Chicago Public Library Events & Programs 2026
The Chicago Public Library (CPL) is far more than a place to borrow books. With 81 branches across the city, CPL hosts thousands of free events every year — from nationally recognized author talks at Harold Washington Library Center to neighborhood story times, coding workshops, music recording sessions, and civic forums. Every event is completely free and open to the public. Whether you are a parent looking for children's programming, a job seeker needing digital skills training, a book lover wanting to join a discussion group, or a teen interested in music production, CPL has a program designed for you. This guide covers every type of event CPL offers, how to find and register for programs, the best events happening this season, and which branches have the most robust programming calendars.
Types of Chicago Public Library Events
CPL organizes events across a wide range of categories to serve Chicago's diverse communities. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the major event types offered across the system in 2026:
Book Clubs & Reading Groups
CPL runs dozens of book clubs across its branches, covering fiction, non-fiction, mystery, sci-fi, romance, graphic novels, and Spanish-language titles. Many branches have their own unique book club that meets monthly. The system-wide One Book, One Chicago program selects a single title each year for city-wide reading and discussion, with events at multiple branches and a keynote by the author at Harold Washington.
STEM & Maker Programs
CPL's maker spaces offer hands-on workshops in 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, sewing machine use, and electronics prototyping. STEM programs for kids and teens include robotics clubs, coding workshops (Scratch, Python, HTML), science experiments, and math tutoring. The Maker Lab at Harold Washington is the flagship maker space with the most equipment and scheduled classes.
Children's Story Times
Every CPL branch offers weekly story time programs organized by age group: Baby Story Time (0–2 years), Toddler Time (2–3 years), and Preschool Story Time (3–5 years). These interactive sessions include read-alouds, songs, finger plays, and simple crafts. No registration required at most branches — just show up. School-age programs (6–12) include after-school homework help, reading challenges, and arts and crafts.
Teen Programs (YOUmedia)
CPL's YOUmedia program, based at Harold Washington Library Center and available at select branches, is a nationally recognized teen digital media program. Teens can access professional music recording studios, video production equipment, graphic design workstations, gaming stations, and mentorship from working artists and technologists. YOUmedia also hosts spoken word nights, art exhibitions, and college prep workshops.
Technology & Digital Literacy
The CyberNavigator program provides free one-on-one and group technology assistance at branches citywide. Classes cover computer basics, internet safety, email, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, smartphone skills, social media, online job applications, and video conferencing. Advanced workshops include coding bootcamps, data literacy, web design, and digital photography. All classes are free and open to all ages.
Author Talks & Literary Events
CPL hosts nationally and internationally renowned authors throughout the year for readings, discussions, and book signings. The Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at Harold Washington is the primary venue for major author events, seating 385 people. Past speakers have included Pulitzer Prize winners, bestselling novelists, acclaimed poets, and prominent journalists. Most author events are free; registration may be required for popular speakers.
Career & Job Search Help
CPL offers free career development resources including resume writing workshops, interview preparation classes, job fair events, LinkedIn profile optimization, and access to online career training platforms (Lynda.com/LinkedIn Learning, Coursera). Select branches host regular WorkForce Center partnerships providing job counseling and placement assistance. GED preparation and college application workshops are also available.
Cultural & Community Events
CPL celebrates Chicago's cultural diversity with programming for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, and other cultural observances. Events include live music performances, film screenings, panel discussions, art exhibitions, food and culture events, and community conversations. Branches in diverse neighborhoods often host programming in Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and other languages.
CPL Events by the Numbers
How to Find & Register for CPL Events
Chicago Public Library makes it easy to discover events across all 81 branches. Here are the best ways to find and sign up for programs:
CPL Website Event Calendar. Visit chipublib.org/events to browse the full event calendar. Filter by date range, branch location, age group (babies, kids, teens, adults, seniors), and category (book clubs, technology, arts, career, etc.). Each listing includes time, location, description, and registration link if applicable.
CPL Email Newsletter. Subscribe to the weekly CPL newsletter on the website to receive curated event highlights directly in your inbox. You can customize by branch and interest area to get only the events most relevant to you.
