Chicago Public Library

Chicago Public Library believes in the freedom to read, to learn, to discover. With your support, we can continue to reach Chicagoans and provide important resources through our 81 branches. Chicago Public Library provides lifelong resources for Chicagoans as early as those that are learning to read to those getting ready for retirement.      On this #TakeActionForLibrariesDay, show your Chicago Public Library pride by purchasing “I ❤️CPL” merch. Each purchase supports Chicago Public Library’s mission to protect equal access to information, ideas and knowledge through books, programs and other resources.    Click here to get started: chi.gov/cpllove.

Big thanks from the top! Mayor Brandon Johnson recognizes the everyday heroes of our libraries—the staff who welcome, guide and uplift Chicagoans everyday. Check out this message of appreciation. 👇 https://lnkd.in/gPZEeM-Z

On National Library Workers Day, we’re honoring the dedicated staff at Chicago Public Library who make lifelong learning a reality across our city. From story times to career workshops, archives to after-school programs, library workers are trusted guides in every chapter of our patrons’ journeys. Through our ongoing Lifelong Learning campaign, patrons share how library workers helped them find knowledge, connection, and opportunity. Read their stories and share your own in the comments. Read our lifelong learning stories at https://lnkd.in/g5nNvs3C.

Library Commissioner Chris Brown and CPL's Rapbraian Roy Kinsey (Rapper + Librarian) joined Fox 32 Good Day Chicago's Anita Blanton to talk about CPL's month-long Poetry Celebration. Programming at CPL for the month consists of poetry workshops, book club discussions, film screenings and much more, with the 26th annual Poetry Fest happening on April 26 at Harold Washington Library Center. Learn more about CPL's Poetry Month offerings here: https://lnkd.in/gK77rSbp. In a special appearance, Roy also talked about mixing his love for hip hop into his work as a Librarian and even recited a poem for viewers. Watch the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/gpaqPhSF.

Libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of background—have the support they need to learn, connect and thrive. On this #RightToReadDay, we stand strong as a #BookSanctuary, protecting access to books, ideas and voices, often the voices of those who have been marginalized or underrepresented! Since we launched the Book Sanctuary movement in 2022, thousands have already joined us — and the momentum is only growing. The need has never been greater as more and more books are being challenged, and with them, the rights of readers everywhere. Help us defend the freedom to read by starting your own Book Sanctuary at TheBookSanctuary.org.

Libraries play an important role along every step of our lives—whether it's a child discovering the joy of reading, a job seeker finding new opportunities, or a student looking for a quite place to study. Librarians are the ones who make Library spaces possible through their dedication to Lifelong Learning. During National Library Week (April 6-12) and National Library Workers Day (April 8), we invite you to visit your local library, explore its collections and resources, attend an event, or take a moment to thank a library worker. Find your nearest Chicago Public Library branch: chipublib.org/locations  Learn more about the impact of CPL: https://lnkd.in/gRHgdVbq Visit. Explore. Share. Be a library champion.

In timing with Poetry Month, Chapter 2 of #CPLStaffSpotlight features Roy Kinsey, a Librarian in the Adult Services Department at Lincoln Park Branch. He is CPL's first Rapbrarian (Rapper + Librarian), mixing his love for hip-hop into his work as a Librarian. Roy has been part of Chicago Public Library for over two decades, serving in various positions across multiple branches. He is a West-sider, a DePaul University graduate, a storyteller, a musical artist, community advocate and much more. Learn more about Roy and his inspiring work at CPL here: https://lnkd.in/g8bNf3ZH

Celebrate Poetry All Month Long at Chicago Public Library! Throughout April, CPL branches across the city will offer inspiring poetry workshops, performances and open mic events to engage Chicagoans. Join us in experiencing the power and creativity of poetry, culminating in our 26th Annual Poetry Fest on April 26 with keynote Marcelo Hernandez Castillo. More info here: https://lnkd.in/gp8jb8_m.

WTTW/Chicago PBS's Marc Vitali spoke with Legler Regional Library's Artist in Residence, Kenn Cook Jr. “I carry my camera with me pretty much everywhere I go,” Cook told WTTW News. “I drive through the community, see something I like, get out of the car, talk to people, spend some time and ask to take their photograph. I try to make it an everyday practice just to capture the beautiful moments I see.” Kenn began taking pictures just three years ago. In his work, he documents everyday life on the West Side of Chicago. From portraits of individuals to photos of families, his work is a labor of love. As part of his Artist-in-Residence at Legler Regional Library, Cook will host weekly open sessions and hear from patrons with plans to record oral histories and digitize family photos. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gU-bP_bE

Chicago Public Library is hiring for multiple positions. Learn more and apply at https://Chi.gov/CPLJobs.