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.

YOUmedia Photo Mural with Project Unloaded

Join us as we take portraits with the prompt "What makes you feel safe?" We'll be collecting photographs and having students write captions for their photos, reflecting on what makes them feel safe as we enter into the holiday break and a new year. Project Unloaded ha......More

Join us as we take portraits with the prompt "What makes you feel safe?" We'll be collecting photographs and having students write captions for their photos, reflecting on what makes them feel safe as we enter into the holiday break and a new year. Project Unloaded has given us their workshop toolkit, and is encouraging discussion about what actually keeps people safe, and the ways guns often make situations more dangerous. 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.

ESL Practice: English Conversation Group

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Join our conversation group with Literacy Chicago and improve your ability to communicate. This conversation group is for people who already know some English and would l......More

Do you want to practice speaking and understanding English and improve your communications skills? Join our conversation group with Literacy Chicago and improve your ability to communicate. This conversation group is for people who already know some English and would like more practice. This group focuses on having lively discussions about current events, life in Chicago, and many other topics. Learn to be more confident in expressing yourself in English, gain conversational vocabulary, meet new people, and have fun! Please apply for enrollment at the Literacy Chicago website before attending your first session. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (312) 858-6020. ¿Quiere practicar hablar y comprender inglés y mejorar sus habilidades comunicativas? Únase a nuestro grupo de conversación con Literacy Chicago y mejore su capacidad de comunicarse. Este grupo de conversación es para personas que ya saben algo de inglés y les gustaría practicar más. Por favor solicite la inscripción en el sitio web de Literacy Chicago antes de asistir a su primera sesión. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con [email protected] o llame al (312) 858-6020. 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.

Braille Tactile Art Workshop

Braille readers unite! Join the ......More

Braille readers unite! Join the Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center and take part in a creative and inclusive workshop designed especially for visual disabled braille readers! Under the guidance of Sharon Howerton, a certified braille instructor, participants will learn how to design and make their own tactile braille work of art. Join in the fun and celebrate the season by crafting heartfelt art that can be shared with friends and loved ones. All materials will be provided. 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.

Adult Book Discussion: My Father's House

Join us for a discussion of My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor. About the book: September 1943, German forces occupy Rome. Hunger is widespread. Rumors fester. The war’s outcome is far from certain. Diplomats, refugees, and escaped Allied prisoners flee for ......More

Join us for a discussion of My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor. About the book: September 1943, German forces occupy Rome. Hunger is widespread. Rumors fester. The war’s outcome is far from certain. Diplomats, refugees, and escaped Allied prisoners flee for protection into Vatican City where a small band of unlikely friends is drawn into deadly danger as they seek to help those seeking refuge.  This event especially welcomes patrons with print disabilities. An accessible digital audiobook or braille book format is available to those who qualify via the Chicago Public Library Assistive Resources and Talking Book Center. 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.

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.

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.

ESL Book Discussion: A Christmas Carol

Are you learning English as a second language? Enjoy practicing your English reading and conversational skills with a book discussion. Join the ESL book discussion with A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In December, we will read whole book of A Christmas......More

Are you learning English as a second language? Enjoy practicing your English reading and conversational skills with a book discussion. Join the ESL book discussion with A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In December, we will read whole book of A Christmas Carol and discuss it together at a meeting. Even if you haven't finish reading, please feel free to participate. If you are interested in having a book buddy to read this book together, contact Young at [email protected] for more information. How to Attend This event is available in person and online. Attend in person Harold Washington Library Center  400 S. State Street, Chicago IL 60605 Attend online You’ll receive an email with a link to the secure Micro Teams meeting about 24 hours before the meeting. 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.

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.