Chicago residents looking for more than a place to borrow books have a wide range of free options at the Chicago Public Library, from a publicly accessible maker space with 3D printers to one-on-one computer training and free museum admission for families. According to the library's own program pages, these offerings fall into a few clear categories—hands-on creation, digital skill building, cultural access and shared reading—each aimed at a different kind of resident. Here is how they compare, who they serve, and what it costs to take part.
CPL's Innovative Programs: A Quick Comparison
The table below groups the library's major non-lending programs by their core function, so readers can match an offering to their own goals—whether that is fabricating a project, learning technology, or visiting a museum without paying admission.
| Program | Category | What It Is | Who It's For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maker Lab | Hands-on creation | Chicago's first free, publicly accessible maker space, on the 3rd floor of Harold Washington Library Center, with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, a vinyl cutter and a CNC mill; offers introductory workshops and open shop time | Individuals and groups exploring both high-tech and hands-on making, from beginners on up | Free access to advanced fabrication equipment and guided instruction |
| Chicago DigitalLearn | Digital skill building | Short online video courses covering basic computer use, plus one-on-one basic computer skills development | Anyone who needs to build computer skills | Self-paced, free training available online |
| AI and technology workshops | Digital skill building | In-person events such as "AI Made Simple: Easy Tools for Everyday Life" | Adults (18 and up) and seniors (55 and up), per the events listings | Structured, instructor-led introductions to current technology |
| Kids Museum Passport | Cultural exploration | A pass, offered in partnership with Museums in the Park, available at all CPL locations | Adult Chicago residents accompanied by at least one child under 18 | Free admission for up to two adults and the child to explore 15 of the city's cultural institutions |
| One Book, One Chicago | Community reading | A city-wide reading and discussion program; the current selection is "Orbital" | Chicago readers of all kinds | Shared reading experience with related events and discussions |
