Request a Tour or Field Trip at HWLC

Due to planned facilities and maintenance work, Thomas Hughes Children's Library is unavailable for tours and/or field trips in September and October.

Tours and field trips at Harold Washington Library Center serve all interests. Tours generally last 30 to 120 minutes and are customized to meet each group's needs.

Questions? Check the Tours and Field Trips FAQs or call (312) 747-4300.

"*" indicates required fields

Who is this visit for?*

Teens in high school up to age 19

Adults 18+

Choose an age group*

Grades PreK - 2nd

Grades 3rd - 5th

Grades 6th - 8th

How many people will be in your group?*

We can accommodate up to 35 people.

6-35

How many people will be in your group?*

We can accommodate groups up to 20 people.

2-5 (Maker Lab appointments)

5-20

How many people will be in your group?*

2-5 (Maker Lab appointments)

6-35

35-60

Please give a group size estimate*

How long would you like your visit to be?*

30 minutes

60 minutes

90 minutes (Grades 6 - 8 only)

120 minutes (Grades 6 - 8 only)

How long would you like your visit to be?*

60 minutes

90 minutes

Choose a Tour Option*

Thomas Hughes Children’s Library Tour:
Join us for a 15-minute tour of the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library followed by 15 minutes of independent exploration.

Choose a Tour Option*

Story Time:
Join us for a 30-minute story time plus 30 minutes of independent library exploration. Storytime includes read-a-louds and movement activities. The story time can be library themed or a theme you are focusing on at school. Please indicate the theme of your choice in the additional information field.

Library Overview:
Join us for a 30-minute overview of how to use the library including an introduction to how to find books, access library resources at the library and at home and information about the CPL system. A Q & A will also to be offered to help answer student's library related questions. After the instructional session, students will have 30 minutes for independent exploration.

Choose a Tour Option*

Independent Research:
Have a research project? Let us know your topic in the information field below and we will pull books for your students for independent research. Please note that there will be no formal presentation if you select this option, but library staff will be available to assist students as questions arise.

Please describe your specific topic of interest or subject area.*

Choose a Tour Option*

Thomas Hughes Children's Library Tour:
Start with a 60-minute interactive walk through the building that provides a history of the library, an introduction to services and collections and prepares the user to take advantage of the resources offered. These tours can be specialized to accommodate your group’s needs. Then, join us for a 15-minute tour of the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library followed by 15 minutes of independent exploration.

Choose a Tour Option*

HWLC Building Tour + THCL Library Overview:
Start with a 60-minute interactive walk through the building that provides a history of the library, an introduction to services and collections and prepares the user to take advantage of the resources offered. These tours can be specialized to accommodate your group’s needs. Then, join us for a 30-minute overview of how to use the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library including an introduction to how to find books, access library resources at the library and at home and information about the CPL system. A Q & A will also to be offered to help answer student's library related questions. After the instructional session students will have 30 minutes for independent exploration.

Choose A Tour Option*

YOUmedia and Maker Lab Tour:
Take a 30-minute tour through our YOUmedia space with time dedicated to independent exploration and some quick hands-on activities based on staff availability. Followed by a 30-minute tour of the Maker Lab and its equipment with an introduction to Chicago's maker community and how to use the lab for future visits. Includes time for a Q&A.

Choose A Tour Option*

YOUmedia Tour:
Take a 60-minute tour through our YOUmedia space with time dedicated to independent exploration and some quick hands-on activities based on staff availability.

Choose A Tour Option*

HWLC Building Tour and YOUmedia Tour:
Start with a 60-minute interactive walk through the building that provides a history of the library, an introduction to services and collections, and prepares the user to take advantage of the resources offered. These tours can be specialized to accommodate your group’s needs. Then take a 30-minute tour through our YOUmedia space with time dedicated to independent exploration and some quick hands-on activities based on staff availability.

