CPL Location Closures

COVID-19 Response FAQs

• What should I expect when I visit the library?

  Masks are strongly encouraged at all CPL locations. Thank you for following library guidelines when you visit.

• Are all CPL locations open?

  Most CPL locations are open. To plan your visit to the library, please see current CPL closures. 

• What happens when a CPL staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

  CPL follows the City of Chicago protocol for responding to self-reported COVID-19 cases. This protocol includes measures for contact tracing, informing colleagues of a self-reporting positive employee and for cleaning the work location. 

  To plan your visit to the library, please see current CPL closures. 

• What are the hours at my preferred CPL location?

  Before you visit, please check Hours & Locations for hours at each CPL location.

  Harold Washington Library Center and Legler, Sulzer and Woodson Regional Libraries are open:

  • Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  Branch libraries are open:

  • Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• What measures is CPL taking to keep patrons safe?

  We are taking a number of precautions to limit personal contact and follow social distancing guidelines:

  • Using Plexiglas shields at selected service points
  • Advising staff to limit interactions to fewer than 15 minutes
  • Providing hand-sanitizing stations and encouraging frequent hand washing

  Please help us keep our staff and others safe by:

  • Washing or sanitizing your hands frequently; we’re providing hand sanitizer at all CPL locations
  • Following the instructions of library and security staff

  Masks are strongly recommended when visiting CPL locations. Please respect the masking decisions made by fellow Chicagoans.

• How can I minimize the amount of time I spend in the library?

  You can call ahead of your visit, and we can check to be sure the resource you need is available. The phone number and email address of each CPL location is listed on the CPL locations A-Z list.

  You can also access reference services and online resources at chipublib.org/CPLAtHome.

• Do I need to wear a mask while I’m at the library?

  Masks are strongly encouraged at CPL locations. Please respect the masking decisions made by fellow Chicagoans.

• What if I don't feel comfortable coming into the library?

  If you already have materials checked out, you may continue to enjoy them. With the exception of museum passes, interlibrary loan items and CPL book discussion titles, items are automatically renewed up to 15 times as long as no other patrons are waiting for them. Any replacement charges will be removed once you return the material. We charge overdue fines only on Kids Museum Passports and interlibrary loan materials. 

  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.

• How is CPL keeping its staff safe?

  Every CPL location underwent a facility assessment and social distancing review to ensure safe practices for both our staff and our visitors.

  We encourage frequent handwashing and using hand sanitizer between each patron interaction. Workstations and other high-touch areas will be cleaned frequently throughout the day.