Social Media. Follow @chipublib on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) for real-time event announcements, last-minute additions, and live coverage of major events. Individual branches also maintain their own social media accounts.
In-Branch Flyers and Bulletin Boards. Every CPL branch posts upcoming events on bulletin boards near the entrance and circulation desk. Printed monthly event calendars are typically available at the desk. Ask a librarian for recommendations based on your interests.
CPL Mobile App. The Chicago Public Library mobile app (available for iOS and Android) includes an events section where you can browse, filter, and register for programs on your phone. Enable push notifications to get alerts for new events at your favorite branches.
Registration Tip: Most CPL events are drop-in and do not require registration. However, popular events like major author talks, limited-capacity workshops (coding bootcamps, maker space sessions), and some children's programs do require advance registration. Register early — popular events can fill up within days of being posted. If an event is full, ask to be added to the waitlist.
Best CPL Events This Season (Spring 2026)
Here are some of the most popular and highly anticipated CPL events and programs running in spring 2026:
One Book, One Chicago
CPL's signature city-wide reading program selects one book for all of Chicago to read and discuss together. Events include branch-level discussion groups, a keynote author event at Harold Washington, themed film screenings, and community conversations. The 2026 spring selection will be announced in April. Free copies available at all branches while supplies last.
Summer Learning Challenge
Running June through August, CPL's Summer Learning Challenge encourages kids, teens, and adults to read, explore, and learn throughout the summer. Participants earn prizes for completing reading and activity milestones. Thousands of Chicagoans participate annually. Registration opens in late May at all branches and online.
Maker Lab Open House
The Maker Lab at Harold Washington hosts monthly open house events where anyone can tour the facility, try out equipment (3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC machines), and talk with staff about upcoming workshops. No reservation needed for open house days. Regular maker workshops require registration and are offered weekly.
Author Talk Series
The spring author talk series at Harold Washington brings prominent writers to the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium for readings, discussions, and book signings. Past guests have included National Book Award winners and New York Times bestselling authors. Events are free but registration is strongly recommended due to limited seating (385 seats).
Events by Branch: Top CPL Locations
While every CPL branch offers programming, some locations stand out for the depth and variety of their event calendars. Here are the top branches for events:
| Branch | Neighborhood | Event Highlights | Special Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harold Washington (HWL) | The Loop | Major author talks, film series, cultural celebrations, maker workshops, One Book One Chicago keynotes | 385-seat auditorium, Maker Lab, YOUmedia, recording studio |
| Sulzer Regional | Lincoln Square | Book clubs, ESL classes, children's programs, community meetings, concerts | 100-seat community room, meeting rooms, outdoor garden |
| Woodson Regional | Washington Heights | Black History Month events, author talks, community forums, teen programs, music events | 150-seat auditorium, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection |
| Chinatown Branch | Chinatown | Lunar New Year celebrations, bilingual story times, cultural workshops, tai chi classes | Modern meeting rooms, bilingual collections |
| Independence Branch | Irving Park | STEM workshops, children's programs, adult education, community film nights | State-of-the-art conference rooms, teen space |
| Bezazian Branch | Uptown | Diverse cultural events, ESL programs, refugee services, community conversations | Historic building, community room, tech lab |
| Logan Square Branch | Logan Square | Bilingual programs, local author readings, kids crafts, community art projects | Community room, children's area, outdoor space |
Family & Kids Programming at CPL
Chicago Public Library offers some of the most comprehensive free children's programming of any public library system in the country. Every branch has dedicated children's programming, and most offer multiple weekly sessions organized by age group.
Baby Story Time (Ages 0–2)
Interactive sessions featuring board books, nursery rhymes, simple songs, and movement activities designed for babies and their caregivers. Sessions last 20–30 minutes and are typically held weekly. A great way for new parents to socialize while introducing babies to language and reading. No registration required.
Toddler Time (Ages 2–3)
Energetic story time sessions with picture books, action songs, finger plays, and simple crafts. Sessions are 30 minutes and encourage toddlers to develop listening skills, following directions, and social interaction with peers. Held weekly at most branches. Drop-in; no registration needed.
