Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law that provides citizens with access to public records. Each City department is a separate agency responsible for maintaining its own records, so requests should be submitted to the department that maintains the records you want.

All Freedom of Information requests submitted to City of Chicago departments must include the following information:

1. The name, mailing address and contact information of the requester; and
2. A description of the records that are being requested.

Submit a FOIA request online

If you are seeking any information about the Chicago Public Library or the services offered, your request must be in writing.

Allow five business days to respond to a non-commercial request; commercial requests will be responded to in 21 business days. You must state in the letter that it is a commercial request.

For Chicago Public Library FOIA requests, write to:

Please be specific about the information you are seeking, and indicate the exact locations and dates. Indicate in your request how you would like the information sent to you (via email, mail, or available to pick up at our office).

Due to our request volume, the most efficient way for us to respond to questions is via email:
CPLfoia@chipublib.org.

Please note that all FOIA requests are posted online. When you submit a FOIA request, your name and information about the request will be made available on the City's website.

Click here for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program & Initiative Page