Day of the Dead.
Thiara G
My sister and I love to attend free events at the library, including the live animal shows, where we got to hold baby chicks. Also, in 2022, I got the chance to ask U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor a question at a virtual CPL program promoting her children's book, Just Help: How to Build a Better World. It was really exciting to be able to meet her and talk to her.
Claudia G
The library is a resource that some in Mexico do not have. My mother instilled the love of learning at an early age when she would bring my siblings and I to the library. Now, as a first-time mommy myself, our favorite place to go is the library. From the story times, to the fun events, and the many friends we make along the way-we can't say enough about Chicago Public Library. Our most memorable event was the 'Dia de los Niños" celebration. My [friend] is African-Mexican, so being able to blend our cultures in a meaningful way makes my heart so full, and that is exactly what this event and the Chicago Public Library mean to us as lifelong learners. Thank you for taking the time to read, have a beautiful day❣️
Ooni J
I always find great books to read at the Lozano branch, and the librarians are always helpful. I like to check out the New Books and Special Recommendations shelves because the librarians curate the best lists and collections of books! They also have book discussions. I went to one recently on Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang (an EXCELLENT book), it was led by Ms. Daylily and was such a wonderful experience. I’m so glad Pilsen has this library; it uplifts the community!
Sitaara
The staff at the Gage Park branch helped me submit my final project for my C++ Intermediate Computer Programming course so that I could obtain my certification and advance my career. Then, I found out that the library has books about coding and classes at the Maker Lab downtown.
Lisa Sowa-Downs
For years, I took my sons to all of the programming CPL offered. We brought home stacks of books, attended workshops, summer reading programs, etc. Now that my sons are grown, I often stop in to pick up a new copy of the monthly Book Club book. I enjoyed the One Book, One Chicago selection, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow!" I volunteer with a local newspaper and make sure to include CPL's programming in each edition to share all of the great resources with the community of Hegewisch. Currently, we are working on an article to showcase an employee of the Hegewisch Branch, Krissy, and her amazing work of upscaling old books.
Juliette A
I’m a Chicago mom of two. The library allows me to read to my kids every single night. It’s helped me teach them Spanish and sign language. I use the library at least 1 time a week, sometimes 2 times, to stock up on books for myself and my children. My daughter loves the library as she’s creative and is able to make all the kids crafts that the library provides. She has learned to add numbers together, spell her own name, and recite the alphabet with the help of reading her favorite library books. Thank you, CPL!
Bon R
My lifelong learning journey began as a little girl at the Legler Regional Library on the West Side. My parents were avid readers and we walked to the library every week. I loved everything about that grand building: the stacks, the children’s section and especially the front desk where the librarians stamped a card in each book. I would take out a vacation loan in the summer and had lots of books to read. As an adult, many years later, I remember returning to that library and being shocked at how small it seemed. Edgebrook is now my neighborhood library, and I am a regular user. I am grateful for the love of reading that was inspired by the Chicago Public Library. If I hadn’t become a teacher, I would’ve become a librarian. I wear the 150th [anniversary] pin proudly.
Lakeisha
I went to the library to celebrate the legacy of Mayor Harold Washington in honor of what would have been his 100th birthday. I learned about his accomplishments, met civil rights icons and civic leaders, and enjoyed the music at the celebration. It was a magnificent evening!
Amina C. J
Hi Library comrades, My name is Amina C. Jackson. I am engaging in lifelong learning by staying abreast with new books that continue to take me on a journey. Ever since I can remember the day that I received my first library card, I could not see the over-the-counter. My little hands reached my local librarian, and she made sure that I saw her smiling face. She helped me pick out my first book, Henny Penny. This book taught me about friendship and a deeper-rooted life lesson of making sure that I am not a follower and I’m always a leader, but I’m always going to be able to be a team player. To this day, I hold my librarian near and dear to my heart. Even when she passed away, I made sure I sent my condolences. I currently go to my local library and take out passes to see different attractions around the city. I attend special events and speaking engagements at the library. I have a profound appreciation for the relationships I have built through attending different events at the library.
