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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 11h

The @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social Banned Wagon will be at CPL’s Obama Presidential Center Branch this Saturday, October 10. Join us for a family-friendly celebration including free books, a special story time, banned book trivia and more! Learn more: chi.gov/bannedwagon

A worker in the Penguin Random House Banned Wagon hands a child a copy of the book “Hair Love.”

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 13h

Join us for a series of programs celebrating the history of Chicago's Latine community via CPL's Latine archives. CPL locations will host events including crafts, writing, games, food and much more, all centered around CPL's archives. Learn more: chi.gov/latinearchival

Two archival pages from “Mexican Pigment Paints, Stencils and Materials” from 1908 showcasing beautiful patterns and designs.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

This Banned Books Week, we reaffirm CPL's key role as a Book Sanctuary and protect the right to read. According to @ALALibrary, nearly half of book challenges represent the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and people of color. CPL is here to protect those stories.

A graphic that reads “let books be” and “protect the freedom to read” next to a colorful illustration of the CPL owl mascot represented in various ages (kid, teen, etc.) reading books.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Learn anytime, anywhere. With just your phone number, CPL gives you access to the Cell-Ed app for free. Cell-Ed has courses available like beginner to advanced English, life skills and U.S Citizenship exam preparation. Learn how to start: chi.gov/celled

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Join us next Friday for a night full of young adult literature, art, culture, music and more at this year's Teen Lit Night: Unbound! This year's event will include a silent disco party, spooky book-themed mocktails, poster printmaking and more. Learn more: chi.gov/TeenLitNight2026

our teens wear Teen Lit Night shirts and pose as they participate in a silent disco.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

CPL's Book of the Month for October coincides with this year's One Book, One Chicago selection: "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey! Explore the story of six astronauts that embark on one of the last space missions of its kind. Place a hold: chi.gov/Orbital

Cover of “Orbital” by Samantha Harvey with a graphic of space and planets in the background.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Hej, Chicago! Join us as we celebrate Polish American Heritage Month and enjoy exciting events that uplift Polish people’s impact on this city. Partake in traditional Polish crafts, take a walk through West Town with a local author and more! Chi.gov/PAHM

A young woman in traditional Polish dress works a table for “Polish Dancers” at the Navy Pier Folk Fair.

The Joe Pat Orchestra plays at the Polish Festival at Talman Savings & Loan.

Three older women smile for the camera. They appear to work a booth at the Polish Festival.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

CPL is hosting the first stop of the “Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works That Inform, Empower & Inspire” tour this October 14 at Harold Washington Library Center. The launch event will celebrate the works of @pulitzerprizes.bsky.social winners from multiple genres. chi.gov/PulitzerWinners

Poster for Pulitzer on the Road featuring photos of the panelists: Percival Everett, Daniel Kraus, Amanda Vaill, Jon Cherry and Jelani Cobb.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

It’s time for our second annual Book Club Celebration! Gather up your book club and come down to Harold Washington Library Center’s Winter Garden on October 20 for refreshments, activities and some fun surprises just for book club members. Register here: chi.gov/BCC26

Text reading “Chicago Public Library invites you to its Book Club Celebration. Tuesday, October 20, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Harold Washington Library Center” is superimposed over a background of illustrated planets and stars.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Join us for special Destination Discovery Story Time events this September and October! Celebrate World Gorilla Day and Halloween at @lpzoo.org, as well as sweet treats at the Museum of Ice Cream. Learn more: chi.gov/destinationdiscovery

Library staff presenting a story time in the gardens by the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

CPL's Teacher in the Library program is here to help your student have a great semester! Teacher in the Library offers free tutoring from certified teachers both in-person and online at various CPL locations. Learn more: chi.gov/TeacherInTheLibrary

Two students smile next to a Teacher in the Library tutor.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Teens and young adults ages 13 to 20, don’t miss a night full of spooktacular surprises at Teen Lit Night: Unbound as we celebrate YA literature, art and culture. Plus, enjoy some music and treats. RSVP here: chi.gov/TeenLitNight2026

Chicago Public Library Presents: Teen Lit Night: Unbound. A night celebrating YA literature, art and culture. Friday, October 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Harold Washington Library Center. Register at: chipublib.org/Unbound.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Calling kids ages 3 to 11 and their families! The next STEAM-Powered Saturday is October 3 and will feature STEAM activities from CPL and our partners, including @artinstitutechi.bsky.social, @chiarchitecture.bsky.social, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and more! chi.gov/spsoct3

