Join us this summer for Destination Discovery! CPL will host story times at locations including Lincoln Park Zoo, the Field Museum and the Smart Museum of Art. Learn more: chi.gov/destinationdiscovery

From the big stages of the Chicago, Goodman and Steppenwolf theatres to smaller black box venues, Chapter Two of Summer at CPL highlights the city's theatre scene. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

Happy Father's Day! CPL invites you to celebrate by checking out these book recommendations that are perfect for this special day: chi.gov/fathersdaylist

For decades, Chicago has held Juneteenth celebrations across the city. Today, we bring you back in time to one of those special celebrations from 2002 at Rainbow Beach Park full of soul, happiness and pride. Happy Juneteenth!

This Juneteenth, Chicago Public Library officially opens a new chapter. The Obama Presidential Center Branch opens as CPL's newest location and the first public library branch to be built within a presidential center. Learn more: chi.gov/opc

Explore our first Chapter of Chicago of this year's Summer at CPL! Join this year's summer reading challenge and learn more about Chicago’s renowned art, artists and museums. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

Get FREE New York Times access (yes, including Games!) as a Chicago Public Library patron. News, recipes, podcasts, the Wordle archive — it’s all yours. Unlock your access now: chi.gov/nyt

Thanks for attending Gamer’s Universe 2026, Chicago! From competitions to cosplay, Chicago showed its love for all things gaming. Special thanks to our partners, including After School Matters and I Play Games. We can’t wait for next year’s event!

Calling all adults, we have a challenge for you! Pick up our Adult Program Guide & Log at any CPL location or print one out. Once completed, turn it in to earn a limited-edition Summer at CPL hat! Get started: Chi.gov/summeradults

To celebrate the first day of the FIFA World Cup, we thought we would bring all our soccer fans and history buffs back to 1994 when Chicago hosted the FIFA World Cup!

Teens, start your summer reading challenge by picking up your Pick 4 card! Every four activities completed earns you a raffle entry for a chance to win our Summer at CPL grand prize. Plus, you can earn a FREE Summer at CPL tote bag. Get started: chi.gov/summerteens

Gamers Universe is almost here! Join us this Saturday and take part in the biggest FREE gaming convention in Chicago. Compete in our Mario Kart tournament for a chance to win a grand prize or join our cosplay contest to show off your creativity. chi.gov/gu2026

Take part in Summer at CPL to keep your little ones on track for success! Children who complete our Summer Activity Guide can turn it in for a FREE limited-edition Summer at CPL t-shirt (while supplies last). Get started: chi.gov/summerkids

Make this summer unforgettable with Summer at CPL. This year's theme, Chapters of Chicago, celebrates the stories, sounds, flavors and creativity that define our city. Experience Chicago like you’ve never experienced it before: chipublib.org/summer

On this World Environment Day, we share these photographs from CPL's Chicago Park District Records that take you back to 1975, when Junior Laborers helped clean up Chicago’s Calumet Park.

Get ready, Chicago! Tomorrow is the Summer at CPL kicks off! Join us at Woodson, Legler and Sulzer Regional Libraries to start your summer. This year's theme is Chapters of Chicago — stop by to learn how you can start your journey. chi.gov/summeratcpl

Are you ready for our Summer at CPL Kickoffs, taking place this Saturday, June 6, at Woodson, Legler and Sulzer Regional Libraries? Here’s a sneak peek of some of the events:

CPL's June Book of the Month is "Woodworking" by @emilystjams.bsky.social. The novel follows 35-year-old Erica, a recently divorced trans woman. The story follows her unlikely friendship with a trans student as they navigate rural South Dakota. Place a hold: chi.gov/junebotm

Celebrate #PrideMonth at your local library! This month, CPL will host events, movies, resource fairs and more, all celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. To kick off the month, enjoy these photos from the 90s taken at a Pride Parade. chi.gov/pridemonth2026

Join CPL in welcoming @tempestwilliams.bsky.social to Harold Washington Library Center on Monday, June 15 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Williams will be discussing her new book "The Glorians" and her career. Learn more: chi.gov/terrytwilliams This event is co-presented by Women & Children First Bookstore.

We’re less than two weeks away from this year's American Writers Festival on June 7 at Harold Washington Library Center! Presented alongside American Writers Museum, we’ll welcome over 90 bestselling and award-winning writers. Learn more: chi.gov/awf 📸 INDIRAP Productions

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives while serving the U.S. Pictured bottom left is John A. Logan, Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, namesake of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood and founder of the first official #MemorialDay in 1868.

