The Reading Set
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. Simply reserve your Reading Set and pick it up at your local library.
Reading Sets arrive in a branded CPL tote bag. Reading Sets must be both picked up and returned in their entirety (tote bag and set of books). Patrons may reserve up to 12 Reading Sets, 12 months in advance and they check out for a 35-day period. Reading Sets cannot be renewed.
The Reading Set Reservation Guidelines
- Reading Sets can be reserved by CPL cardholders in good standing.
- Reading Sets must be reserved at least 7 days in advance. There is a 14-day buffer between reservations.
- The reservation holder must be present to pick up their Reading Set. We are unable to give Reading Sets to family or friends of the reservation holder.
- Each item in The Reading Set will be checked out to the reservation holder's CPL account a few days before their reservation start date. Cardholders are responsible for all material checked out on their library card. CPL Fine and Fee Guidelines will apply to material returned late.
- Example: if there are 10 copies of a book in The Reading Set, the cardholder will have all 10 copies checked out onto their CPL account
For additional questions, please email TheReadingSet@chipublib.org
FAQs
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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.
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How to Reserve a Reading Set:
- Log in using your Chicago Public Library barcode and pin
- Click “The Reading Sets” link above (next to the “Home” link) to begin your search
- Are you searching for a Reading Set without a specific date in mind?
- Search by title, author, or category
- Select a Reading Set and click “Reserve”
- Choose your library location for pick-up
- Select the start date for your reservation using the calendar
- Click “Add Items”
- Click the Cart in the upper right corner
- Click “Submit Reservation”
- Are you searching for a Reading Set with a specific date in mind?
- Click the Cart in the upper right corner
- Click “Reserve Items”
- Select the start date for your reservation using the calendar
- Every Reading Set now listed is available for your specific date
- Follow the above instructions beginning from 3.2
- Once submitted, you will receive a reservation confirmation email with the details of your reservation
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Items within The Reading Set will be checked out to your CPL library card a few days before your reservation date. The Reading Set will then be delivered to your preferred library location for pickup. Though The Reading Set will be checked out onto your CPL library card, you must wait until the first day of your reservation to pick up your Reading Set. You will need your CPL library card or photo identification to pick up The Reading Set.
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Reading Sets will be held behind the desk at your pickup location. A staff member will be able to give it to you.
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You may return The Reading Set to any Chicago Public Library branch location. Please return all material in the provided tote bag.
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You may cancel your reservation or change the dates (depending on availability) of your reservation by logging into your account, clicking “Reservations,” making your preferred updates, and then clicking “Submit Changes.”
If you have additional questions, please email TheReadingSet@chipublib.org