Reema
My son has participated in the Summer Learning Challenge ever since he was a toddler. It's helped him develop into an enthusiastic reader, and it's inspired our whole family to read together at night before bedtime. The activities from the guide keep him busy during the summer break, and he feels a sense of accomplishment when he wins prizes at the library.
Paula
Reading has always been a big part of my life. As a young child, I remember my dad and I taking weekly trips to our local CPL. It was my favorite thing to do. We’d bring a big bag, and I’d get so many books. At night, he would read them to me. Books are magical and open up so many new worlds to dive into. I’m 26 now, and my daddy has since passed away, but the wonderful memories of reading have kept me engaged and in love all these years later.
Kayla M
I have made it my mission to explore various libraries around the world and I decided to start with the CPLs closest to me. With the goal of reading a new book from a new genre every month, it’s a small step that helps me feel more connected to the library and the city as a whole.
Leala
The library taught me a lot of new things, like making decals and keychains out of a 3D printer and learning new things from the new books they get each time. They provide so many resources and help you learn new things. For example, I learned how to bind a journal and decorate it. Thank you, Chicago Public Library!!
Jennifer S
Ever since I was a child, the library was a safe space for me. I used to live across the street from the library. After school, sometimes when I was locked out of the house, I would go wait for my mom to come back to the library. Sometimes, I would be there waiting till they closed with my little brother. In the summertime, I used to print world puzzle pages. And join the summer reading programs. I remember the librarians to the security guards. I learned the power of a book. And I'm so grateful the library was always open.
Yesenia
I was recently doing a research project on Aztec medicine, and I went to the Harold Washington Library to learn more. I found lots of great resources at the library about the topic. It was fun to explore the Maker Lab and the YOUmedia space, as well.
Mawuli
Reading books, attending author talks is informative. Loved hearing from Nikole Hannah Jones about the 1619 project over the summer. Exhibits through the Chicago Public Library are also thought provoking. Other times, I've gone on walking tours with urbanologist Max Grinnell. Reading newspapers through CPLs online resources is also outstanding.
Sara
I like going to board game exchange events at the library so that I can get new puzzles to bring home to my family. Plus, I can clear out space in my house by passing along the ones we no longer use. The library helps us share resources with our community and gain new friends along the way.
Nia
I like going to the library for special events. This year, I got to see Common when he visited the Harold Washington Library to promote his new book about physical and mental health, And Then We Rise. I was so excited to meet him in person!
Lauren
My friend and I have been taking our children to the Thomas Hughes Library since they were babies. The library is a safe, supportive place for us to spend time together, and we always look forward to it. The kids enjoy it, too!
Jasir
My daughter and I love to go to the Greater Grand Crossing Branch to play with the toys and read books. I'm glad we have this space in our neighborhood to spend time together and have fun.
Chamaya
I like to go to the library to browse the art and music collections. As a creative person, I enjoy the chance to find different ideas and cultural practices and get inspired to make new things.
Teddy
I like visiting the Special Collections at the downtown library. I especially enjoy the exhibit honoring the legacy of Harold Washington.
Esther MZ
I love going with my children to the local library. Playing with Legos and building structures is a lot of fun. The local library is a safe and fun place in our neighborhood. Before leaving, we selected some books in Spanish to take home. I like that the library has books in Spanish because it's my native language.
Ernesto
My family recently moved to Chicago, and we have been enjoying our visits to the library. I like to go there every morning to read the newspaper and see what's happening in the city. On the weekends, the library is a warm place for us to hang out and find books in Spanish to read together.
Timothy
My daughter and I like to participate in the Summer Learning Challenge every year at the library. It keeps her motivated to read throughout the summer break, and the programs are always a lot of fun, too. One of the most memorable events we've attended over the years was a ballet performance at the Clearing Branch as part of the library's summer celebration. We enjoy all of the cultural experiences that the library provides.
Julia D
My son, Wesley, and I have been visiting our local library branch multiple times a week for 2 years. We also attend events at other library branches. We have met some great friends, including a family, and we see each other more than once a week! We love the staff at Bezazian Branch and brag that everyone knows us by name there!
