Events

Neurodiverse teens from PACTT (Parents Allied with Children and Teachers for Tomorrow), hang out for teen time activities, like crafts, coloring and/or painting, games and Legos.

For teens 13 and up.

AccessibilityNeed sign language…

Join us every Tuesday to sample our technological offerings. We have a 3D printer, vinyl cutter, laptops and a Nintendo Switch for gaming and even musical instruments! We also have card games, board games and pen and paper roleplaying…

Drop in for tabletop and video gaming any time between 3-5pm. Come solo or bring a friend, bring your own game or use one of ours! 

For teens 13 to 18.

AccessibilityNeed sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance…

Come to Near North every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-5pm for games, crafts, and good old fashioned hanging out!

ACCESSIBILITY

Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event?Please call (312)…

Whether gaming, learning new tech, or just vibing, we’ve got you covered. Join us Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Want to learn or brush up on your American Sign Language skills? Join the Thurgood Marshall Branch for this weekly virtual class. All levels of learners are welcome. Participation is required in this class.

For adults, teens, tweens…

Come in and explore what programs and applications we have on our Teen Laps.

Work on assignments, write up that poem, song, rap that you have been thinking about, design some artwork, research or complete a business plan.

This lab will be…

Come hang out at the library every Tuesday! We’ll have video games including NBA2k26 and Mario Kart, board games, painting, DIY crafts like keychain making, snacks, and whatever else we’re feeling that week.

No pressure, no experience…

Join us for an engaging afternoon with tweens and teens exploring media, technology, gaming and hands-on activities. Snacks and supplies will be provided.

For teens ages 13 to 18.

AccessibilityNeed sign language…

Join Bessie Coleman Branch with a screening of Lilo & Stitch.A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, “Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who…

Curious about sewing accessories, clothes, or plushies? Interested in learning to use a sewing machine or upgrading your skills? Join a librarian in experimenting with different fabrics, mending rips and holes in clothes, working on…

Learn to use the sewing machine by sewing a simple bookmark. Once certified, you can walk in and use the machine on your own. Certification is limited to 2 people. Unregistered participants may observe and complete certification later.

For…

Celebrate National Library Workers' Day with a craft!

Make a mini book keychain of your favorite book from the 2025 Teen Best Reads booklist! The books on this booklist were chosen by teens just like you who interned at the Chicago Public…

Zines are easy-to-make mini-pamphlets or magazines about anything you want! Want a place to print your poetry collection? Eager to share a how-to guide on your favorite skill? Drop into YOUmedia to make your own zine.

For teens and…

Drop in after school and join us for Teen Craft Tuesdays! Every week, we'll do a different craft on Tuesdays after school. Come in and relax, get creative, and make something to take home! All materials will be provided.

Discover the…

Are you a longtime chess player looking to hone your skills? How about a beginner trying to get their feet wet? Players of all skill levels are welcome to play chess, watch others, and study the game with their fellow enthusiasts.

Join us to make your own bubble tea and discuss your favorite manga!For teens in high school. AccessibilityNeed sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email…

Let’s celebrate National Poetry Month and create some poems of our own! Blackout poetry is an easy exercise that can result in a beautiful work of art.

For participants ages 13-18.  AccessibilityNeed sign language…

Do you like writing, whether you write fiction or non-fiction, poetry or song? If so, this creative writing group is for you! We know that writing is a passion, and if you are passionate about writing, join us as we virtually share our work…

Do you enjoy creating, gaming, listening to music and trying new things? Bring your friends and/or make new ones while you hang out, geek out and mess around!

Explore, learn and create together with different activities, games and…