Summer @ CPL encouraged Chicagoans of all ages to find their rhythm with music-themed learning programs!
Gone are the days of libraries being so quiet you can hear a pin drop. Nowadays, libraries are places to explore new hobbies, socialize with your community, and yes, play and record music. This year, summer learning was exceptionally fun and loud with CPL’s “Find Your Rhythm” theme. Chicagoans – from little kiddos to the young at heart were discovering different genres of music, making their own beats, having dance parties, jam sessions, making music-inspired zines, and more, all season long!
We stopped by some of the branches to listen to the sounds of learning.
Bringing the Block Party Vibes
On June 8, Chicago Public Library kicked off summer the Chicago way – with a block party! More than 900,000 Chicagoans attended and played games, took home summer learning kits, enjoyed performances from youth performers including 13-year-old DJ EJ and CPL’s very own rapbrarian, Roy Kinsey.
Getting Hands On with Music
When I walked into the Mayfair branch’s community room, there was absolutely no shushing going on. Kids aged 3-10 participated in a sing-along with the Old Town School of Folk Music and learned all about different instruments—from ukeleles to trumpets to snare drums—and were allowed to be as loud as they wanted to be!
Enjoying Cultural Performances
Chicago is home to many cultures and diasporas. CPL celebrated the rich diversity of our city with vibrant musical performances across the different neighborhoods.
The Little Village branch hosted the award-winning Mariachi Los Pumas (composed of youth and alumni from Jovita Idár Elementary) for an interactive performance celebrating the beauty and power of mariachi music. Attendees even got to dance along at the end!
And straight from Puerto Rico, Grupo Candela encouraged Chicagoans at the Portage-Cragin branch to learn the basic rhythm of the traditional Afro-Puerto Rican Plena art form and have a “plenazo” (open jam session).
There’s No Summer @ CPL without the Queer Radical Fair!
Back for another year at Ping Tom Memorial Park, this annual Fair is a great celebration of queerness, fashion, self-expression, and community among teens and families!
After months of preparation, teen interns from YOUmedia’s Radical Fit to showcase their design collections in front of friends, family, and Library users of all ages.
“I learned so much during my time in the Radical Fit program – from embroidery to diversity in fashion. I’m excited to show off my collection and continue making clothes beyond this,” said Hailey, a teen intern.
Mapping Our Earth Stories
It wouldn’t be a summer @ CPL without telling stories. Teens and adults at the Humboldt Park learned the basics of mapping their family history through migration as part of the larger natural cycles of Mother Earth thanks to Briana, a Dominican community-taught artist. Participants were in awe as they traced the travel path of their ancestors.
“I’m so glad we made it today! This is such an interactive way to teach my children not only about their great grandparents’ story, but of the larger story of our planet!” Ariana says.
These are just some of the many summer activities that happened across all 81 branches! Summer may be over, but learning is never-ending at Chicago Public Library. Find more events here.
Thank you to Allstate, The Brinson Foundation, Comcast, Cubs Charities, Exelon, Helen M. Harrison Foundation, KPMG, Virginia B. & Frederick W. Langrehr, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Peoples Gas, Kathy and Grant Pick Fund at the Community Trust, Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation, the Dr. Scholl Foundation, and generous donors like you for empowering Chicagoans of all ages to read, learn, and connect this summer.
To help make more learning activities like Summer @ CPL possible year-round, make a gift today. For just $10 a month, you can help fund STEAM learning activities for 20 children.
