Discover the coolest things at Chicago Public Library: From makerspaces to a library of things
Chicago Public Library (CPL) is a treasure trove of unique offerings beyond just books. Most folks know that you can get free passes to museums, but there’s so much more:
The Maker Lab at Harold Washington Library
A fully-equipped space to experiment with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and more. It’s perfect for DIY projects, prototyping, or learning new skills. You can attend workshops on anything from digital design to audio production.
Check it out: CPL maker lab
Author talks, live performances
From author talks to live performances, workshops, and panels, CPL offers a variety of free events. Most are open to the public, but some workshops or limited events may require registration or a library card. I saw Bill Bryson here live years ago!
Check it out: CPL events calendar
Book clubs, career counseling and more
CPL runs a variety of programs tailored to different communities, including book clubs, career counseling, and language learning. Many are open to all, but some may be exclusive to library cardholders.
Free wi-fi and study spaces
Free wi-fi and study rooms are at most locations, but certain rooms may require a library card for booking.
Check it out: Find a location
The “Library of Things”
You can check out GoPro cameras, board games, musical instruments, sewing machines, and more. A CPL library card is required to borrow.
Check it out: CPL Library of Things
What are your favorite CPL resources?
