Libraries

The Chicago Public Library (CPL) has 80 locations throughout the city offering a wide range of services for adults and children. Click here to find your nearest library branch and the services that meet your needs.

Library Services and Facilities include:

  • Millions of hard copy books, electronic and audio books, movies and music albums
  • Computers and WiFi access
  • Printers, scanners and copiers
  • Homework help
  • Internet to Go WiFi hotspots
  • Kids Museum passes
  • Meeting rooms, study rooms, music practice rooms
  • Event space

CPL also has programs specifically designed for New Americans, such as English language resources and citizenship workshops. Librarians at every CPL branch can connect you with the resources you need. In addition, the following 10 CPL branches hold workshops as part of the Cities for Citizenship program:

  • Albany Park, 3401 W. Foster Avenue
  • Back of the Yards, 2111 West 47th Street
  • Bezazian, 1226 W. Ainslie Street
  • Chinatown, 2353 South Wentworth Avenue
  • Little Village, 2311 South Kedzie Avenue
  • Lozano, 1805 S. Loomis Street
  • Northtown, 6435 North California Avenue
  • Sulzer Regional, 4455 North Lincoln Avenue
  • Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue
  • West Lawn, 4020 West 63rd Street

In addition to the branches above, the following library locations offer enhanced collections on immigration and US citizenship:

  • Austin-Irving
  • Budlong Woods
  • Brighton Park
  • Chicago Lawn
  • Richard J. Daley
  • Dunning
  • Edgewater
  • Gage Park
  • Garfield Ridge
  • Harold Washington
  • Humboldt Park
  • Little Village
  • Mayfair
  • McKinley Park
  • Portage-Cragin
  • Rogers Park
  • Scottsdale
  • South Chicago
  • Toman
  • Vodak East Side
  • West Belmont
  • West Town

 

Library Card

To access many of the services listed above, residents must obtain a library card. Library cards are free, and can be acquired by visiting any CPL location to fill out an application. You will need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address. If you do not have a photo ID with your name and current Chicago address, please bring two pieces of current ID. One of these must include your name and Chicago address, and one must include your name and photo. Accepted forms of ID include but are not limited to: 

Name and Chicago Address
  • Personal check
  • Current phone, gas, electric or cable bill
  • Mail postmarked within 30 days
  • Voter registration card
 Name and Photo
  • Passport (need not be from the U.S.)
  • Driver's License (need not be from the U.S.)
  • Student ID (need not be from the U.S.)
  • Green Card
  • Temporary Visitor Driver's License

Post office box numbers are not accepted. If you do not have a fixed address, you may use a letter certifying your Chicago residency from the social service agency where you receive mail.

To learn more about the Chicago Public Library, visit their website.

Additional Information

Office of New Americans

Information and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

I Want To