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Don't miss a special author talk with Michael Staudenmaier about his new book, "White, Black, Brown: Becoming Puerto Rican in Chicago." Staudenmaier will be in discussion with Joanna Hernandez of @wttw.bsky.social News on September 29 at Harold Washington Library Center. chi.gov/whiteblackbrown

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Celebrate Latine Heritage Month at CPL! Throughout the month, CPL will host events including movie screenings, book clubs, performances and more. In the meantime, enjoy these photographs from CPL's archives of the Viva! Festival in the 90s. Start here: chi.gov/LHM2026

Ana Bárbara performing at Viva Festival.

Tito Puente performing at Viva Festival.

Performer dances in a colorful Caribbean dress.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Read this year's One Book, One Chicago selection "Orbital" in peace with other book lovers at this year's Silent Reading Soiree. The event will take place at Harold Washington Library Center's scenic Winter Garden. Learn more: chi.gov/silentreadingsoiree

A graphic of an envelope with an “OBOC” seal that carries an invitation that reads “You’re invited to Chicago Public Library’s Silent Reading Soiree” is superimposed in front of the Winter Garden.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

And the 2026 One Book, One Chicago selection is... "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey. The novel walks us through a day in the lives of astronauts embarking on one of the last space station missions of its kind. We invite you to explore this year's programming. Chi.gov/oboc

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Brick by brick, the workers in this photo built CPL’s first central library (now the Chicago Cultural Center). Today we celebrate workers all over Chicago and thank them for their contribution in making Chicago what it is today. Happy Labor Day!

Archive photo of construction workers building the inside of Chicago Public Library’s first central library (now the Chicago Cultural Center).

Photo credit: Workmen building the upper stories of the Chicago Public Library, Central Library, circa 1896, Chicago Public Library, Special Collections

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Join CPL and @everylibrary.bsky.social in welcoming @mccallsmith.bsky.social talk about his work and latest book, "The Big Cats Dance Party: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." McCall Smith will be in conversation with John Chrastka, founder of EveryLibrary. Learn more: chi.gov/EveryLibraryAuthorEvent

Author Alexander McCall Smith next to the cover of his book, “The Big Cats Dance Party: No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.”

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

September's Book of the Month is "Citizenship: Notes on an American Myth" by @dazeher.bsky.social. “Citizenship” is a personal and critical examination of what it means it means to be American, reflecting on this country's laws, customs and history. Place a hold: chi.gov/SeptemberBOTM

The cover of “Citizenship” by Daisy Hernández superimposed onto a blue and orange gradient that matches the cover.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Explore endless learning with the card that adds value to your life at no cost: your CPL library card! If you don’t have one, @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's Library Card Sign-up Month is the time to get it. Visit your neighborhood CPL location to get your library card today!

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

On October 3, the CHI+AI Summit will take over Harold Washington Library Center’s Lower Level. The day will include thought-provoking panels, actionable demonstrations and an info fair. Register: chi.gov/CHI-AI

CHI+AI: Building an AI-Literate Chicago
October 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Harold Washington Library Center

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

We're here to help strengthen your child's reading skills and support their lifelong learning journey. Explore our Jump Into Reading resources and discover in-person and online resources that can help your child practice and improve their reading skills. chi.gov/jumpintoreading

Children huddle in a group while reading.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who showed up and contributed to a great Queer Radical Fair! This year, we welcomed hundreds who participated in a dance party featuring local musicians and DJs, a fashion show with collections from local teen designers and more. ‘Til next time!

1) A young person smiles radiantly showing off their Queer Radical Fair outfit. 2) Two young people in front of a Queer Radical Fair step and repeat. 3) Chicago Public Library staff smile behind an engagement table full of YOUmedia swag. 4) Two young people show off their Rainbow Cone ice cream. 5) TRQPiTECA plays music at their DJ table. 6) A pinboard holds a variety of Queer Radical Fair button pins.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Chicago, you made this Summer at CPL one for the books. From board books to chapter books, novels to nonfiction, thank you for reading with us. We hope you enjoyed participating in our reading challenges and attending our special events. 'Til next time!

