Storytimes near UPTOWN BRANCH

Uptown, Community Room, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Sizzle into story time with a tasty twist as we read hot‑dog‑themed tales, sing silly songs and enjoy a fun, food‑inspired activity. For kids of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is encouraged but not required. 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. 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.

Uptown, Community Room, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Dads and caregivers are invited to be in community during a relaxed morning of stories, play and connection. It’s a chance to share special time with your little one while meeting other dads in a fun, welcoming space. For kids 0 to 7 and their caregivers. Registration is encouraged but not required. 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. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Join Storm Dolente, a professional tarot reader, for a warm, welcoming tarot group open to all tarot lovers at any skill level. This is a casual, playful space where you can experiment with and create new tarot spreads, sharpen your intuition and interpretation skills, and read (and get read by) others! Storm will be available to answer any questions and offer new perspectives to help you grow your skills. Bring your favorite deck (or borrow one from Storm's tarot library), swap insights, build community, and watch your confidence grow as you dive deeper into the magic of tarot! 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 credit: Brady Pappas

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Join the Chicago tradition of improvisational theater, or improv! Have fun loosening up, getting silly and playing a variety of theatrical games with seasoned improv performer Peyton Wilson.  For ages 6 and up. How to Attend Register by 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12. 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 total 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Visit the library for open play time and social time for kids and their adults. Various fun educational toys, books and Chicago‑style building toys like Jenga, Lincoln Logs, LEGO®, DUPLO® are available for self-directed play. Fun for little ones, school‑age kids and their grown‑ups.  For children 0 to 11 with their caregivers. How To Attend Register by the start of the program. 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. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Flex your architect skills. Make a miniature Chicago skyline diorama or your favorite view as a Chicagoan. We will have examples, some minis, and supplies to create our big, beautiful city in miniature form. For teens in high school. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Join us in the recently revived Not-So-Secret Garden for a community social gathering and celebration. DJRandpa will spin ethereal, summery and all-around pleasant vibes as we mingle and chat with our neighbors. This project was made possible by the hard work of a large group of community volunteers and the generous funding of SSA #34, administered by Uptown United, with an assist by Terrace on Wilson . For all ages. How to Attend Register to receive a reminder and so we can get an idea of expected attendance. 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. 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 by Mark Kaplan

Uptown, Community Room, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Bring your creativity and the whole family for a fun, hands-on family craft event! Create something special together, bond through art, and enjoy a day full of imagination and smiles—fun for all ages. For kids 6 and up along with their caregivers. 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. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

This 1-hour workshop will walk you through 12 exercises to help you plan your book. This event will provide guidance for both fiction and non-fiction works. It includes interactive activities, so come ready to be creative! Tedd Hawks is a writer, learning designer, and editor from Chicago. He writes across genres, including LGBTQ literary fiction, YA, murder mystery, and science fiction. He has his MFA from Northwestern University and currently works as a developmental editor and certified book coach. 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 by Tedd Hawks

