The Chicago Public Library announced on May 29 that it is bringing back its summer reading program for adults, which includes the opportunity to earn a limited-edition library baseball cap.
Last summer, the adult reading challenge saw its highest participation yet, with over 6,500 adults joining. The initiative is part of the library’s “Summer at CPL” program, which offers activities such as book clubs, crafting programs, resume workshops, and memory cafes for seniors.
Kendall Kidder-Goshorn, a librarian in the Adult Services Department at Chicago Public Library, said, “Since bringing back the Summer at CPL adult reading challenge in 2022, people were so excited that we continued to build upon its success.” Kidder-Goshorn added that there was a 373 percent increase in people completing the program and earning a free Summer at CPL hat last year.
To celebrate this year’s launch, Legler, Sulzer and Woodson library branches will host special kick-off events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 6. These events will feature giveaways and family-friendly activities including a foam party for kids, hands-on art stations, silent listening parties, and surprise library merchandise. Local authors Carla Bruni and Keir Graff will participate in talks; there will also be improv and comedy writing workshops with Second City as well as musical performances by Old Town School of Folk Music.
This year’s theme is “Chapters of Chicago,” focusing on celebrating “the stories, sounds, flavors and creativity that define our city,” according to the Chicago Public Library. Summer reading programs are scheduled through August 2 across all 81 branches citywide. A new branch opening in June at the Obama Presidential Center will also take part in this year’s programming.
Adults interested can visit any branch to access summer guides or logs and collect their own “Summer at CPL” hat while supplies last. To receive a hat, participants must track six books or programs using their local branch guide before picking up their reward. Kidder-Goshorn said, “Over the years, Summer at CPL has been an engaging and longstanding program for youth and their families, and we are so excited to provide the same level of fun with programming and reading lists for adults across the city. It’s really lovely to be able to see families participating in the program together.”