Chicago Public Library provides a rich collection of books, cutting-edge technology and award-winning programming for kids, teens and adults. Right here in our city, in your community, is the No. 1 library in the nation.
The Library serves as an economic and social anchor for Chicagoans, which is why it is so important to invest in these neighborhood hubs. I’m happy to say that the City of Chicago approved our 2015 budget, with consistent investment in CPL and its strategic goals for the coming year.
From day one, we have worked to increase Internet connectivity and knowledge for our residents, because today’s digital skills are 21st century workforce skills. In fact, CNN Money recently identified Chicago Public Library as a primary reason that Chicago ranks among the most innovative cities in the United States.
Chicago Public Library is the largest provider of free Internet in the City of Chicago and beginning in 2015 will pilot an “Internet to Go” tech lending program, allowing CPL patrons to check out WiFi hotspot devices for up to three weeks at a time.
In CPL’s award-winning Maker Lab, patrons can access digital design and manufacturing tools, like 3D printers, vinyl cutters and laser cutters—for free. And it’s never too early to begin teaching digital literacy. CPL launched a tech lending program in 2014 with small, programmable Finch Robots, created by Carnegie Mellon University, that teach kids as young as 8 years old computer coding and programming technology.
The YOUmedia digital learning program for teens expanded to six additional library locations, allowing us to build on teens’ interest in technology and motivating them to create, innovate and become active learners. By increasing access to digital media and safe, inviting spaces, we are empowering teens to engage with technology in new ways and providing Chicago’s teens hands-on experience and training for the jobs of tomorrow.
During the 2013-14 academic year, we delivered 82,318 free homework help sessions—representing a 38 percent increase over from the previous year. Opportunities to learn shouldn’t stop when the school bell rings, and homework help offers students an added resource to receive help with their studies, at libraries across the city and online.
Chicago kids did it again, breaking records by reading over 66 million minutes and extending their learning over the summer months by participating in Rahm’s Readers, the Library’s Summer Learning Challenge. Last year our partnership with Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo and Anti-Cruelty Society had kids engaging in the “Explore and Roar” theme in many different ways, such as exploring conservation, habitats and animal life. We’re looking forward to announcing the 2015 theme in early summer, and we expect our kids will rise to the challenge again.
By the end of 2014, more than 9.5 million patrons visited a Chicago Public Library location to use computers, seek reference assistance, check out materials, attend an author program, take part in a children’s program, attend a workshop, view an exhibit or simply find a quiet place to read or study. Congratulations to the team at Chicago Public Library for exceptional work. I hope you stop in to your branch soon to explore all our world-class library has to offer.
Sincerely,
Rahm Emanuel
Mayor
City of Chicago
