Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Public Library Launch Literacy Programming for Summer 2023

CHICAGO - As the 2022-23 school year comes to an end Wednesday, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Public Library (CPL) are reminding students about the many summer reading and literacy programs and resources across the city. The two Chicago organizations offer summer literacy programming for students of all ages at schools and libraries, providing opportunities for students to catch up, accelerate, or develop proactive habits as independent lifelong learners.

“Our summer literacy programming aims to ensure that our students sharpen their skills and, perhaps most importantly, address any challenges going into the 2023-24 school year,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “The summer months are the perfect time to reinforce skills learned during the previous year and prepare them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the classroom and in life.”

Research suggests summer learning and reading provides opportunities for enrichment and academic acceleration that supports continued social, emotional and academic growth through the summer months. Summer programs will run through August 4 at hundreds of CPS and CPL locations throughout the District, with programming available in all 77 Chicago neighborhoods.

CPL is also launching Summer at Chicago Public Library, a 150th anniversary-themed summer program that includes fun, inspiring and informative events and activities that engage kids, teens and adults. For a list of all CPL events for kids and teens, click here. Beginning Saturday, June 10, CPL will host a series of birthday parties with special performers and free activities at every library branch location throughout all 77 Chicago neighborhoods.

Students can also instantly access books and other resources through The 81 Club, which includes a library card for youth that can be used to access CPL and CPS resources. Students can sign up by visiting any of the 81 CPL locations throughout the city and can learn more by visiting The 81 Club website. Young people who are interested in video games can also attend CPL’s second annual Gamers Universe gaming convention on June 24 at Harold Washington Library Center. There are also opportunities for kids and teens ages 12 and up to volunteer at their local library.

“I am thrilled that CPL will provide an extraordinary lineup of summer learning opportunities designed for every Chicagoan,” said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown. “From our immersive Summer at CPL reading program to electrifying 150th annual celebrations, your neighborhood library is a gateway to your summer learning experience.”

CPS-run summer literacy programs begin June 26 and provide students with extra academic and social and emotional support, connect them with their school communities and encourage them to explore new skills so that they are ready and confident when the 2023–24 school year begins Aug. 21. Registration is still open and can be found on the CPS website. Families can also contact their school principals to find out what programming will be available at their specific school.

The CPS Department of Literacy is committed to supporting teachers and schools in providing literacy instruction to every CPS student that builds on students’ lived experiences, capitalizes on their cultural and linguistic assets and requires students to reason deeply and problem solve creatively. In collaboration with the District’s Literacy team, individual District-run schools are facilitating numerous literacy programs. At Cyrus H. McCormick Elementary School, for example, students will receive targeted reading interventions using age-appropriate resources from the Wilson Reading System Program.

“While summer is a time for students to recharge, this is also a great time to capitalize on the momentum students have built during the school year and to continue to engage in joyful, abundant reading opportunities,” said CPS Literacy Director Jane Fleming. “The 'Summer at Chicago Public Library' events for children, teens and adults are a great complement to CPS summer programming to help keep the learning and love of literacy going year-round.”

For additional information regarding literacy summer programming, please visit the CPS Summer Programs website.