HWLC Building Overview, YOUmedia Tour and Research and Database Instruction:
Enjoy a 30-minute overview to learn about the history and available services and collections at HWLC. Then take a 30-minute tour through our YOUmedia space with time dedicated to independent exploration and some quick hands-on activities based on staff availability. Spend 30 minutes on an overview of our online resources, search tips and techniques, practice time to begin research and highlights of relevant resources.

Choose A Tour Option*

Maker Lab Workshop:
This 90-minute workshop includes an introduction to the Maker Lab and its equipment, Chicago's maker community and how to use the lab for future visits, followed by Q&A.

Choose A Tour Option*

HWLC Building Tour:
Enjoy a 60-minute interactive walk through the building that provides a history of the library, an introduction to services and collections, and prepares the user to take advantage of the resources offered.

YOUmedia for Educators and Maker Lab Tour:
This option gives adults an introduction to YOUmedia and Teen Services through a tour of our space and discussion of our philosophies and practices. Followed by a 30-minute tour of the Maker Lab and its equipment with an introduction to Chicago's maker community and how to use the lab for future visits. Includes time for a Q&A. Suggested for educators, librarians, college classes/students and researchers.

Choose A Tour Option*

HWLC Building Tour and Subject-Specific Visit:
Enjoy a 60-minute interactive walk through the building to learn about the history and available services and collections. Then join a 30-minute information session catered to your requested subject/topic. Suggested for educational groups seeking orientation or instruction on a specific subject.

HWLC Building Tour and Research and Database Instruction:
Enjoy a 45-minute interactive walk through the building to learn about the history and available services and collections. Then your group will be lead through a 45-minute overview of our online resources and search tips and techniques. Includes practice time to begin research and highlights of relevant resources. Suggested for educational groups.

Tour YOUmedia, the Maker Lab and the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library:
Go on an interactive tour of HWLC spaces that cater to kids and teens. Get a tour and an introduction to our YOUmedia space, the Maker Lab and the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library, and learn about the philosophies, resources and materials available to kids and teens. Suggested for educators, librarians, college classes/students and researchers.

Please describe your specific topic of interest or subject area.

Choose a Tour Option*

Maker Lab Workshop:
This 90-minute workshop includes an introduction to the Maker Lab and its equipment, Chicago's maker community and how to use the lab for future visits, followed by Q&A.

Field Trips for Children 13 and Under

All field trips for ages 13 and under will take place in the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library on the 2nd floor of Harold Washington Library Center.

Please Note: Currently we can only accommodate field trips on Mondays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

A lunchroom is not available for field trips. If your group plans to bring snacks or lunches, please let us know in the additional information field below and we will prepare a space in THCL for your group to eat after your scheduled visit.

Field Trips for Teens in High School

Field trips are for teens in grades 9-12 or up to age 19 if homeschooled or enrolled in a high school equivalency program.

Field trips explore the various resources and programs that are available at CPL locations around the city.

Tours for Adults 18+

Tours are for adult librarians, researchers, and educators who would like to learn more about Chicago Public Library.

Tours are for groups of five to 20.

About Your Group

School or Organization*

Contact Name*

First Last

Email*

Enter Email Confirm Email

Phone*

Zip code*

How will your group be arriving at HWLC?*

Public transportation

Bus (e.g., school, private, or charter)

Other

Is your group interested in getting library cards?*

We can issue library cards for school groups, but please arrange to drop off your completed application forms at least two weeks prior to your visit.

Yes

Any additional information you'd like to share?

Your Preferred Dates and Time

Please request tours at least two weeks in advance.

Field trips and tours are offered between 10:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tours are not available on Fridays or weekends.

First Choice Date*

First Choice Time*

Second Choice Date*

Second Choice Time*

Third Choice Date*

Third Choice Time*

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Request a Tour or Field Trip at HWLC

Field Trips for Children 13 and Under

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Field Trips for Teens in High School

Tours for Adults 18+

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