Uptown, Community Room, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Join the Uptown Branch Adult Book Club for a discussion of The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. A talented henna artist for wealthy confidantes finds her efforts to control her own destiny in 1950s Jaipur threatened by the abusive husband she fled as a teenage girl. A limited number of copies of this title will be available for checkout after the monthly Adult Book Club meeting on 6/20/25 at the Circulation Desk or place a hold. How to Attend This event is available in person or online. Attend in person at the Uptown Branch 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 6061 Attend online via Zoom Please contact Denise Reiter at dreiter@chipublib.org for a Zoom link. Only one registration per household is needed. You’ll receive an email with a link to the secure Zoom meeting about 24 hours before the meeting. Automatic transcription is included in all CPL events using Zoom. Questions about attending online events? Check out our  Events FAQs . 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Join Ms. My and her ukulele for a lively, interactive program that brings music, movement and stories to life! Children and their families are invited to dance, sing and enjoy stories in this upbeat session designed to spark joy and encourage early literacy development. Enjoy an engaging mix of stories, songs and playful movement activities using shaker eggs, scarves, bubbles, a stretchy band and our giant parachute! Perfect for families with children ages 0 to 7. Older siblings are welcome too. Let’s make magical musical memories together! How To Attend Please 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. To keep the story time room safe and comfortable and to ensure you and your child have the best possible experience, please include the total number of children and adults 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Visit the library for open play time and social time for kids and their adults. Various fun educational toys, books and Chicago‑style building toys like Jenga, Lincoln Logs, LEGO®, DUPLO® are available for self-directed play. Fun for little ones, school‑age kids and their grown‑ups.  For children 0 to 11 with their caregivers. How To Attend Register by the start of the program. 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. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Finally, a summer book club about Chicago teens fighting for their right to read!  We will have copies of Wake Now in the Fire by Jarrett Dapier and AJ Dungo for each participant, or you can come pick a copy up for yourself in advance. We will take turns reading the book together and discussing our thoughts, feelings and opinions. Snacks will be provided! Wake Now in the Fire is a national best seller, a Booklist Best YA graphic novel of the year and a Chicago story! The graphic novel is about a group of Chicago Public School high schoolers that work to overturn a system-wide ban of Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis .  This book club is for teens in high school. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Join our family field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago! What’s included in these programs, designed for families with children ages 5 to 12: Free round-trip bus transportation from the library to the museum A fun and interactive tour to view and discuss select art pieces Art-making in the Ryan Learning Center private studios Free passes for families to return to the museum independently How to Attend Register by 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 22. 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 the total number of children and adults 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Back by popular demand! Discover the fascinating history of Chicago’s Buena Park neighborhood on a guided walking tour led by Scott Vermillion, a longtime resident and historian. Beginning at the library, the former site of James Waller’s Buena House, the tour will proceed along Buena Avenue and its surroundings. While remnants of the neighborhood’s rich past remain evident in the impressive homes along Chicago’s Landmark Hutchinson Street, Scott will delve deeper, revealing hidden gems and little-known stories of the notable residents, buildings, and events that have contributed to Buena Park’s cultural heritage. Scott Vermillion and his husband Scott Kruger have resided in their vintage, Buena Park three-flat home for thirty-five years, cultivating a deep appreciation for the neighborhood’s historical significance, Scott finds this unique Chicago neighborhood to be an inspiring place to live, prompting him to research, author and present works on Buena Park's remarkable past. Tour Length: The tour covers 1.8 miles round trip and takes about two hours. Plan for the Tour: This event takes place outdoors—and weather can be unpredictable. Please bring water and wear warm, comfortable clothes and shoes, and an umbrella if there is a threat of rain. We will meet and start the tour inside the library’s community room. This tour will also be offered on Thursday, June 11 at 6pm. 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. Sheridan Rd. N. Buena Ave., Chicago, ILL. Real Photo Postcard (RCCP) from sometime around 1910.Photo by Ariel Lowe Varges. Postcard scan provided by: LeRoy Blommaert from the Edgewater Historical Society.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Calling all preschoolers! Catch WTTW Kids Learn & Play featuring your favorite WTTW 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. ¡Llamando a todos los preescolares! Disfruta de WTTW Kids Learn & Play con tus personajes favoritos de PBS Kids. Participa en un aprendizaje divertido y guiado mientras desarrollas habilidades de desarrollo socioemocional, matemáticas, lenguaje y alfabetización. Para edades de 3 a 5 años con un cuidador adulto. 