Update on CPL Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.

Pursuant to Governor Pritzker's order for the State of Illinois to shelter in place, Chicago Public Library is closed from noon March 21 through May 30. See the Chicago Stay at Home Order Frequently Asked Questions for more information about sheltering in place.

Book drops will be locked at all CPL locations. CPL ended use of overdue fines in 2019; effective today, library cardholders with suspensions on their accounts because of over $30 in fees from items marked as "lost" will be able to check out online materials. During this time, physical materials will automatically renew, and accounts will not be blocked. 

CPL will continue to get guidance from Chicago Department of Public Health officials. CDPH continues to work closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal, state and local partners to monitor and respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

You can find local, up-to-date information about COVID-19 on the CDPH website, www.chicago.gov/coronavirus. Additional questions can be directed to coronavirus@chicago.gov or (312) 746-4835. Get national updates on the virus at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Using the Library Remotely

CPL cardholders can access library resources and information, including eBooks, audiobooks, music, video and online resources, 24/7 on our website. 

eCards

Don’t have a library card yet? Apply for an eCard to access eBooks, audiobooks and online resources.

Mobile Apps

Patrons with smartphones can access CPL on-the-go with our mobile app on iOS and Android. Other applications accessible with a CPL card include:

  • Brainfuse: Live homework help from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in English and Spanish
  • Hoopla: Streaming and downloadable audiobooks, music, video and eBooks
  • Flipster: Read current and back issues of over 25 of our most popular magazines, including The Atlantic, Better Homes & Gardens, Bloomberg Businessweek, Ebony, Entertainment Weekly, Parents,Real Simple, Scientific American, Shape, Sports Illustrated and Time.
  • Mango Languages: Lessons in 70+ languages, including English
  • Overdrive: Downloadable eBooks, audiobooks
  • RBdigital Magazines: Latest issues of more than a hundred popular magazines.

COVID-19 Closure FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

    • Computer basics such as using a mouse and keyboard
    • How to set up and use email
    • Navigating online, including searches and security
    • Filling out online forms and applications
    • Creating documents in Microsoft Office or Google Docs
    • Finding and using eBooks and other digital content
    • Using Chicago DigitalLearn modules

    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:

    • Email
    • Searching the internet
    • Online job searching and resume writing
    • Using Facebook and Skype

    Chicago DigitalLearn videos are also available in Spanish.

  • It's an open environment where you choose what you want to do and skilled library staff provide coaching and assistance. You can hang out, mess around and geek out. All YOUmedia locations have books, 3D printers, laptops, cameras, music and gaming equipment, and some YOUmedia locations have sewing machines and more. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes. Computers are available at CPL locations from the time a location opens until 10 minutes before the location closes.

  • 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.

    Study Rooms for Individuals

    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.

    Study Rooms for Groups

    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.

    Guidelines

    Check our Study Room Use Guidelines for more information about using these rooms.

  • You can borrow a WiFi hotspot 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.

    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 T-Mobile 3G, 4G LTE, or 5G network.

  • We offer three services that cover a range of formats:

    eBooks
    Audiobooks
    Magazines
    Movies and TV
    Music

  • 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.

View more about All FAQs