Preschool Story Time (Ages 3–5)
Longer story time sessions (30–45 minutes) featuring picture books, interactive stories, songs, letter recognition activities, and craft projects. Designed to build kindergarten readiness skills including listening, vocabulary, and fine motor skills. Offered weekly at all branches.
School-Age Programs (Ages 6–12)
After-school and weekend programs including homework help, STEM experiments, coding workshops (Scratch, Code.org), arts and crafts, Lego building challenges, reading challenges, chess clubs, and the popular Read to a Therapy Dog program where kids practice reading aloud to a certified therapy animal. Available at most branches.
Summer Learning Challenge: CPL's biggest annual event for kids runs June through August. Children earn prizes and incentives for reading books, attending library programs, and completing learning activities. Over 100,000 Chicago kids participate each year. Registration opens in late May at all branches and online at chipublib.org.
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Free Technology Classes at CPL
Chicago Public Library's technology education programs are among the most comprehensive of any public library system in the US. Through the CyberNavigator program and the Maker Lab, CPL provides free digital skills training ranging from absolute beginner to advanced levels.
Beginner Computer Classes
Computer basics, mouse and keyboard skills, Windows navigation, file management, internet browsing, email setup and usage, and introduction to word processing. Perfect for seniors and adults with limited computer experience. One-on-one help sessions also available by appointment at most branches.
Office & Productivity Software
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides. Classes cover document creation, spreadsheet basics, presentation design, cloud storage, and collaboration tools. Essential skills for job seekers and professionals.
Coding & Web Development
Introduction to HTML/CSS, Python, JavaScript, and Scratch (for kids). Multi-session coding bootcamps run quarterly at Harold Washington and select branches. No prior experience needed. Participants use library computers; no personal equipment required.
Maker Lab Workshops
3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, CNC routing, sewing machines, electronics prototyping, and screen printing. The Maker Lab at Harold Washington offers scheduled workshops and open lab hours. Orientation session required before using equipment independently. All materials provided free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chicago Public Library events free?
Yes. All Chicago Public Library events and programs are completely free and open to the public. This includes book clubs, author talks, technology workshops, children's story times, teen programs, job search assistance, ESL classes, and community cultural events. No library card is required to attend most events, though some workshops with limited capacity may require advance registration.
How do I find and register for CPL events?
Visit chipublib.org/events to browse the full event calendar. Filter by date, branch, age group, and category. Click on any event for details and registration if required. You can also subscribe to the CPL email newsletter, follow @chipublib on social media, or check in-branch bulletin boards for upcoming events.
What types of events does Chicago Public Library offer?
CPL offers book clubs, author talks, children's story times (ages 0–12), teen programs (YOUmedia), adult technology classes (CyberNavigator), ESL and citizenship prep, job search workshops, cultural celebrations, film screenings, live music, maker space workshops (3D printing, laser cutting), coding bootcamps, and community conversations.
Does CPL offer technology classes for beginners?
Yes. CPL's CyberNavigator program provides free technology classes at branches citywide. Classes cover computer basics, internet navigation, email, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, smartphone skills, social media, and online job applications. One-on-one help sessions are also available. Advanced workshops include coding, 3D printing, video editing, and podcast production.
What children's programs does Chicago Public Library offer?
CPL offers Baby Story Time (ages 0–2), Toddler Time (ages 2–3), Preschool Story Time (ages 3–5), after-school programs (ages 6–12), Summer Learning Challenge (June–August), STEAM workshops, arts and crafts, homework help, Read to a Therapy Dog, and special holiday events. All children's programs are free and most do not require registration.
Which CPL branches have the most events?
Harold Washington Library Center hosts the most events overall, including major author talks and cultural celebrations. Sulzer Regional Library has extensive community programming. Woodson Regional Library is the hub for South Side events. The Chinatown Branch and Independence Branch also offer robust calendars. Check chipublib.org/events filtered by your preferred branch for current listings.