1) A boy full of joy is submerged in bubbles. 2) A family smiling at the Woodson Regional Library Summer at CPL Kickoff. 3) A boy concentrates on playing a video game outdoors. 4) A performer sings and plays guitar on a stage. 5) A teen with a huge smile shows off their Summer at CPL shirt.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

It’s your last chance to see "Praise & Protest" at the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection Gallery at Woodson Regional Library. The exhibit explores CPL's archival records from the Chicago Black Renaissance. "Praise and Protest" runs until August 27. chi.gov/praiseandprotest

Archive photo from the American Negro Exposition showing a man standing in the Chicago Coliseum during exposition construction.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Want to be part of history? CPL is still accepting letters to America in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Letters can contain reflections, critiques, hopes and stories and will be added to CPL's permanent archival collection. Learn more: chi.gov/letterstoamerica

Library patrons sitting around a table writing letters as part of CPL’s Letters to America initiative.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

August’s Book of the Month is “The Nickel Boys” by @colsonwhitehead.com. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the harrowing experiences of two Black teens at an abusive reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. Place a hold: chi.gov/NickelBoys

The cover of “The Nickel Boys” lies on top of a graphic that features the main characters of two Black boys illustrated in gradients of red to match the book’s artwork.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Yesterday, we teamed up with White Sox and Xfinity to celebrate The 81 Club at CPL’s Chinatown Branch. From story times with Sam Antonacci and Drew Romo to fun with Southpaw and Harold the Owl, we read, learned and discovered. Join The 81 Club team: chi.gov/81club

White Sox players Drew Romo and Sam Antonacci read a book to children.

Children are playing with CPL's mascot, Harold the Owl, and the White Sox's mascot, Southpaw, in a room decorated with balloons.

A banner with "The 81 Club" on it sits next to a balloon arch that is the entrance to the event.

A group of children pose with Sam Antonacci, Drew Romo, Southpaw and Harold the Owl.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Join CPL for a panel featuring authors of new memoirs including Melissa Fraterrigo, Timothy J. Hillegonds and Alex Poppe. The event will be moderated by Miles Harvey. Tuesday, August 11 6 p.m to 7 p.m. Harold Washington Library Center Learn more: chi.gov/MemoirPanel

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

From Gwendolyn Brooks to Eve Ewing, Chicago has always been a creative hub for writers who have redefined literature. Chapter Eight of Summer at CPL highlights the limitless stories that Chicago has to offer. Learn how to get started: chi.gov/summeratcpl

A pink picture frame holds an image of a woman reading to a child. There is a clipart of a stack of books at the corner of the frame.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

CPL's ScienceConnections is a way for kids to explore the world of STEAM in a fun and accessible way. From garden clubs to building water rockets, ScienceConnections supports science learning for kids and equips them with important skill sets. chi.gov/ScienceConnections

A kid in a lab coat smiles as they work on a science project. An adult is standing right next to them guiding them. Other kids in lab coats work as well in the background and foreground.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Let’s go, Chicago! Whether you root for the Cubs, the Sox, the Bulls or the Bears, CPL is here to celebrate all of Chicago’s sports. Explore programs highlighting your favorite Chicago teams through Chapter Seven of Summer at CPL. Get started: chi.gov/summeratcpl

A blue clip art frame holds a picture of the Cubs playing at Wrigley Field. At the corner of the frame there is a clip art of a bear holding a flag that reads “go.”

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

More than 8,800 acres of green space make Chicago the perfect place to enjoy summer. Chapter Six of Summer at CPL celebrates the city’s nature, from community gardens to the Chicago Park District’s 600+ spaces. chi.gov/summeratcpl

A picture frame holds an image of a person on a bridge within a garden in Jackson Park. On the frame there is a clip art of a butterfly.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Two patrons at CPL’s Manning Branch completed the adult reading challenge and got a free Summer at CPL hat! How close are you to finishing your log? Get in on the fun here: chi.gov/summeradults

Two women wear blue baseball hats with “Summer at CPL” on them in Chicago Public Library’s Manning Branch.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

From Chicago-style hot dogs and tavern-style pizza to street vendors and award-winning restaurants, Chapter Five of Summer at CPL highlights the city's vibrant food scene. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

A golden picture frame sits at the forefront of an orange textured background with clip art of a pink Mexican-style popsicle. In the frame there is an image of three Chicago-style hot dogs with tomatoes and peppers. Mustard is being applied to one of the hotdogs.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

🎆Happy 250th Birthday, America! Join CPL for a lineup of events and initiatives that amplify Chicago’s diverse stories and voices, helping all residents explore and reflect on what it means to be American. Get started: chi.gov/america250

Chicago Public Library’s owl mascot holding the U.S.A. flag with fireworks in the background and text that says, “happy 4th of July.”