Do you love CPL? Are you a Chicago high school student? Apply to a paid summer teen internship for ages 16 to 19! Under the supervision of CPL staff, you will collaborate with fellow interns to assist patrons, promote reading and more. Learn more: chi.gov/teensummerinternships

Designed for those who need support navigating the digital world, DigitalLearn offers courses online and at CPL locations on email basics, finding jobs online, using video conferencing and more! No login needed. Get started for free: chi.gov/digitallearn

Don't forget to RSVP for our Summer at CPL kickoffs happening at Woodson, Legler and Sulzer Regional Libraries! We’ll have activities for all ages including the launch of this year's summer reading challenges. Happening June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. chi.gov/summeratcpl

Gamer's Universe is almost here! On June 13, CPL opens the doors of Harold Washington Library Center to hundreds of gamers to take part in daylong activities full of all things gaming and fandom including cosplay and video game tournaments. Register here: chi.gov/gu2026

CPL invites Chicagoans to write Letters to America that share reflections, hopes and stories rooted in Chicago experiences. This initiative commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and creates space for civic reflection and storytelling. chi.gov/letterstoamerica

Submit your book for a chance to win a cash prize! We’re looking for the best adult and YA fiction and memoirs by Illinois self- and indie-published authors for our Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project contest. Learn more: chi.gov/stbf

#HappyMothersDay! 💐 Moms, your care and support help CPL thrive. Because of you, we get to welcome the next generation of readers into our spaces and introduce them to their lifelong learning journeys. Thank you for all that you do!

“This is where I belong, where I feel comfortable in my expertise.” CPL’s Mariella Colon has been named to @libraryjournal.bsky.social's 2026 Movers & Shakers list in the Community Builders category. As a Librarian, her work focuses on making stories come to life. chi.gov/moversshakers2026

The American Writers Festival will return to Harold Washington Library Center on June 7. In partnership with American Writers Museum, this free event features more than 90 bestselling and award-winning writers. Learn more: chi.gov/awf 📸 INDIRAP Productions

Did you know that Cinco de Mayo isn’t the same as Mexican Independence Day? Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Outside of Mexico, it’s a day that celebrates Mexican American heritage and culture. Want to learn more? chi.gov/cincodemayo

Chicago Public Library is pleased to welcome historian and activist @scottkurashige.bsky.social to Harold Washington Library Center on May 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to discuss his new book, "American Peril: The Violent History Of Anti-Asian Racism." Learn more: chi.gov/scottkurashige

Food. Play. Music. All in one day. We’re kicking off Summer at CPL across the city on June 6 with three unforgettable events. Join us for activities, giveaways and family-friendly experiences inspired by this year’s theme, Chapters of Chicago. RSVP: chi.gov/summeratcpl

CPL’s Book of the Month for May is “Blob” by @litmagreject.bsky.social, which follows Vi, a young woman who finds a sentient blob that she molds into her ideal boyfriend. However, Vi learns that (literally) shaping the perfect partner comes with trouble. Place a hold: chi.gov/readblob

CPL invites you to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month! This year's theme is "Preserving Legacies, Building Futures.” All month, we’ll explore stories of AANHPI communities who have faced adversity with resilience that continues to impact future generations. chi.gov/aanhpi2026

Calling all gamers! Gamer’s Universe, Chicago’s largest free, teen-led gaming convention, is back on June 13. From cosplay to competitions, there’s something for every type of gamer. All ages welcome! Register now: chi.gov/gu2026

A CPL card? For spring? Groundbreaking.

Another year, another great Poetry Fest! Check out some special moments from the day including workshops, readings and our keynote with Chicago’s newest Poet Laureate, Mayda del Valle.

Celebrate Short Story Month at Chicago Public Library with a panel discussion featuring authors Yasmina Din Madden, Abby Geni, Barry Pearce and Cynthia Pelayo. The panel will take place on Monday, May 11 at Harold Washington Library Center. Learn more: chi.gov/shortstorymonth

To mark National Library Week, "Say More" invites Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown to share what he loves the most about libraries. Brown says the city is doing more to get young people using libraries. He also shares his favorite library branch.

Having a CPL card shows the world how vital and important libraries are. Help CPL thrive today and for future generations this #TakeActionForLibrariesDay How can you support? 1) Visit your local library 2) Get your library card 3) Start using your new library card!

Applications are now open for the Artist Alley at this year’s Gamer’s Universe, taking place Saturday, June 13 at Harold Washington Library Center. Get your work in front of hundreds of gamers across Chicago – with no tabling fee. Learn more: chi.gov/artistalley

Which one is he reading? 🤔

Find your joy with the Chicago Public Library this National Library Week! Thank you to the hardworking @chipublib.bsky.social employees who keep our libraries running and provide essential services to Chicagoans in every neighborhood.

Every day, CPL staff work together to serve their communities. In honor of National Library Workers Day, we invite you to join us in championing CPL staff by shouting out the workers who have made a positive impact on your library experience in the responses below!

On this #RightToReadDay, CPL encourages you to protect books at risk of being banned. On September 21, 2022, CPL officially became a Book Sanctuary, furthering our mission to create safe reading spaces for patrons across Chicago's 77 neighborhoods.

Show your appreciation for your local CPL location this #NationalLibraryWeek! Whether you have built a community through CPL's events or discovered your favorite book through CPL, let us know your favorite CPL memory below. 🦉📚

Discover why VICE News calls the expansion of The 81 Club “a seismic shift that could potentially change the course of thousands of lives” here: chi.gov/vice @mayorofchicago.bsky.social @chipubschools.bsky.social

Today we celebrate the legacy and birthday of Harold Washington, Chicago's first Black mayor and the namesake of CPL's central library. Enjoy these photos of the former Mayor’s birthdays. 🎂 Press greeting Harold Washington for his birthday, April 15, 1986 (📸 Michelle V. Agins)