CPL events

Chicago Public Libraries (CPL)serve all Chicagoans with free and open places to gather, learn, connect, read and be transformed. Their mission is:
Welcome and support all people in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning. Working together, we strive to provide equal access to information, ideas and knowledge through books, programs and other resources. We believe in the freedom to read, to learn, to discover.

There are 81 Chicago Public Library locations, consisting of the main Harold Washington Library Center, three regional libraries, and 77 neighborhood branches.

CPL conducts various events both online and in- person. Their audience are from age zero to infinity.
Anyone can search for evets using different filters like date and time, library branch, interests, skill sets, etc.

Different types of events conducted are-

  • Art, Movies and Performances
  • Author Events
  • Book Clubs
  • Book Sales
  • Business, Law and Money
  • Celebrations
  • Computers and Technology
  • Continuing Education and College
  • Crafts, Games and Play
  • DIY
  • Health and Science
  • History and Genealogy
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Lectures
  • Library Closures
  • Outreach
  • Story Time
  • Tours
  • Workshops
  • Writing and Poetry

Various programs are:

  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage
  • Black History
  • Community Cinema
  • Digital Learning
  • Disability Pride
  • Latine Heritage
  • Law at the Library
  • Maker Lab
  • Native American Heritage
  • One Book, One Chicago
  • Poetry Month
  • Pride
  • Renaissance Project
  • ScienceConnections
  • Summer at CPL
  • Women’s History
  • YOUmedia

Language in which events are offered:

  • Arabic
  • Chinese (Simp)
  • English
  • Korean
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Chicago Public Library (CPL) events offer numerous benefits, fostering community, learning, and access to resources for all ages through free programs like story times, maker labs, tech workshops (YOUmedia), author talks, and cultural access (museum passes), promoting digital literacy, creative skills, and lifelong learning for a stronger, more connected Chicago.

For Children & Families

  • Early Literacy: Family Story Times, Little Learners, and craft activities build foundational reading skills.
  • Creative Play: Music workshops, craft kits, and playgroups encourage engagement and development.
  • Summer Programs: The "Summer at CPL" initiative offers nature themes, challenges, and prizes.

For Teens & Adults:

  • Digital & Tech Skills: Access to YOUmedia labs (3D printers, vinyl cutters, laptops) and workshops.
  • Lifelong Learning: Author events (like OBOC), film screenings, financial literacy (Money Smart), and language classes (Learn English).
  • Creative Expression: Workshops in printmaking, writing, and crafting miniature books.
  • Cultural Access: Free museum passes through the Kids Museum Passport and Explore More Illinois program, providing access to local institutions.

Community & General Benefits:

  • Free & Accessible: All events are free and open to the public, removing financial barriers to learning and fun.
  • Community Connection: Events bring diverse people together, strengthening neighborhoods and fostering a shared sense of place.
  • Empowerment: Programs offer vital life skills, from digital literacy to financial planning, empowering residents.
  • Support for Educators: "Best of the Best" events help teachers find high-quality books for curriculum needs

Pros and Cons of events:

Pros (Benefits):

  • Free & Accessible: Events are generally free, providing equal access to knowledge, culture, and entertainment for everyone in Chicago.
  • Diverse Programming: Caters to all ages with storytimes, author talks, tech workshops, movie screenings, gaming (YOUmedia), and more.
  • Skill Building & Creativity: Maker Labs (3D printing, vinyl cutting), coding classes, and digital literacy workshops help residents learn new skills.
  • Community Hub: Fosters connection, learning, and engagement for families, teens, and adults.
  • Digital Resources: Access to digital platforms like Libby (ebooks/audiobooks) and Hoopla (movies/TV) extends library benefits beyond physical locations.
  • Inclusivity: Offers online events with features like automatic transcription and live captioning requests.
  • Registration process is simple and quick,
  • There is a waitlist
  • Material are free and many finished products can be taken home.
  • Some events even have free snacks.

Cons (Challenges):

  • Crowding & Distractions: Popular events, especially at central branches like Harold Washington, can get very crowded, making focus difficult.
  • Funding Dependent: The quality and availability of cutting-edge resources (like specific Maker Lab equipment) depend on library funding.
  • Location & Hours: Access varies by branch; some smaller branches might have limited hours or fewer specialized events than the central library.
  • Event Capacity: High demand for popular events means some people might miss out if they can't get a spot
  • Events may fill up fast and therefore people who are late to search for these events have to missout.
  • As the events are free, some people register even if they do not plan to join. There are no consequences of registring and not showing up.
  • Registration process does not detect that the same person is registring for multiple events at the same time.
  • Registration process does not detect the age so adults can register for teens program and children can register for old people programs.
  • Some librarians are not good in conducting events. They focus on making their own project and do not help.
  • Some librarians register their own people, family, friends, etc. before opening the event for public.
  • Many times, the event description has no picture of finished product, their dimensions, and number of items allowed to make and take home. This impairs the decision to attend the event.