PaPhun
I like checking out books every week at the library and attending conversation groups and ESL classes to improve my language skills. Online courses such as Mango Languages have also been a good resource for me. The librarians have been very helpful and supportive as I practice speaking in English with them.
Luis
My son has been learning how to play guitar, and he uses the studio at YOUmedia to record his music. The librarians gave him confidence and encouraged him as he developed new skills. Everyone at the library is so supportive, and it's a great environment for him to hang out after school and learn something new.
Bibiana G
My kiddos and I spent quite some time at the library. The library allows my toddlers to engage in pretend play while being surrounded by books and provides a safe haven for my teenagers as they prepare for college and beyond.
Puleng M
The library is my favorite place to spend time with my daughter so that she can study and do homework. We use the Teacher in the Library program when she needs additional help. We appreciate all of the resources and support that the library offers, including the books, computers, and fun programs we can attend for free.
Latina A
The library is a great place to go when the weather is not so good. It’s always the perfect temperature in the library. If it’s too warm, you can go in and have a seat while enjoying the air and a nice book. When it’s too cold you can go in and browse online. The libraries with the children areas are the best; you can bring the little ones in to hear a good story and pretend to play with their grownups. I have been visiting the library since forever, and I love all the programs that are offered. My goal is to visit as many branches as possible.
Andrea
For me, the library is a place where I find peace, relaxation, and balance. I love to go to yoga and meditation classes at a variety of CPL branches. While I'm stopping by for a class, I like to stop by the new books section to find bedtime stories for my kids. The library is a great place to meet new people and connect with my community, as well. It's a calm space where I can center myself and breathe deeply.
D Hampton
My family and I love to go to the Harold Washington Library to explore YOUmedia, the Maker Space, and all of the other great resources that the library offers. It's a great space to spend time as a family because there's always something new to see.
Celeste
My husband and I have always liked to read together, so we got married at the Harold Washington Library. Our wedding was a lovely way to celebrate our shared passion for learning and stories. We appreciate all of the resources that the library offers, as well as the space it provides.
Jiajun Chen
I was surprised and happy to find books in Chinese at the McKinley Park Branch. I enjoy reading books in different languages.
David
Last week I realized I had about twenty books checked out from the library, and a couple of them were overdue. How did that happen? I was doing research to write my own book; that's how it happened. The most pleasant surprise when I arrived to the USA as an immigrant, eighteen years ago, was my neighborhood's public library. What, I don't have to pay to read books and rent movies? And I may come any day of the week? It completely changed my experience as a newcomer for the better, and it was my gateway to truly learning English. Thus, it was just proper that all this time later I was writing my own book, which someone, hopefully soon, would be able to find at the library where my own journey began.
Dawn
The Chicago Public Library has played a vital role in my lifelong learning journey. Some of my earliest memories are of spending quality time there with my mother, exploring books and discovering new worlds together. Throughout my high school and college years, the library remained an invaluable resource, always supporting my educational path. Now, as a mother myself, the library has become a special place for my own family to learn and grow together. #CPL4LIFE
Venell J
I've loved going to the library since high school; living on the West side, it was a refuge. During my working years, I used it for research--to create information for participants in the nutrition program where I worked. Now that I am retired, I still sometimes do nutrition research for friends, but mostly, I take advantage of the many resources at the library. I enjoy movies at the library, educational programs (especially tech programs), food demos (the best I attended was one on Tofu!!), and jewelry making. Encouraging others to take advantage of the library is a goal of mine!!
Michelle P
For me, I loved taking my boys to story time. I still remember how excited they would get when they knew it was story time day! I know this fostered a love of literature for them.
Linda H
The Maker Lab opened up a world of creativity and hands-on learning, making me feel like a true maker. If you haven’t been, it’s worth the visit!
Marik
Being in the library is like an adventure. Always something new to find! I love to randomly pick out a book and jump into an adventure.
Dina
Chicago Public Library was a lifesaver when raising my kids, with free museum passes, summer reading programs, and a safe place to do homework and check out books. Great place to tap into books for my reading club. Thank you!!
Jonathan J
I love video games, and I recently saw a post about the book "The Greatest Stories Ever Played" by Dustin Hansen. Now, I can't stop thinking about it. Hansen's take on how video game narratives like Uncharted and Persona 5 connect us through story and community has me seeing my favorite games in a whole new light. Who knew a book about video games could be so good.
