Chicago Public Library Catalog: Search Books & Media Online

Go to catalog.chipublib.org. The main search bar is front and center. Type in a title, author name, keyword, subject, or ISBN. Press Enter or click the search icon to see results.

Filter your results. Use the left sidebar to narrow results by format (book, eBook, audiobook, DVD, CD, magazine), language, availability (items on shelf now), branch location, audience (adult, teen, children), and publication year.

Check availability. Click on any title to see its full record. The availability section shows which branches have copies, whether they are on shelf or checked out, and expected return dates for checked-out items.

Place a hold. Click “Place a Hold” and log in with your CPL card number and PIN. Choose your preferred pickup branch. You will be notified by email or text when the item is ready for pickup.

Community Reviews & Ratings

BiblioCommons allows library patrons to rate items on a 5-star scale and write reviews. You can see what other CPL cardholders think about a book before borrowing it. Community-generated content helps you discover hidden gems and avoid disappointing reads.

Shelves & Reading Lists

Create personal shelves to organize items you want to read, are currently reading, or have completed. Share your lists publicly or keep them private. Browse staff-curated lists for reading recommendations organized by genre, theme, season, or age group.

Similar Title Recommendations

Every catalog record includes a “Similar Titles” section that suggests related items based on subject, genre, and reading level. This is one of the best ways to discover your next read when you know what you liked previously.

Account Management

View your checked-out items, due dates, holds, fines, and borrowing history all in one place. Renew items online (up to 5 renewals if no one is waiting). Update your email, phone, and notification preferences. Manage up to 50 active holds simultaneously.

Placing a Hold Online

Search for the item in the catalog, click “Place a Hold,” log in with your card number and PIN, and select your pickup branch. CPL will pull the item from the nearest available branch and transfer it to your location. You can hold up to 50 items at once. Holds are completely free.

Hold Pickup & Notifications

When your hold arrives at your chosen branch, you receive an email, text, or phone notification (your preference). Items are held for 7 days from notification. Pick up at the holds shelf near the circulation desk. If you cannot pick up in time, the item goes to the next person in the queue.

Requesting Purchase of New Items

Cannot find a title in the CPL catalog? Submit a purchase suggestion online or at any branch. CPL's collection development team reviews all requests and frequently adds suggested titles. Popular requests for new releases, bestsellers, and community-relevant materials are prioritized.

Renewals & Returns

Renew items online through your account, by phone at 312-747-4300, or at any branch. Most items can be renewed up to 5 times unless another patron has placed a hold. The standard loan period is 21 days for books and 7 days for DVDs. Return items to any CPL branch, regardless of where you checked them out.

Use Quotation Marks for Exact Phrases

Searching for “the great gatsby” with quotes returns only results with that exact phrase, eliminating irrelevant matches. Without quotes, you get results containing any of those words in any order.

Filter by “Available Now”

Need something to read today? After searching, check the “Available Now” filter on the left sidebar. Then filter by your nearest branch to find items currently sitting on the shelf waiting for you.

Browse Staff Picks & Curated Lists

CPL librarians create curated reading lists organized by theme, genre, season, and audience. Find these on the catalog homepage or by searching for “staff picks.” Great for discovering new titles recommended by experts.

Search by ISBN or Call Number

For the most precise search, enter the ISBN (13-digit number on the book’s barcode) directly into the search bar. You can also search by Dewey Decimal call number if you know it. Both methods return exact matches instantly.

How do I search the Chicago Public Library catalog online?

Visit catalog.chipublib.org to access the CPL online catalog powered by BiblioCommons. Enter a title, author, keyword, or ISBN in the search bar. Filter results by format, language, branch location, and availability. No library card is needed to search, but you need a valid CPL card to place holds or access digital resources.

Can I reserve books online at Chicago Public Library?

Yes. Log into your CPL account at catalog.chipublib.org with your library card number and PIN. Search for the item, click “Place a Hold,” and choose your pickup branch. You can have up to 50 active holds. Items are held for 7 days after notification. Holds are free.

What digital resources does CPL offer through the catalog?

CPL provides free access to eBooks and audiobooks through Libby (OverDrive) and Hoopla, streaming movies via Kanopy, digital magazines through Flipster, newspapers through PressReader, and learning courses through LinkedIn Learning. All digital resources are free with a valid CPL library card.

How do I request an interlibrary loan through CPL?

Visit any CPL branch and ask a librarian to submit an ILL request, or call 312-747-4300. ILL requests are free and typically fulfilled within 1–4 weeks. CPL borrows from library systems across Illinois and nationwide.

Do I need a library card to use the CPL catalog?

You can search and browse the CPL catalog without a library card. However, you need a valid Chicago Public Library card to place holds, check out items, access digital resources, and use research databases. CPL cards are free for all Chicago residents. Apply online or at any branch with a photo ID and proof of address.