Chicago Public Library

06/12/2026

Adult readers, unite! CPL has Summer at CPL reading challenge for you. Win a cool a limited-edition Summer at CPL hat and to be entered to your branch’s grand prize raffle when you complete our Adult Program Guide & Log. Visit any CPL location to pick up a copy or print out your own one using our website — once complete, turn it in to win a limited-edition Summer at CPL hat (while supplies last) and be entered to your location’s grand prize raffle. Click here to get started:

Adults can read with Chicago Public Library during Summer 2026: Chapters of Chicago and enter for a chance to win prizes.

06/11/2026

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! Picture this: Diana Ross performing, Germany vs. Bolivia, Germany vs. Spain, Bulgaria vs. Greece, Bolivia vs. Spain and a Soldier Field full of passionate fans. Is your mind blown yet? This is why we love Chicago history. Enjoy and shout out your team in the comments below!

Want to dive deeper into Chicago sports? Summer at CPL has a Chapter of Chicago dedicated to just that. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

Photo Credits:

(Image 1) World Cup event, June 21-23, 1994, Chicago Public Library, Special Collections, City of Chicago, (📸 Peter J. Schulz)

(Image 2) World Cup soccer game (Germany vs Spain), June 21, 1994, Chicago Public Library, Special Collections, (📸Cheryl Tadin)

(Images 3, 4 and 10) World Cup soccer game (Germany vs Bolivia), June 17, 1994, Chicago Public Library, Special Collections, (📸Cheryl Tadin)

(Images 5, 7 and 9) World Cup soccer game (Bolivia vs Spain), June 27, 1994, Chicago Public Library, Special Collections, (📸Cheryl Tadin)

(Images 6 and 8 ) World Cup soccer game (Bulgaria vs Greece), June 26, 1994, Chicago Public Library, Special Collections, (📸Cheryl Tadin)

06/10/2026

Chicago gamers, it’s almost time! Join us this weekend to take part in the biggest FREE gaming convention in the city. Explore our Artist Alley, compete in our Mario Kart tournament for a chance to win our grand prize or join our cosplay contest to show off your stunning DIY creations. Don’t miss it. All ages welcome.

Reserve your spot today: chi.gov/gu2026

Saturday, June 13
Harold Washington Library Center
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

06/10/2026

Teens can win big this summer! Every four activities you complete on our Pick 4 card earns you one raffle entry for a chance to win our Summer at CPL grand prize at the end of the summer. One grand prize winner will be chosen per library location.

Wait, there’s more! Complete 12 activities to pick up a FREE Summer at CPL tote bag while supplies last. Learn more: chi.gov/summerteens

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

Did you know that 91% of parents agree that their child reads and learns more over the summer by participating in Summer at CPL? Participate in this year’s program to keep your little ones on track for success! Children who read for 25 days and do at least five activities can turn in their Summer Activity Guide for a FREE limited-edition Summer at CPL t-shirt (while supplies last).

Plus, each Activity Guide includes a free Family Pass for the Art Institute of Chicago.

Get started here: chi.gov/summerkids

06/06/2026

Experience Chicago like you’ve never experienced it before with Summer at CPL.

This year's theme, Chapters of Chicago, celebrates the stories, sounds, flavors and creativity that define our city. Through each chapter, we invite you to explore the art, theatre, music, architecture, food, nature, sports and stories that make our city great.

Where will your journey take you? Explore to find out how you can read, learn and discover with Summer at CPL: chipublib.org/summer

06/05/2026

Ready. Set. Summer at CPL! Don’t miss our kickoff celebrations this Saturday at Legler, Sulzer and Woodson Regional Libraries, where you’ll enjoy all things Chicago: food, games, art, stories and more. Plus, score exclusive Summer at CPL swag that will only be available at the kickoffs!

Check out our Summer at CPL page to learn more about each location’s events and RSVP: chi.gov/summeratcpl

06/05/2026

In 1975, Junior Laborers cleaned up Calumet Park to help take care of our city. Today, CPL is proud to continue that legacy through food scrap drop-off programs offered at several locations. Learn more: chi.gov/compost

Source: Calumet Park, Activities - Junior laborers, 1975-07-18, Chicago Park District Archives, Photographs, Chicago Public Library, Special Collections

06/03/2026