To kick off this year’s summer programming, Chicago Public Library (CPL) is hosting Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first-ever “Summer at CPL Block Party” on Saturday, June 8th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. outside Harold Washington Library Center on Plymouth Court. The Summer at CPL Block Party is a partnership between the Chicago Public Library and the Mayor’s Office to celebrate the end of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) school year, promote summer learning at CPL, activate 81 Club members, and provide resources for Chicago youth in preparation for Summer 2024.
“Our mission this summer is to support our families and our young people through engaging programming and safe spaces,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I’m proud to partner with our libraries as we launch our first Summer at CPL Block Party. Music is a vital part of the cultural fabric of Chicago, and we are so excited to celebrate that legacy this summer."
This year's theme encourages Chicagoans to #FindYourRhythm with Chicago Public Library’s music-themed suite of programming from June to August. There will be events, workshops, performances, and special programming from partner institutions such as Old Town School Folk Music and the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
The resource fair portion of the event will include The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety (MOCS), My CHI. My Future., Something Good In Englewood, Teen & Youth Services at CPL, the Democratic National Convention Host Committee, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Chi Gives Back. The celebration will feature live music from DJ Ije, a thirteen-year-old disc jockey, performances by local artists from Young Chicago Authors, and CPL’s Own Rapbrarian (rapper and librarian) Roy Kinsey.
"Chicago's youth spend countless hours reading every summer through the Chicago Public Library program," said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown. "This cherished program has influenced generations of Chicagoans to develop a love for reading. This year, with the theme of 'Finding Your Rhythm,' we'll be celebrating the joy that music and libraries bring."
While enjoying a fantastic lineup of music-themed programming, youth are encouraged to continue reading and learning through CPL’s educational events and programming. Families will be able to access the Art Institute of Chicago’s free family pass to the museum, along with other cultural engagement opportunities.
The event has been graciously sponsored by SUCCEZZ sneaker store, Me & My Bears, PepsiCo, and the generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
All local CPL branches will celebrate kicking off the summer season with programming as well. To find out more, and sign up for summer programming at Chicago Public Library, visit chipublib.org/summer or find your local branch.
About Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib), Facebook (@chipublib), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).