Sandra K
Every Thursday morning, my little one and I make our way to the Thurgood Marshall Branch of the Chicago Public Library for Family Story Time. It's become a highlight of our week. The moment we walk into the cozy reading area, my toddler's face lights up—it's almost magical to see.
Rica B
When I moved to the US 10 years ago, I used to hang out in different library branches because it felt so familiar. Fun fact: My library card was actually my first official ID! I also took some classes at CPL while preparing for my citizenship test. The Library is an incredible space for immigrants like me - from finding solace in books to using helpful resources.
Linda
The library has always been a place of wonder for me. From the first time I walked in as a child, I felt surrounded by endless possibilities and worlds waiting to be explored. There was always a friendly librarian ready to point me to a new adventure or help me find just the right book for a school project. Now, my grandchildren get to experience the CP Library. Generations of our family at the library.
Jasmine
The library provides activities for my children that are free. Being a single mother of two, everything is expensive. They have activities every day, and we can visit the museums for free. We are grateful to have the library.
Joy G
The staff at the Clearing branch was very helpful in aiding me on my quest to read every Game of Thrones book. They also provided me with information on how to use the Libby app, which gave me access to ebooks and audiobooks.
Anne
I've loved libraries ever since I was little when my mom would take me to different libraries in different towns. That was what we did for fun! Then, as a preteen, I volunteered for CPL. Now, I'm a librarian myself! I still have my "Wrapped Up in Reading" shirt from the summer I volunteered.
Maria
I didn’t grow up with a lot of books at home, but the Humboldt Park library made sure I had endless stories to read. I still visit every month, and now I bring my mom for the book discussions. It’s become a part of our routine, and I cherish those moments together!
Patricia A
The Dunning branch has great programs for kids and adults, and it is right here in my community. The best part about this library is the staff. My son attends Dever Elementary School, and this year he had to do three group projects. His group and many others would meet at the library to work on their projects. The staff was exceptional in helping these students find appropriate sources. I saw one group of students painting items for their project. I was sure that they would be told that they couldn't complete their project there. I was pleasantly surprised when the staff brought out a tablecloth and let them finish. I'm glad that the staff is so kind to the youngest patrons of the library. I am so happy to have such a lovely library in my neighborhood.
Zee Reno
After deciding I needed to pick up a new hobby, I attended the bi-weekly crochet group at the Austin Irving Library in January of 2024. I had never crocheted before and had no idea where to even begin. Going into my first class, I knew nothing, but I left with a ball of yarn, and a crochet hook (and some hopes and dreams), both supplied to me by the teachers of the class. I have been back to every meeting since. The Instructors, Lee, Blanca, and Lori, are incredible! They welcome everyone into the group with kindness and no judgment on your skillset or abilities. The projects that are prepared for attendees are very thorough and come included with everything needed to complete it. While being led through the class by the instructors, everyone is also encouraged to socialize and help out others who are present. The community of people who regularly attend are incredibly positive and welcoming! In the past few months, I have learned more than I ever thought I could. This group has made such a positive effect on my life, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the area looking to learn a new skill while fostering community! As someone who lives in the neighborhood, I greatly appreciate all of the services that the Austin-Irving Park Library provides. I both enjoy coming here on my own to either read or crochet, but most importantly, I love bringing my 1-year-old daughter with me. They have an amazing selection of children’s books. I especially love that there are not just books in English, but also Spanish and Polish too. Every time I visit the library, the children’s area, and also the rest of the building in general, is incredibly clean and organized. I can confidently let my daughter explore in the children’s area with no concerns. Whenever I enter I get a “hello” and when I leave I get a “goodbye," or a "have a nice day." Even though the interactions are just small gestures, they really do make me feel welcomed and like I can reach out to any of the workers if I need assistance with something. The staff are so warm and kind. Very knowledgeable too! The Austin-Irving Park Library is a staple to the Portage Park neighborhood, and I am so so grateful to be able to use the resources provided here!