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. Cómo Asistir Registrarse antes del comienzo del evento. La Biblioteca Pública de Chicago no puede recopilar información personal en línea de niños de 0 a 13 años. Para registrarse es necesario utilizar la dirección de correo electrónico de uno de los padres o tutores. Como recordatorio, las direcciones de correo electrónico de los colegios pueden bloquear correos electrónicos externos como los de la CPL. Debido a las limitaciones de espacio, por favor incluya el número de niños como asistentes cuando se inscriba. Accesibilidad ¿Necesita interpretación del lenguaje de señas u otra asistencia de accesibilidad para este evento? Por favor llame al (312) 747-8184 o envíe un correo electrónico a access-chipublib.org para solicitar alojamiento. Las solicitudes deben hacerse al menos 14 días antes del evento.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Join Ms. My and her ukulele for a lively, interactive program that brings music, movement and stories to life! Children and their families are invited to dance, sing and enjoy stories in this upbeat session designed to spark joy and encourage early literacy development. Enjoy an engaging mix of stories, songs and playful movement activities using shaker eggs, scarves, bubbles, a stretchy band and our giant parachute! Perfect for families with children ages 0 to 7. Older siblings are welcome too. Let’s make magical musical memories together! How To Attend Please 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. To keep the story time room safe and comfortable and to ensure you and your child have the best possible experience, please include the total number of children and adults 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Come giggle, wiggle and explore with Ms. My! Enjoy enchanting stories, cheerful songs, playful rhymes and delightful bounces plus a splash of bubbles to spark joy and early learning. After story time, stay and enjoy play time in our cozy Children's Room!  For babies 0 to 18 months and their caregivers. How To Attend Please 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. To keep the story time room safe and comfortable and to ensure you and your child have the best possible experience, please include the total number of children and adults 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Visit the library for open play time and social time for kids and their adults. Various fun educational toys, books and Chicago‑style building toys like Jenga, Lincoln Logs, LEGO®, DUPLO® are available for self-directed play. Fun for little ones, school‑age kids and their grown‑ups.  For children 0 to 11 with their caregivers. How To Attend Register by the start of the program. 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. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Finally, a summer book club about Chicago teens fighting for their right to read!  We will have copies of Wake Now in the Fire by Jarrett Dapier and AJ Dungo for each participant, or you can come pick a copy up for yourself in advance. We will take turns reading the book together and discussing our thoughts, feelings and opinions. Snacks will be provided! Wake Now in the Fire is a national best seller, a Booklist Best YA graphic novel of the year and a Chicago story! The graphic novel is about a group of Chicago Public School high schoolers that work to overturn a system-wide ban of Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis .  This book club is for teens in high school. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Gardening is a fantastic hands‑on STEAM adventure for kids ! Join Ms. My in our “Not‑So‑Secret” Garden to plant colorful seeds, explore how plants grow in Chicago’s climate and help cultivate a vibrant container garden of edible plants and flowers. Create a recycled hanging garden, try simple plant‑science experiments, care for our shared garden and take home a plant to keep the fun growing. Open to all ages with caregivers. This program is made possible with generous support from Jewel‑Osco.. How To Attend This event takes place in person. 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 the total number of children and adults 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Author Keir Graff will discuss his recently published book Chicago's Fine Arts Building: Music, Magic, and Murder , taking audience members behind the scenes of the cultural hub. Initially conceived as a space for artists’ studios, a home for the city’s working artists, the building was an immediate success, but the Great Depression brought a long, slow decline to the building. Keir will discuss his writing process and sell copies of the book at the end of the program. 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Join Ms. My for a joyful, interactive story time filled with songs, movement and lively rhymes that support early literacy development. Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll for leg bounces and get ready to play with egg shakers, scarves, bubbles, the stretchy band and our giant parachute. Let’s move, sing and celebrate together! For children 0 to 5 with their caregivers. Siblings of all ages welcome. How To Attend Please 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. To keep the story time room safe and comfortable and to ensure you and your child have the best possible experience, please include the total number of children and adults 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.

Uptown, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Are you interested in crafting? Join your neighbors for stitching time, working on fiber arts, knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning, embroidery and meeting fellow crafters. Make progress on your projects in this BYOP (bring your own project) gathering. Open to all adults, from beginners to experts. 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.