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Teens: join us for our 2026 Queer Radical Fair, a summer celebration of queerness, fashion, self-expression and community! The fair will feature a fashion show highlighting teen designs, a dance party, a photo booth and so much more! Register now chi.gov/QueerRadicalFair2026

A collage featuring photos of events at Queer Radical Fair, including a polaroid-taking station, a DJ performance and a fashion show.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

🎧CPL’s July Book of the Month is “Chicago House Music: Culture and Community” by Marguerite L. Harrold! Learn about the icons who shaped the genre and how they transformed social and political turmoil into a worldwide phenomenon. Place a hold: chi.gov/HouseMusic

The cover of the book “Chicago House Music: Culture and Community” by Marguerite L. Harrold. The cover features a photo of a Black man wearing a velvet blue varsity jacket taken from behind. On the cover there is a circular sticker with “Chicago Public Library Book of the Month” on it. Behind the cover there are drawings of blue music notes and a blue-tinted Chicago skyline that match the colors of the cover.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Join us for a celebration of Ted Widmer’s new book, “The Living Declaration: A Biography of America’s Founding Text,” presented by CPL, @libraryofamerica.bsky.social and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Learn more: chi.gov/TheLivingDeclaration

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

In response to the extreme heat, CPL is opening four locations — Harold Washington Library Center and Sulzer, Woodson and Legler Regional Libraries — as cooling centers from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3. @chicago-city.bsky.social @mayorofchicago.bsky.social

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Chicago has always led the way in advancing architectural design can reach. From 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly known as the John Hancock Center) to your local library, Chapter Four of Summer at CPL highlights the city's unique design. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

A light purple picture frame sits at the forefront of a blue background with clip art of Harold Washington Library Center. In the frame there is an aerial shot of the Chicago skyline taken from the east on Lake Michigan. The John Hancock Center is the most visible.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

CPL invites you to celebrate Disability Pride Month at your local library! All through July, CPL will host events that highlight the voices of the disabled community and their contributions, along with resources, film screenings and more! chi.gov/DisabilityPrideMonth2026

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

The NWS in Chicago has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday. All CPL locations are cooling centers during operational hours. To find other cooling centers, call City Services at 3-1-1 or visit 311.chicago.gov. Find a CPL location: chi.gov/locations

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Start a new chapter at our Chicago Works | Chicago Volunteers fair at Harold Washington Library Center! If you’re looking for a new job or searching for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, this is the event for you. Register here: chi.gov/ChicagoWorksChicagoVolunteers

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

From blues to jazz to house music, Chicago’s rich music history is coming to a location near you this Summer at CPL! Whether you want to sit back and enjoy a free concert or try your hand at making your own tunes, there’s something for everyone. chi.gov/summeratcpl

A golden photo frame showcases a photo of Mavis Staples performing and holding a microphone. There is clip art of headphones at the corner of the frame and behind the frame there is a purple background that matches the lighting of the photo.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Join us this summer for Destination Discovery! CPL will host story times at locations including Lincoln Park Zoo, the Field Museum and the Smart Museum of Art. Learn more: chi.gov/destinationdiscovery

A librarian holding a book during a story time.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

From the big stages of the Chicago, Goodman and Steppenwolf theatres to smaller black box venues, Chapter Two of Summer at CPL highlights the city's theatre scene. Learn more: chi.gov/summeratcpl

A picture frame sits at the forefront of an orange background with clip art of the comedy and tragedy masks at the corner of the frame. In the frame there is an image of the Chicago Theatre sign lit up at night.

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Happy Father's Day! CPL invites you to celebrate by checking out these book recommendations that are perfect for this special day: chi.gov/fathersdaylist

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Chicago Public Library @chipublib.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

For decades, Chicago has held Juneteenth celebrations across the city. Today, we bring you back in time to one of those special celebrations from 2002 at Rainbow Beach Park full of soul, happiness and pride. Happy Juneteenth!

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