Natalie
The library is a gift that keeps on giving. Growing up, going to the library was an adventure. My father would allow me to take out 7 books, and boy, did I make sure those books would be worth it. I took my time browsing through the alphabetized books, sometimes reading them right there on the spot. One of my favorite childhood books is “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. Now I have children of my own, and I take full advantage of my local library. Over the years, I’ve taken them to numerous classes, from mom and tots to cooking classes. I have even enjoyed some adult classes. At home, we have a large bin to store our library books because when we visit, I allow them to take out as many books as they like. We absolutely love our library and are grateful for their services.
DaUhn
My family had very limited resources, but at the library I had access to unlimited resources, knowledge, and adventure. I eagerly read everything I could and spent so much of my childhood at Blackstone Branch library. Summers were especially fun, because of the summer reading programs. I read about 100 books each summer and would get prizes at the end of the programs. I still remember the librarians from my childhood, who were so kind and helpful. The library was truly one of the best parts of my childhood and has shaped me into the avid adult reader I am today - even now, I have sixteen books checked out!
ReAnn S
I have had a library card since I was 6 years old. It was my proudest possession - and still is. While young, I loved burying my nose in a great big book, its words letting me travel to far-off lands, see wild and wonderful things, and meet the most interesting characters. Once grown, travel became a major part of my working life. When the convenience of Kindles and e-books became available, even though I still prefer a hardback book, I have been able to travel to 38 countries, and through the magic of the internet, my Chicago library card, and my Kindle, I have always had a wonderful selection of books to read on a long flight, while dining alone, or before turning off the lights after a long day. A big thanks to the CPL for maintaining a large resource of available digital books, music, and movies!
Megan l
I am proud to have been a patron of the Chicago Public Library for most of my life. As a child, I was an avid reader and would spend time with my mom and aunt at the Library. I adored the Summer Reading Program, and filling up my folder would be my biggest accomplishment each summer. As a teen, CPL provided a refuge for me and many others. People forget how hard it can be to be a teenager, and having the library to study, read, or get some time to myself meant the world. I moved away to New York City for college and remained there for 9 years. I returned to Chicago 3 years ago, and it was the best thing that could have happened to my family and me. One of my first stops after updating my address was getting my library card. Once I had it, I finally felt like I was home and a citizen of Chicago again. Thank you for being a haven for me in every season of my life.
Jerome
As a teen, the West Garfield Park branch was my creative escape. I spent hours in the makerspace, experimenting with digital media. Today, I bring my younger cousins to the same branch to explore their own creativity.
Keilah
I got my first job through a workshop at the Woodson Regional Library. They helped me with my resume, gave me tips on interviews, and provided a quiet place to study.
Claudia
It was a really good experience just because I learned a lot when I don't speak any words in English and appreciate every program they bring to help people like me and every single book. They have the right answers and the environment is perfect 👌
Raiza R
I have so many memories at the library that I hold dear to my heart. The library has been a safe, positive, secure space to complete important paperwork, homework and find resources. [For] so many years, it became the place to nurture my kid's minds with great books. So many hot summers and cold winters sitting at the library, being surrounded by so many monthly programs available at the library, read a louds, arts and crafts, help to use a computer. While our neighbors were looking forward to the parks, beach, and movie theaters, my kids and I were looking forward to reading the next book at the library, picking up our hold request, printing out our needed paperwork, or just having a safe and quiet place to calm down our anxiety or daily struggles with our lives. The library became the family member you look forward to seeing on the weekends or my days off. I couldn't tell you how many problems I could handle because of the reliable internet, a working computer, a printer, and great librarians who helped me when I needed it. I was able to complete my degrees because of the books that I was able to check out. My children went through elementary, high school, and college with the most powerful tool I could have given them: a "Library card". Now, as we continue our journey, one place that we carry dear in our hearts and that we still visit is the library. Thank you!
