Our move to Chicago was a gradual one. First, we had spent a couple of weeks here at the end of August 2012, which was the perfect time to fall in love with this city for a small family from hot and humid South Florida. Then, we spent the entire summer in Chicago the following year and even a little time in the winter months. It was then that we realized that Chicago was home, and we decided to move full-time to the city. The one place that was the center of each of those Chicago adventures was the Chicago Public Library. We combined our love of the city, trains (and a few buses), and books and just explored Chicago neighborhood by neighborhood with discovering a new branch the reward after a day of adventure.
Our home branch was Harold Washington Library in the Loop, a special place for MANY reasons in our hearts. Even after moving last year and having another branch closer to us, we still visit HWL when we have the time, and it just feels like home when we go in there.
Did you know that the Chicago Public Library has over 70 branches, and you can find so much more than books and friendly librarians within their walls?
It's National Library Week from April 7 to 13 and we thought we'd take the opportunity to highlight some of the more unique resources the Chicago Public Library has available for families.
Digital Museum Passes (f/k/a Kids Museum Passport)
One of the BEST perks is the ability to check out a Museum Passport (and yes! every branch has one!), which will get at least two adults and one kid into 18 museums, gardens, and attractions around Chicago. Keeping in mind is that having a passport does not guarantee admission, as many places have adopted a timed-entry system since 2020. When you check out a Museum Passport you will receive instructions specific to each location on how to get tickets booked.
| Adler Planetarium | Bronzeville Children's Museum | American Writers Museum | Chicago History Museum | DuSable Museum of African American History | National Museum of Mexican Art |
| The Field Museum | Chicago Children's Museum | Art Institute of Chicago | Illinois Holocaust Museum | Lincoln Park Zoo (offers 10% discount) | National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture |
| Shedd Aquarium | Brookfield Zoo | Chicago Botanic Garden | Museum of Contemporary Art | Museum of Science & Industry | Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum |
Other things to know: Passes have a one-week loan period, and late fees will incur $2 per day (maximum fine $20). If you lose a pass then the replacement fee is $60. Museum Passports cannot be placed on hold and are not eligible for renewal.
WiFi Hotspot
A WiFi hotspot is a device you can borrow from certain branches, and it allows you to connect a personal device, such as a laptop/Chromebook, tablet, or phone, to the internet. These devices are portable, so you can be connected wherever you go - like that long ride home on the "L" or bus, or even in the local park. These 17 branches have hotspots available for borrowing by adults for a period of three weeks.
Chromebook Kit
Need something to connect to that WiFi hotspot? No worries - Chicago Public Library has thought of that and offers a Chromebook Kit, a Chromebook, and a hotspot, which can be borrowed from one of these 10 branches for three weeks. These kits can be placed on hold online and renewed as long as no one is waiting in line behind you.
Homework Help
Do you need a little extra help on schoolwork, fine-tuning study skills, or making up for learning loss? Your local branch may be the answer to FREE help from a local teacher! These branches offer a teacher in-house to help with homework, just check online for their schedules and if you can't get to the branch in-person there are virtual sessions Monday - Thursday from 5pm to 7pm.
Grab n' Go/Make n' Take Kits
CPL has been offering these great kits for a while now and we LOVE them in our house! We have gotten seeds to grow, art to create, and more. They even offer kits for adults/seniors! You can easily find out which branches offer kits by checking on either the Macaroni KID Chicago calendar or the CPL website. Kits vary by location and season.
Maker Lab at Harold Washington Library
The Maker Lab, Chicago's first free and publicly accessible maker space, is on the 3rd floor of Harold Washington Library Center. The Maker Lab features introductory workshops and open shops for personal projects and collaboration. Workshops at the Maker Lab are for ages 14 and up. Up to two children, 10-13 may attend with an adult; the adult must take responsibility for the children. Inside the Maker Lab, you have access to 3D printers, sewing machines, button makers, laser and electronic cutters, and digital design software.
Learn more about the Maker Lab here.
Contact the Maker Lab at Ask a Maker to set up an equipment reservation, request fabrication or get help in a one-on-one virtual appointment.
YOUmedia
Calling all Chicago teenagers! Come and explore all the YOUmedia centers at these local CPL branches. There is a focus on art, digital media, making, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects. Also, check out regularly scheduled workshops.
You can borrow laptops and play video games while in YOUmedia. You also can be certified to use cameras, an in-house production studio, drawing tablets, lighting equipment, and 3D printers under mentor supervision.
YOUmedia equipment is available for free, and YOUmedia locations are designed for certain grades. View high school locations and locations for grades 6-8.
The library, of course, also has plenty more to discover, from books to DVDs to regular events like Young Architects at Logan Square and Mini Terrariums at West Town. You can often find many Chicago library events on our Macaroni KID Chicago calendar!
Stop by your local Chicago Public Library branch during National Library Week and explore! What exciting thing can you find to take home?
