Storytimes near INDEPENDENCE BRANCH

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Unearth your curiosity as we dig into the incredible science that’s all around us! Harness the powers of pressure and energy with our Toilet Tornado! Experiment with physical vs. chemical changes with our Disappearing Polymer! Observe the effects of physical explosions, angles and trajectory with our Hydro-Cannon! If you didn’t already love science, you’ll really “dig it” after this program, featuring tons of audience interaction. For kids 5 and up. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Harmony House will bring a couple of adorable, adoptable kitties for everyone to meet. The first hour will also include an opportunity to read to the two most non-judgmental-about-reading kitties in Chicago, register in-person on the day of the program for your opportunity. A creative writing station will be available to help the other Harmony House kitties stand out and get adopted by writing a bio for each of them that makes them shine. Attendees will also get to create toys we'll donate to Harmony House. This program is part of Chicago Public Library's Jump into Reading initiative. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Visit the library for open, unstructured play time. Bring a friend or make a new one.  For kids of all ages with their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Get ready for some of our most fun programs and activities for kids. Each week features a different activity as specially selected by our teen interns. Be prepared for anything: gaming, LEGO®, crafts, water balloon battles on our terrace and more!   For ages 6 and up. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Join our story time, especially for our littlest patrons. We share songs, rhymes and books, then stay to play afterward. For kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Please note: Family Story Time cannot accommodate daycares or class groups. Please email if you would like to schedule a group field trip to the library.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Join us for a screening of How to Train Your Dragon. On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society. ©Universal Pictures-- 125 minutes -- PG Community Cinema is at a branch near you! Check out hundreds of other screenings at libraries across Chicago. Accessibility English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing will be available for this screening.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Join us for a screening of How to Train Your Dragon. On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society. ©Universal Pictures-- 125 minutes -- PG Community Cinema is at a branch near you! Check out hundreds of other screenings at libraries across Chicago. Accessibility English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing will be available for this screening.

Independence, Community Meeting Room, 1st floor, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

The highly anticipated Formula 1® racing feature stars Pitt as a former driver who returns to Formula 1®, alongside Damson Idris as his teammate at APXGP, a fictional team on the grid. The feature has been shot during actual Grand Prix weekends as the team competes against the titans of the sport. © Warner Bros. - 150 Mins. - PG-13 Community Cinema is at a branch near you! Check out hundreds of other screenings at libraries across Chicago. Accessibility English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing will be available for this screening.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Visit the library for open, unstructured play time. Bring a friend or make a new one.  For kids of all ages with their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Explore a variety of awesome animals for a fun and interactive wildlife education show. Audience members of all ages can learn fascinating things about the animals and will have the opportunity to touch some of them. For ages 3 and up. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Get ready for some of our most fun programs and activities for kids. Each week features a different activity as specially selected by our teen interns. Be prepared for anything: gaming, LEGO®, crafts, water balloon battles on our terrace and more!   For ages 6 and up. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Join our story time, especially for our littlest patrons. We share songs, rhymes and books, then stay to play afterward. For kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Please note: Family Story Time cannot accommodate daycares or class groups. Please email if you would like to schedule a group field trip to the library.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Join staff from the Forest Preserves of Cook County and learn about the natural world. Connect with nature through exploration learning, nature-based adventures, and arts and crafts. This is a fun and educational program, perfect for nature-lovers. For kids 3 and up. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email  access@chipublib.org  to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Visit the library for open, unstructured play time. Bring a friend or make a new one.  For kids of all ages with their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, Community Meeting Room, 1st floor, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Come make a perpetual calendar out of wood blocks and printables created with the 2026 Summer at CPL art! All materials provided.  For adults 18 and over.  Space is limited. Register online. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Photo Source: Mod Podge Rocks! blog

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Join our story time, especially for our littlest patrons. We share songs, rhymes and books, then stay to play afterward. For kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Please note: Family Story Time cannot accommodate daycares or class groups. Please email if you would like to schedule a group field trip to the library.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Calling all preschoolers! Catch WTTW Kids Learn & Play featuring your favorite PBS Kids characters. Participate in fun, guided learning while developing school readiness skills. Presented in partnership with WTTW. For kids 3 to 5 with an adult. How to Attend Register by the start of the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must be used to register. As a reminder, school email addresses may block external emails such as those from CPL. Due to space limitations, please include only the number of children as attendees when you register. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Visit the library for open, unstructured play time. Bring a friend or make a new one.  For kids of all ages with their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Visit the library for open, unstructured play time. Bring a friend or make a new one.  For kids of all ages with their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Hosted by (X) Collective , Patchwork: A Craft & Conversation Circle is a community gathering where storytelling, creativity, and connection meet. Through guided conversation and hands-on crafting, participants are invited to share stories, reflect, and build relationships in a relaxed, welcoming space. As participants create, their crafts become visual extensions of their stories, tangible reflections of memory, identity, and imagination. Whether you come to make something, meet new people, or simply listen, Patchwork centers the beauty of creating alongside one another, piece by piece. This event is part of the Goodman Theatre's 100 Free Acts of Theatre. All 100 acts are offered FREE, with participation open to Chicagoans of all ages and backgrounds. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/100FreeActs Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Independence, 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Join Somos Arte Chicago  for an introductory linocut printmaking class. Learn how to carve and create the classic Chicago bean. Este programa se ofrecerá en español. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.