Viki
I love going to the library and checking out various fiction and nonfiction titles. I’ve attended some community events geared toward adults. I always read the book recommendations, and the titles lists compiled on the CPL blog by librarians, based around a common theme or topic, and often use these as a starting point when choosing my next read. I also like the ability to watch old movies or movies that are not necessarily available on any streaming services. However, I’ve been most excited about going to the library with my child: from baby story time and discovery, through a great variety of online programs during the pandemic, up until now that he is in elementary school. We’ve participated in every summer reading challenge, we love going to family events at our local branch, (and sometimes other nearby branches), or simply checking out books - and as my child is becoming a more and more independent reader, which in part is thanks to taking advantage of the library resources, there’s again time for checking out adult titles as well as children and youth books.
Ella
I was homeschooled, and I remember we did a unit on Ben Franklin because we read this story about a mouse or rat who lived with him. I remember, from that unit, the quote about fish and guests, and I remember deciding that I was always going to be intentional about learning. As a kid, I made two promises to myself: (1) I'd be a lifelong learner, and (2) that I wouldn't look back on my younger self with scorn. This past year, I have been intentionally learning how to teach myself-- to learn how to learn (without a teacher). It has been so important to me to be able to check out books for this goal. Some of the books I want to read for my latest educational topic are quite expensive, and even if they're not expensive, there's just simply a lot of them. I've been able to check out "The Language of the Night: Essays on Fantasy and Science Fiction" by Ursula K. Le Guin and "The Gilda Stories" by Jewelle Gomez. My favorite, recently has been "The Female Man" by Joanna Russ. The connections I am able to make between these authors and ideas are only possible through quantity-- reading a lot. Jewelle Gomez references Joanna Russ in the addendum to "The Gilda Stories." Russ references Gomez in "How to Suppress Women's Writing." Russ mentions Samuel R. Delany, so I read "Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand," which has an incredible afterword. It's making these connections that allow me to actually learn. I had a teacher in high school say that that's what's important--making connections between different classes and ideas. Even though I'm choosing these books and reading them by myself, I'm not really teaching myself because I'm learning with these authors. I'm learning how to learn without direct instruction. This year has been incredibly enriching. I care so much about this specific type of science fiction. Reading it, learning about why people are writing it, and gaining an understanding of the scope of it historically has been such a gift.
Merri Ex
I am originally from Staten Island, NY, and was an avid NYC public library user. I have lived in Chicago for 50 years and have had a CPL card since 1974. I was first a library user at Lincoln Park, where I lived, and now Bezazian Branch, for the 40 years I have lived with my family in Andersonville. My now adult children were frequent library users when they lived here. They knew how much I love CPL and its dedicated and kind staff. A few years ago, they made a contribution in my name to honor Bezazian Branch and me. I am now mostly a Kindle user, and Libby is a marvelous resource through CPL. I am grateful for the many years CPL has been an important resource for our family. Thank you, Merri Ex.
Emma L
Growing up, I was raised by a schoolteacher who went on to become a professor. I am passionate about being a lifelong learner, and the library is one of my favorite resources for deepening my knowledge. Whether it’s exploring work-related topics like sales, marketing, and female entrepreneurship or diving into personal interests like 1900s American history, hip hop, or basketball, I love expanding my understanding of both professional and personal subjects. The library offers a wealth of knowledge available to anyone, and I’m always excited to discover new things that fuel both my career and personal growth.
2023 Annual Report
As we look back on an extraordinary year for Chicago Public Library, we’re filled with pride and gratitude. The year 2023 was truly one for the books as we celebrated 150 years of connecting, inspiring, and empowering millions of Chicagoans. We marked this milestone with a citywide birthday party, a commemorative library card, the launch of the Library for the People podcast and the unveiling of a stunning mural sponsored by Wintrust. These celebrations were a testament to our mission—to welcome and support all people in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning—which has never felt truer.
With the release of our Annual Report, we are also thrilled to announce a new lifelong learning campaign, launched in tandem with this report. This campaign reflects our belief that learning is a lifelong journey and underscores our commitment to providing diverse, dynamic programming for patrons of all ages.
Inspired by Harold Washington’s vision and propelled by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s leadership, we remain dedicated to making Chicago a better, stronger, and safer city. As we turn the page to 2024, we invite you to explore this report. Let Carmen Piper Lane, our storyteller, guide you through our library’s rich legacy and bright future, showcasing who we are for learners at every age and stage of life.
