Open Shop

Drop in during Open Shop to: Get a brief software overview Find out how we can help with your project Check out what people are making Use a laser cutter, electronic cutter, 3D printer, sewing machine, hot glue guns, and your creativity. Would you rather join a......More

Drop in during Open Shop to: Get a brief software overview Find out how we can help with your project Check out what people are making Use a laser cutter, electronic cutter, 3D printer, sewing machine, hot glue guns, and your creativity. Would you rather join a class? Try one of our scheduled workshops. Can't make it to Open Shop but would like assistance? Fill out an Ask a Maker form. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Sewing Hour

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 projects from home, and bouncing aro......More

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 projects from home, and bouncing around ideas related to all things textile art!  All sewing materials will be provided! Participants are also encouraged to bring clothing and materials from home, if desired. Sewing certification is also available during sewing hour. To use sewing machines independently in YOUmedia, teens must complete one short class that the covers the basics on threading your machine and stitching fabric. For high school teens ages 13 to 19 Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

All CPL Locations Closed Thursday, December 25

All CPL locations are closed Thursday, December 25 for Christmas Day.

YOUmedia Teen Recording Studio Certification

Want to reserve the YOUmedia HWLC Recording Studio? First, you have to get certified! Register for an introduction to sound recording, Garageband, equipment setup, saving and exporting audio files. After the certification, you can reserve the recording studio and work......More

Want to reserve the YOUmedia HWLC Recording Studio? First, you have to get certified! Register for an introduction to sound recording, Garageband, equipment setup, saving and exporting audio files. After the certification, you can reserve the recording studio and work on your projects independently. For High School teens 14 to 18. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Latin American Authors Book Club: Our Lady of the Night

Are you interested in reading books by international authors? Join the Latin American Authors Book Club. Each month, you will experience a variety of literature written by contemporary Latin American authors. This month's title is ......More

Are you interested in reading books by international authors? Join the Latin American Authors Book Club. Each month, you will experience a variety of literature written by contemporary Latin American authors. This month's title is Our Lady of the Night by Mayra Santos-Febres from Puerto Rico. Born into poverty and abandoned by her mother, Isabel "La Negra" Luberza rises into a determined and sensual woman. Driven to gain aristocratic status, she meets Fernando Fornarís, who changes her life. Gifted land by her wealthy lover, Isabel becomes a ruthless businesswoman. Abandoning her newborn son to become Puerto Rico’s most feared madam and powerful figure. How to Attend This event is available in person and online. Attend in person at the Harold Washington Library Center, 8th floor, room 8S-14. Attend online via Microsoft Teams Only one registration per household is needed. You’ll receive an email with a link to the secure Teams meeting about 24 hours before. Questions about attending online events? Check out our Events FAQs. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

DIY Squiggle Painting

Join us in YOUmedia to create unique squiggle paintings. No art skills needed! We'll provide all of the materials for you to create artwork of your own to take home. For high school teens 13-19. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility......More

Join us in YOUmedia to create unique squiggle paintings. No art skills needed! We'll provide all of the materials for you to create artwork of your own to take home. For high school teens 13-19. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

English Class for Beginners With Erie House/Clases de Inglés Para Principiantes con La Casa Erie

Join us in the Popular Library at the Harold Washington Library Center for an English language class led by Erie House. In each class, you will learn basic English and about the library's English study resources such as ......More

Join us in the Popular Library at the Harold Washington Library Center for an English language class led by Erie House. In each class, you will learn basic English and about the library's English study resources such as Cell-Ed.  Erie House is a modern social service nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Son invitados a tomar una clase de inglés dirigida por un maestro de Erie House en la Popular Library en el primer piso de la Biblioteca Harold Washington. En cada clase aprenderá inglés básico y cómo usar recursos tales como Cell-Ed. Erie House es una organización comunitaria sin fines de lucro comprometida con el bienestar de las familias. Provee programas para niños, jóvenes, adultos y familias. Ofrece recursos sobre la salud mental y bienestar communitario, educación y entrenamiento para adultos, servicios legales, y más. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Accesibilidad ¿Necesitas interpretación en lenguaje de señas u otro tipo de ayuda de accesibilidad para este evento? Comunícate por teléfono al (312) 747-8184 o por correo electrónico [email protected] para solicitar adaptaciones. Las solicitudes se deben hacer como mínimo 14 días hábiles antes del evento.

Knit Together

Join experienced needleworker Adriana Reyneri for a beginner-friendly knitting and crochet group. Bring your own projects or challenge yourself to start something new. Materials will be provided by the library. Note: this is a drop-in program, no registration is requi......More

Join experienced needleworker Adriana Reyneri for a beginner-friendly knitting and crochet group. Bring your own projects or challenge yourself to start something new. Materials will be provided by the library. Note: this is a drop-in program, no registration is required. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Open Shop

Drop in during Open Shop to: Get a brief software overview Find out how we can help with your project Check out what people are making Use a laser cutter, electronic cutter, 3D printer, sewing machine, hot glue guns, and your creativity. Would you rather join a......More

Drop in during Open Shop to: Get a brief software overview Find out how we can help with your project Check out what people are making Use a laser cutter, electronic cutter, 3D printer, sewing machine, hot glue guns, and your creativity. Would you rather join a class? Try one of our scheduled workshops. Can't make it to Open Shop but would like assistance? Fill out an Ask a Maker form. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Sewing Hour

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 projects from home, and bouncing aro......More

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 projects from home, and bouncing around ideas related to all things textile art!  All sewing materials will be provided! Participants are also encouraged to bring clothing and materials from home, if desired. Sewing certification is also available during sewing hour. To use sewing machines independently in YOUmedia, teens must complete one short class that the covers the basics on threading your machine and stitching fabric. For high school teens ages 13 to 19 Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Sing in the New Year Karaoke

Say goodbye to 2025 and sing in the New Year with your favorite tunes! We have the equipment; all we need is your voice. We'll be kicking off this event with a noon-for-midnight countdown.  Recommended for families with kids 3 to 14. Accessibility Need sign language......More

Say goodbye to 2025 and sing in the New Year with your favorite tunes! We have the equipment; all we need is your voice. We'll be kicking off this event with a noon-for-midnight countdown.  Recommended for families with kids 3 to 14. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

All CPL Locations Closed Thursday, January 1

All CPL locations will be closed on Thursday, January 1 for New Year's Day.

Grab and Go: Cyanotype Kit

Capture all the sun you can this winter with this cyanotype kit! Cyanotype is an early photographic printing process in which paper is coated with light-sensitive chemicals. When objects are placed on the paper and exposed to sunlight, a blue image forms. Rinsing the......More

Capture all the sun you can this winter with this cyanotype kit! Cyanotype is an early photographic printing process in which paper is coated with light-sensitive chemicals. When objects are placed on the paper and exposed to sunlight, a blue image forms. Rinsing the paper in water develops the print by washing away unexposed chemicals. This grab and go kit is available at the 8th floor reference desk for the month of January or while supplies last. Image provided by CPL. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event