Chicago Public Library (CPL) today announced the return of Summer at CPL, its annual citywide celebration of reading, learning and creativity. From June 6 through August 2, all 82 library locations, including the upcoming branch at the Obama Presidential Center, will offer more than 3,000 free events and activities for children, teens and adults.
This year’s theme, Chapters of Chicago, celebrates the creativity and culture that make our city unforgettable. Through programs inspired by art, theatre, music, architecture, food, nature, sports and storytelling. Summer at CPL invites residents of all ages to explore the people, places and stories that shape Chicago.
The season kicks off Saturday, June 6, with celebrations across Chicago’s North, South and West Sides at CPL’s three regional libraries — Legler, Woodson and Sulzer — each hosting a full day of activities, giveaways and family-friendly experiences from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Summer at CPL is an essential part of summer in Chicago, from providing a safe space for children and teens to learn and grow during summer break to cultivating opportunities where adults can explore new interests and connect with their community," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "The theme ‘Chapters of Chicago’ is a celebration of our city's unique soul and brings Chicagoans together for a moment of civic pride."
In 2025, Summer at CPL served more than 68,000 patrons. In a post-program survey, 91% of parents agreed their child read and learned more over the summer because of the program.
Across the country, literacy rates and sustained reading habits continue to decline, especially among children and teens. Summer at CPL directly responds to this issue by helping young people see reading as a joyful, social and culturally relevant part of their lives, reconnecting residents to reading through events that feel alive, local and meaningful.
"Reading doesn't have to happen in isolation," said Commissioner Chris Brown. "Summer at CPL connects books, learning and discovery to the things people already love about Chicago, from art and architecture to music, food and sports. It's one of the ways we're helping young people and families build a lasting relationship with reading while creating opportunities for everyone to explore new interests throughout the summer."
For Children: Read, Learn and Discover
Children 0 to 13 can sign up at any location to receive a printed Summer Activity Guide, filled with Chicago-themed learning prompts, crafts and activities. Kids who read for at least 25 days and do at least five brain-building activities will earn a limited-addition Summer at CPL t-shirt. Live animal visits, musical performances, cooking classes, art workshops, movie screenings and story times are just some of the programs available across CPL locations.
The Summer Activity Guide also includes a free Family Pass for the Art Institute of Chicago. The pass grants free museum admission for families of up to four adults with accompanying youth under 18, in addition to free admission to the “William de Kooning Drawing” exhibit, running from June 14 to September 20.
For Teens: Win, Create and Grow
Teens can take part in Summer at CPL by completing a “Pick 4” postcard of activities and redeeming it with their local Teen Librarian for a prize. This year’s lineup of events includes everything from art and music workshops to educational and career development opportunities.
Summer at CPL programming is partially planned by teen interns as part of the citywide Chicago Youth Works program. This paid opportunity allows teens to assist patrons, create and co-lead summer programs, organize and decorate spaces, create book lists, encourage reading and learn about all facets of public library work.
For Adults: Explore, Enrich and Enlighten
Back by popular demand, adults will have a chance to earn a limited-edition Summer at CPL hat and be entered into a raffle for CPL swag by attending programs and reading books.
This summer also features the Chicago Works | Chicago Volunteers fair, taking place July 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Harold Washington Library Center. Attendees can learn about job and workforce development opportunities and ways to get involved with local volunteer organizations, in addition to receiving special summer swag unique to the event. Other events for adults include art, writing and music workshops; author talks and educational lectures; walking tours and music, dance and drama performances.
The artwork for this year’s Summer at CPL is provided by Chicago-based artist Oscar Joyo, whose bold, colorful and vibrant illustrations capture the energy and creativity of Chicago. Partners providing programming this year include the Art Institute of Chicago, Goodman Theatre, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Architecture Center and the Second City.
All Summer at CPL programs are free and open to the public. Visit your local CPL location or explore the full lineup at chipublib.org/summer.
About Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on X (@chipublib), Facebook (@chipublib) or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).
About Chicago Public Library Foundation
The Chicago Public Library Foundation is an independent nonprofit that exists to accelerate the potential of our public library by investing in resources that transform lives and communities. Together with its civic-minded partners, the Foundation makes pathways to learning, creativity, and civic engagement accessible to Chicagoans of all ages through investment across three funding priority areas: Closing the Academic Opportunity Gap; Activating Creativity & Connection for All; and Bridging the Digital Divide. Learn more at cplfoundation.org.