Events

Crosstown Exotics is a reptile and bug show that travels throughout Chicagoland providing hands-on, educational entertainment. Our lineup of prehistoric creatures consists of a mixture of reptiles, amphibians and bugs from African Giant…

Join instructor Peyton Wilson to learn the basics of improv. Improvisation sessions will begin with fun, lively and interactive warm-ups leading into concepts and performance games. Participants should expect to be on their feet for…

Join us to celebrate CPL's 150th birthday with various hands-on crafts, giant games, snacks and more. For families with kids of all ages. 

Acompáñenos para celebrar el 150º cumpleaños de la Biblioteca Pública de Chicago con…

Families will be able to apply in person and verify enrollment at Altgeld Branch for preschool application support with CPS Pre-K enrollment. Meet Deiquita Goggins and Monique Horton in Study Room 1 to help you and your family…

Join the Soulful Perspectives book club to discuss A Knock at Midnight by Brittany K. Barnett.

"Brittany K. Barnett was only a law student when she came across the case that would change her life forever--that of Sharanda…

Sam Bartlett entertains and educates in the fabulous world of subversive science he calls “Stuntology.” Watch and learn a wonderful assortment of parlor tricks, tweaking your body and brain! 

For all ages.

How to Attend This event…

Kick off Summer at CPL and celebrate Chicago Public Library's 150th Birthday! Sign-up for Summer at CPL, make a craft, join us for a special birthday story time, test out some of our tech in the teen space, pet some…

Practice your American Mahjong game with other players at the Roden Branch. All levels of play are welcome, a basic knowledge of the game is needed. No registration is necessary.

How to Attend This event takes place in person. Masks are…

Join Ms. Alejandra for a very special birthday themed story time to celebrate CPL's 150th birthday and the kickoff for Summer! Enjoy stories, songs, flannel board activities, action rhymes and more.

For families with children ages 3 to…

Kick off Summer at CPL and celebrate Chicago Public Library's 150th Birthday! Sign-up for Summer at CPL, see some live animals, enjoy hotdogs and cupcakes, win prizes playing loteria and meet some of our many community organizations. All…

Please join photographers Melvin Cade Jr, Tafari Melisizwe, and Sulyiman Stokes at our 150th celebration and have your photo or family photo taken.

Melvin Cade, Jr is a film photographer based in Chicago focused primarily on black and white…

Set to the beat of Latin music with a dash of electro-swing, La Vuelta Ensemble seeks to celebrate the power and strength of community through juggling, acrobatics and humor. Includes a memorable aerial act.

For all ages.

How to AttendThis…

With humor and warmth, Bill Hooper’s music educates and delights children from toddlers to early primary. All songs are interactive, encouraging audience participation. Songs about nature, feelings and adventures will resonate with young…

Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) sings songs for kids and families that are fun, energetic and interactive. Ann also plays guitar, drum beats and adds backing tracks to her concerts. Her songs about letting your light shine within yourself,…

The College Access Workshop allows teens' to discuss their future after high school and what options they have for college. Look into different scholarships and funds that are available to students. Also, other options that are outside of…

FOAM PARTY!!!! It's a cross between a pool party and a bubble bath, without the pool or bathtub. Join us for billions of bubbles to play in and dance tunes to rock out to—the ultimate summer experience! The bubbles are eco-friendly and…

Join puppet master Ivory Lee as he shares stories with his friends in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Chicago Public Library. 

How to AttendThis event takes place in person. Masks are strongly encouraged in all CPL…

Join us in celebrating CPL's 150 years of service at our family friendly street party. There will be activities for all ages

Please join us for a fun family concert featuring students from the School Of Rock-Glenbrook. 

For ages 5 and up. 

How to AttendThis event takes place in person. Masks are strongly encouraged in all CPL locations. Questions…

Please join us for a photography workshop inspired by Japanese photographer Akito Tsuda's photo documentation of the Pilsen neighborhood in the 1990s. This one-hour photographic workshop lead by Carol Neal will guide you along the…