Chicago Public Library is a free public system with 81 branches across the city, plus digital resources you can use from home

Chicago Public Library (CPL) is run by the City of Chicago and serves residents of all ages. You do not pay to get a library card, and the card works at every branch. With a card, you can borrow books, movies, and music; use computers and WiFi; attend programs; and access digital collections from your home computer or phone.

The system includes 81 neighborhood branches, the Harold Washington Library Center (the main building downtown), and the Bezazz digital platform. Each branch has different hours and collections, so the branch closest to you may not have the same materials or programs as another one. You can place a hold on items at any branch and pick them up at the location most convenient for you.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Chicago address to get a free library card in person at any CPL branch, and you must bring proof of your current address.
  • CPL lends books, DVDs, audiobooks, and digital materials; you can place holds online and pick up at any branch.
  • The library offers free computer access, WiFi, job training programs, and classes for children, teens, and adults at most branches.
  • Digital resources like e-books, streaming video, and databases are available 24/7 through the CPL website with your library card.
  • Loan periods vary by material type — books are typically three weeks, DVDs two weeks, and digital items follow their own terms.

Getting a Chicago Public Library Card

To get a library card, visit any CPL branch in person. You must live in Chicago and bring a current photo ID and proof of your address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a photo ID, staff can work with you on alternatives — call your nearest branch to ask what they accept.

Once you have a card, you can use it when ready at any of the 81 branches. Your card number and PIN are printed on the card itself. If you lose your card, you can get a replacement at any branch, usually for free. You can also manage your account online at chipublib.org — place holds, renew items, and check your account balance without visiting in person.

What You Can Borrow and How Long You Keep It

CPL lends physical materials and digital items. Physical books are loaned for three weeks. DVDs and Blu-rays are two weeks. Audiobooks on CD are three weeks. Magazines are two weeks. You can renew most items online or by phone if no one else has placed a hold on them.

Digital materials have different loan periods depending on the publisher and format. E-books through Overdrive or Hoopla may be two to three weeks. Audiobooks vary. Streaming video and music databases may have no checkout period at all — you straightforward access them while your library card is active. Check the specific item's page on chipublib.org to see the loan period before you borrow.

If you return an item late, you owe a fine. Fines are typically 10 cents per day for books and 25 cents per day for DVDs, with a cap. You can pay fines online, by phone, or in person at any branch. Some branches occasionally hold fine forgiveness events.

Free Computer Access and Internet at CPL Branches

Every CPL branch offers free computer access and WiFi. You do not need a library card to use the WiFi — it is open to anyone. To use a public computer, you need your library card. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and session times vary by branch — some allow one hour per day, others two hours. Call your branch to ask about their specific computer policy.

Computers have standard software including Microsoft Office, web browsers, and printing capability. You can print from the public computers, and printing costs vary by branch — usually 10 to 25 cents per page. Some branches offer scanning and copying services as well.

Programs, Classes, and Services at CPL Branches

CPL runs free programs for children, teens, and adults at most branches. Children's programs include story times, homework help, and summer reading clubs. Teen programs vary by branch but may include tutoring, college prep, and creative workshops. Adult programs include job search help, English conversation groups, computer classes, and financial literacy workshops.

Many branches also host community meetings, voter registration drives, and health screenings. The Harold Washington Library Center downtown offers additional programs and exhibitions. Check chipublib.org or call your branch to see what is happening this month — programs change seasonally and by branch.

CPL also partners with other city agencies to offer services like tax preparation help and workforce training. Some branches have dedicated job centers where you can work with staff on resumes and job search strategies.

Digital Resources You Can Access From Home

With your library card, you can access digital materials 24/7 through chipublib.org. These include e-books through Overdrive and Hoopla, audiobooks, streaming video through Kanopy and Hoopla, music through Naxos Music Library, and databases like Learning Express and Gale Courses.

E-books and audiobooks work on phones, tablets, and computers. You read the Overdrive or Hoopla app, log in with your library card number and PIN, and borrow items the same way you would in person. Streaming video and music are accessed through the CPL website — no app needed, just your library card.

Some digital resources have wait lists if all copies are checked out. You can place a hold and be notified when your turn comes. The wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many digital copies the library owns.

Branch Locations, Hours, and Special Collections

CPL's 81 branches are spread across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. Hours vary by branch — most are open six or seven days a week, but some have limited hours on certain days. The Harold Washington Library Center (State and Van Buren) is open seven days a week and houses special collections, a large children's area, and a teen center.

Some branches have specialized collections. The Sulzer Regional Library has a large foreign language collection. The Woodson Regional Library focuses on African American history and culture. The Bezazz digital platform connects you to all collections across the system. You can search chipublib.org to find which branch has a specific book or to see hours and programs at your nearest location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Chicago to get a library card?

Yes, you must have a Chicago address. If you work or study in Chicago but live outside the city, you may be able to get a non-resident card for a fee — call your nearest branch to ask about the current cost and requirements.

Can I place a hold on a book and pick it up at a different branch?

Yes. You can place holds online or by phone, and you choose which branch you want to pick it up at. The library will notify you by email or phone when the item arrives, usually within a few days to a week depending on where it is coming from.

What happens if I lose my library card?

Go to any CPL branch and ask for a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of address, the same as when you first got your card. Replacement cards are usually free. You can also call your branch to report the card lost so no one else can use it.

Can I access digital materials on my phone?

Yes. read the Overdrive or Hoopla app, log in with your library card number and PIN, and borrow e-books and audiobooks. Streaming video and music are accessed through the CPL website on your phone's web browser. You need an active library card and internet connection.

Are there fines for late returns?

Yes, fines are typically 10 cents per day for books and 25 cents per day for DVDs, with a maximum cap per item. You can pay fines online, by phone, or in person at any branch. Some branches hold fine forgiveness events where you can clear your balance for free.