Chicago Public Library

Chicago Public Library

by City of Chicago

64 ratings
47 reviews
Free

Details

Released
November 13, 2013
Updated
September 8, 2026

Features

Chicago Public Library screenshot #1 for iPhone
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Chicago Public Library screenshot #8 for iPhone
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About

Manage your library account, search the catalog, and discover new titles. Track borrowed items, place holds, and find events. Use your digital library card for in-person checkouts.

✓Manage checked out items
✓Place holds on materials
✓Renew borrowed items
✓Search library catalog
✓Track reading history
✓Browse new titles
✓Find library events
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What users say about Chicago Public Library

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What's New in Chicago Public Library

2.24.0

September 8, 2026

Stability improvements for a smoother app launch and sign-in experience

User reviews

Not great

App is CONSTANTLY having issues. At least twice a month it logs me out & then I can’t get back in despite entering in the correct login credentials. Please fix this!!! It’s so frustrating.

Please add notifications!

Love the library and this app is intuitive and super helpful, but often I miss the holds that I’ve placed when they’re available because the app has no notifications. I have to remember to keep checking the app to see if any of my books are available yet and half the time I miss them. I imagine this is annoying for the library when people ask for holds and don’t come pick them up. If that’s happening a lot throughout the system this app lacking a notification feature may be to blame.
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App changed

This app was once easy to access and use, but the format is different now. The cps system is wonderful, but using this app is frustrating. I’m repeatedly logged out, or can’t log in at all. So there goes the great system of requesting books or knowing when to pick up. But it did work, for years and years, so why the current mess??
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pretty sweet!

as someone who mainly just borrows physical books and doesn't use audiobooks through here, it's a pretty good app given that it's made by a government agency. it has a lot of sweet features and i personally think it at least goes beyond the bare minimum. i'm sure there's better library apps but from my experience i love it. visit your local public library!
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Add Library Card to Apple Wallet

Please make the library cards compatible with Apple Wallet. I’d like a virtual card instead of plastic ones.

Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

27 issues

App is CONSTANTLY having issues

Bug

Logs me out and I can’t get back in

Bug

Often miss holds due to no notifications

Bug

Repeatedly logged out, or can’t log in at all

Bug

Not opening since 4/2/2024

Bug

Logs me out constantly

Bug

Takes me out of the browser and I have to go through all the steps to get back

Bug

Confusing downloading a held ebook

Bug

Logs me out a lot

Bug

Cannot log in, doesn't load, can't search books

Bug

App asking for username, not accepting card ID

Bug

Cannot create an account, error messages

Bug

App logs you out if you switch to another app

Bug

App doesn’t seem to have been updated to accommodate the iPhone 12 mini

Bug

Borrowing ebooks or audiobooks requires multiple apps to synchronize

Bug

App does not have availability by branch location

Bug

App does not alert you when items are due, overdue or holds available

Bug

App shows book is available but without a location

Bug

On order and new releases are no longer available

Bug

Clunky on iPad, awkward in portrait view

Bug

Slow to respond on iPad

Bug

Cannot locate feature showing exact location of a desired book

Bug

No iPhone X screen size update

Bug

Crashes every time I attempt to open “for later”

Bug

App will not refine search

Bug

Accept and deny buttons reversed

Bug

Crashes every time I try to login

Bug
✨

Requested Features

14 requests

Add notifications for holds

Feature

Add library card to Apple Wallet

Feature

Improve audiobook browser experience

Feature

Provide direct download links for ebooks

Feature

Display library alerts prominently

Feature

Allow users to create usernames

Feature

Update app for iPhone 12 mini

Feature

Improve ebook/audiobook synchronization

Feature

Add page counts for books

Feature

Add pass to Apple Wallet

Feature

Add Passport version of CPL Library Card

Feature

Allow reserving computers via app

Feature

Add notifications for book due dates

Feature

Improve interface/design of app

Feature

FAQ

What can I do with the Chicago Public Library app?

The app allows you to manage your library account, including seeing what you have checked out, placing holds, and renewing materials. You can also search the CPL catalog, track what you've read, browse new titles, and find upcoming events at your preferred branch.

How do I use the app as a library card?

You can use the app to display your library card when checking out materials in person at a branch. This provides a convenient digital alternative to carrying your physical card.

Is the Chicago Public Library app free to use?

Yes, the app is completely free to download and use. There are no subscription fees or in-app purchases required to access its features.

What information can I find about library branches?

The app provides essential information about library branches, including their hours of operation, physical locations, and contact details. This helps you plan your visits and get in touch with your local branch.

Can I search for specific books or media using the app?

Yes, you can search the entire Chicago Public Library catalog directly through the app. Additionally, you can scan the barcode of a book, DVD, or CD to quickly search for its availability within the CPL system.