Chicago Public Library

The American Writers Festival will return to Harold Washington Library Center on June 7. In partnership with @AWMuseum, this free event features more than 90 bestselling and award-winning writers. Learn more: chi.gov/awf 📸 INDIRAP Productions

Did you know that Cinco de Mayo isn’t the same as Mexican Independence Day? Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Outside of Mexico, it’s a day that celebrates Mexican American heritage and culture. Want to learn more? chi.gov/cincodemayo

Chicago Public Library is pleased to welcome historian and activist @scottkurashige to Harold Washington Library Center on May 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to discuss his new book, "American Peril: The Violent History Of Anti-Asian Racism." Learn more: chi.gov/scottkurashige

Food. Play. Music. All in one day. We’re kicking off Summer at CPL across the city on June 6 with three unforgettable events. Join us for activities, giveaways and family-friendly experiences inspired by this year’s theme, Chapters of Chicago. RSVP: chi.gov/summeratcpl

CPL’s Book of the Month for May is “Blob” by Maggie Su, which follows Vi, a young woman who finds a sentient blob that she molds into her ideal boyfriend. However, Vi learns that (literally) shaping the perfect partner comes with trouble. Place a hold: chi.gov/readblob

CPL invites you to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month! This year's theme is "Preserving Legacies, Building Futures.” All month, we’ll explore stories of AANHPI communities who have faced adversity with resilience that continues to impact future generations. chi.gov/aanhpi2026

Explore the fun side of science with our ScienceConnections events for kids 7 to 13 that support learning through a variety of fun projects relating to science, technology, engineering and math. Learn how to attend: chi.gov/sciconnections

A CPL card? For spring? Groundbreaking.

Calling all gamers! Gamer’s Universe, Chicago’s largest free, teen-led gaming convention, is back on June 13. From cosplay to competitions, there’s something for every type of gamer. All ages welcome! Register now: chi.gov/gu2026

Another year, another great Poetry Fest! Check out some special moments from the day including workshops, readings and our keynote with Chicago’s newest Poet Laureate, Mayda del Valle.

It was a night to remember at Doc10 with Henry Winkler and THE LIBRARIANS! Henry joined us, alongside director Kim A. Snyder, CPL Commissioner Chris Brown, librarian Martha Hickson, & State Sen. Laura Murphy, to discuss the importance of reading and free speech following the screening of the vital documentary about librarians on the front lines of battles over the First Amendment.

Celebrate Short Story Month at Chicago Public Library with a panel discussion featuring authors Yasmina Din Madden, Abby Geni, Barry Pearce and Cynthia Pelayo. The panel will take place on Monday, May 11 at Harold Washington Library Center. Learn more: chi.gov/shortstorymonth

@mx_zine Love!

Four books I am reading now! I am so glad that @chipublib has each of these on hand in audiobook format, otherwise I don’t think I’d ever be able to read again given how fast life moves these days. These audiobooks are perfect at anytime of day, however I will say that the Kindle version of The Handmaid’s Tale and the physical copy of Midnight Sun alongside Twilight are also in my rotation. #JamesBaldwin #StephenieMeyer #MargaretAtwood #MayaAngelou

READING LIST CHALLENGE! Jumping on the 5-4-3-2-1 train, and it goes like this: 5 Favorite Authors 4 Books You're Reading Now 3 Recommended Book Series 2 Easy Reads You've Finished 1 Book That Broke You Let's begin...

This #WorldBookDay, stop the endless scrolling and read a story that will challenge you, move you, and inspire you to take action. My Brother’s Keeper Ambassador Ikenna Okoye knows that “reading is vital for the next generation of leaders.” Join him in following President Obama’s advice — “Just read a book!” What book are you reading now and why do you love it?

Having a CPL card shows the world how vital and important libraries are. Help CPL thrive today and for future generations this #TakeActionForLibrariesDay How can you support? 1) Visit your local library 2) Get your library card 3) Start using your new library card!

Applications are now open for the Artist Alley at this year’s Gamer’s Universe, taking place Saturday, June 13 at Harold Washington Library Center. Get your work in front of hundreds of gamers across Chicago – with no tabling fee. Learn more: chi.gov/artistalley

If you want even more literary fun after your Independent Bookstore Day adventure, come to Poetry Fest at Harold Washington Library Center! We'll have workshops, readings and even an open mic! chi.gov/poetryfest2026

THE LIBRARIANS plays Doc10 this Sat. April 25 at the @davistheater, featuring a Q&A with director @KASNYDERFILMS, librarian Martha Hickson, Commissioner of the @chipublib Chris Brown, and special guest @hwinkler4real, moderated by @SenatorLaura. Get tickets now: doc10.eventive.org/schedule/699dd…

Find your joy with the Chicago Public Library this National Library Week! Thank you to the hardworking @chipublib employees who keep our libraries running and provide essential services to Chicagoans in every neighborhood.

Every day, CPL staff work together to serve their communities. In honor of National Library Workers Day, we invite you to join us in championing CPL staff by shouting out the workers who have made a positive impact on your library experience in the responses below!