Want to be part of history? CPL is still accepting letters to America in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Letters can contain reflections, critiques, hopes and stories and will be added to CPL's permanent archival collection. Learn more: chi.gov/letterstoamerica

August’s Book of the Month is “The Nickel Boys” by @colsonwhitehead.com. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the harrowing experiences of two Black teens at an abusive reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. Place a hold: chi.gov/NickelBoys

Yesterday, we teamed up with White Sox and Xfinity to celebrate The 81 Club at CPL’s Chinatown Branch. From story times with Sam Antonacci and Drew Romo to fun with Southpaw and Harold the Owl, we read, learned and discovered. Join The 81 Club team: chi.gov/81club

Join CPL for a panel featuring authors of new memoirs including Melissa Fraterrigo, Timothy J. Hillegonds and Alex Poppe. The event will be moderated by Miles Harvey. Tuesday, August 11 6 p.m to 7 p.m. Harold Washington Library Center Learn more: chi.gov/MemoirPanel

From Gwendolyn Brooks to Eve Ewing, Chicago has always been a creative hub for writers who have redefined literature. Chapter Eight of Summer at CPL highlights the limitless stories that Chicago has to offer. Learn how to get started: chi.gov/summeratcpl

CPL's ScienceConnections is a way for kids to explore the world of STEAM in a fun and accessible way. From garden clubs to building water rockets, ScienceConnections supports science learning for kids and equips them with important skill sets. chi.gov/ScienceConnections

Let’s go, Chicago! Whether you root for the Cubs, the Sox, the Bulls or the Bears, CPL is here to celebrate all of Chicago’s sports. Explore programs highlighting your favorite Chicago teams through Chapter Seven of Summer at CPL. Get started: chi.gov/summeratcpl

More than 8,800 acres of green space make Chicago the perfect place to enjoy summer. Chapter Six of Summer at CPL celebrates the city’s nature, from community gardens to the Chicago Park District’s 600+ spaces. chi.gov/summeratcpl

Two patrons at CPL’s Manning Branch completed the adult reading challenge and got a free Summer at CPL hat! How close are you to finishing your log? Get in on the fun here: chi.gov/summeradults

From Chicago-style hot dogs and tavern-style pizza to street vendors and award-winning restaurants, Chapter Five of Summer at CPL highlights the city's vibrant food scene. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

🎆Happy 250th Birthday, America! Join CPL for a lineup of events and initiatives that amplify Chicago’s diverse stories and voices, helping all residents explore and reflect on what it means to be American. Get started: chi.gov/america250

Teens: join us for our 2026 Queer Radical Fair, a summer celebration of queerness, fashion, self-expression and community! The fair will feature a fashion show highlighting teen designs, a dance party, a photo booth and so much more! Register now chi.gov/QueerRadicalFair2026

🎧CPL’s July Book of the Month is “Chicago House Music: Culture and Community” by Marguerite L. Harrold! Learn about the icons who shaped the genre and how they transformed social and political turmoil into a worldwide phenomenon. Place a hold: chi.gov/HouseMusic

Join us for a celebration of Ted Widmer’s new book, “The Living Declaration: A Biography of America’s Founding Text,” presented by CPL, @libraryofamerica.bsky.social and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Learn more: chi.gov/TheLivingDeclaration

In response to the extreme heat, CPL is opening four locations — Harold Washington Library Center and Sulzer, Woodson and Legler Regional Libraries — as cooling centers from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3. @chicago-city.bsky.social @mayorofchicago.bsky.social

Chicago has always led the way in advancing architectural design can reach. From 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly known as the John Hancock Center) to your local library, Chapter Four of Summer at CPL highlights the city's unique design. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

CPL invites you to celebrate Disability Pride Month at your local library! All through July, CPL will host events that highlight the voices of the disabled community and their contributions, along with resources, film screenings and more! chi.gov/DisabilityPrideMonth2026

The NWS in Chicago has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday. All CPL locations are cooling centers during operational hours. To find other cooling centers, call City Services at 3-1-1 or visit 311.chicago.gov. Find a CPL location: chi.gov/locations

Start a new chapter at our Chicago Works | Chicago Volunteers fair at Harold Washington Library Center! If you’re looking for a new job or searching for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, this is the event for you. Register here: chi.gov/ChicagoWorksChicagoVolunteers

From blues to jazz to house music, Chicago’s rich music history is coming to a location near you this Summer at CPL! Whether you want to sit back and enjoy a free concert or try your hand at making your own tunes, there’s something for everyone. chi.gov/summeratcpl

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!