Borrow a WiFi Hotspot from Chicago Public Library

To increase internet access for areas in Chicago with low broadband availability, we're offering Internet to Go WiFi Lending, a program to lend WiFi hotspots at these CPL locations:

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. The hotspot is portable, so you can connect your device almost wherever you are, like at home, on the bus or in the park.

You can borrow a Chromebook Kit, which includes a WiFi hotspot and a Chromebook, at:

If you’re a CPL cardholder and an adult resident of Chicago, you can check out a WiFi hotspot or kit for three weeks.

Internet to Go WiFi Hotspots FAQs

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

    OverDrive

    • 15 checkouts
    • 12 holds

    hoopla

    • 8 checkouts per month

  • 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 12 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:

    • Administration Notice of Ordinance Violations
    • Parking/Speed/Red-Light Tickets
    • Permits and Taxes
    • Utility Bill

    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).

    Email Notifications

    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.

    Phone 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.

  • If you’re a CPL cardholder and an adult resident of Chicago, you may check out a Kids Museum Passport at any CPL location. Each CPL location has a limited number of Kids Museum Passports for each museum.

    Unless otherwise noted, a group must include at least one child under 18 for the Kids Museum Passport to be valid, and a maximum of two adults are admitted with each pass.

  • Yes, please see our events calendar.

    Please call or email your preferred CPL location for information on any additional events.

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