Come Alone by Meet & Mint Events you can go to on your own

Events by city · United States · Chicago

Events in Chicago, easy to join alone.

116 upcoming events in Chicago you can go to alone, 116 of them free, from Thursday 22 Oct to Saturday 3 Jul 2027. Picked from city open data and official agendas. Check the official page before you go: times and prices can change.

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Upcoming · by date

What is on in Chicago

15 events in the next 14 days. Showing the next 80 of 116; later ones appear as their dates get closer.

Thu22Oct
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Trivia night with Back of the Yards library at The Plant, Chicago

The Plant (Back of the Yards Branch off-site)

The Back of the Yards branch hosts a trivia night at The Plant, the former meatpacking building turned sustainable food hub on the Southwest Side. Questions cover surprise categories, teams can be anything from one to four people, and the top three teams win bragging rights and library swag. It is free for adults with a quick RSVP, and solo players are explicitly welcome. «Trivia Night with Back of the Yards» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed28Oct
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Halloween bingo for adults, Greater Grand Crossing Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Greater Grand Crossing

On Wednesday 28 October the Greater Grand Crossing branch of the Chicago Public Library, on East 73rd Street, hosts a Halloween Bingo night designed for adults. The listing promises spooky-themed bingo cards, light refreshments and chances to win small prizes in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, with a little playful competition for people who want to celebrate the season. The library's booking system shows a small registration limit for this session, so it is wise to reserve a place before turning up. The branch also offers accessibility help, and requests for sign language interpretation or other assistance should be made at least fourteen business days beforehand by phone or email. Entry is free and the language is English. It starts at 17:00 and ends about 18:30, an easy and sociable early-evening activity to join alone. «Halloween Bingo» Starts 17:00, ends about 18:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed28Oct
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Book talk on Shirley Jackson’s gothic classic, Rogers Park, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Rogers Park (Community Room, 2nd floor)

Just before Halloween, the Rogers Park branch on the far North Side discusses Shirley Jackson's deliciously unsettling gothic classic about Merricat, her isolated family and their dark secret. The discussion is for adults, free and needs no registration. A seasonal book chat like this is an easy way to meet neighbours who love a good shiver. «Adult Book Discussion: We Have Always Lived In The Castle» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed28Oct
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Halloween edition of That Music Club, Mayfair Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Mayfair

On Wednesday 28 October the Mayfair branch of the Chicago Public Library, on West Lawrence Avenue, holds a special Halloween edition of That Music Club. Participants are invited to share some of their favourite spooky music and talk about it, whether that means film themes, classic haunted-house songs or any track that gives them a shiver. The listing says the idea is to discover new music and artists as well as old favourites, so it is an informal swap of recommendations rather than a lecture or a concert. Entry is free and no preparation is needed beyond bringing a song or two in mind. The branch offers accessibility help on request, with notice of fourteen business days. The language is English. The club starts at 18:00 and ends about 19:30, a friendly way to meet fellow music lovers alone. «That Music Club» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Fri30Oct
Free
CultureChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Halloween screening of the thriller Primate, Mayfair library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Mayfair

The Mayfair branch on West Lawrence Avenue, on Chicago's Northwest Side, marks Halloween with a free afternoon screening of Primate (2026), in which a group of friends' tropical holiday turns into a primal tale of horror and survival. Rated R, 89 minutes, for adults, with English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Part of the library's Community Cinema series; just come along. «Film Screening: Primate (2026)» Starts 14:30, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat31Oct
Free
CultureChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Halloween afternoon screening of Scream VI, North Austin library

Chicago Public Library – North Austin

On Halloween afternoon the North Austin branch on West North Avenue, on Chicago's West Side, screens Scream VI (2023), in which the Ghostface killer leaves Woodsboro behind for New York City and a group of familiar survivors tries to end his reign of terror for good. Rated R, 122 minutes, for adults, with English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Free, no registration. «Film Screening: Scream VI (2023)» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat31Oct
Free
CultureChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Eggers' gothic Nosferatu on Halloween, Bessie Coleman library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Bessie Coleman

The Bessie Coleman branch in Woodlawn, on the South Side, spends Halloween afternoon with Robert Eggers' Nosferatu, a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the vampire infatuated with her. Rated R, 132 minutes, for adults, with English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Free, just come in and find a seat. «Film Screening: Nosferatu (2025)» Starts 14:15, ends about 16:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Mon2Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Novel Needles knit and crochet group, Roden library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Roden

The Roden branch of Chicago Public Library, on Northwest Highway, holds a Monday-afternoon stitching group called Novel Needles. You bring your own knitting, crochet, stitchery or needlework project and spend two hours working on it in good company. The library says the group is a place to meet like-minded friends, find inspiration and support, share your projects and enjoy light conversation about your craft. All skill levels are welcome, and so are all ages, so beginners can arrive with a first scarf attempt while experienced makers swap tips. The listing is free and shows no registration, so you can simply turn up between 13:00 and 15:00. If you come alone, having something in your hands makes conversation easy to start, and you can leave when you like. «Novel Needles: Knit, Crochet and Stitchery Group» Starts 13:00, ends about 15:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Mon2Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

November Knowledge trivia night at Canaryville library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Canaryville

The Canaryville branch on the South Side hosts a trivia game for adults with questions from easy to difficult on a little bit of everything, and you just might win a prize. It is free and needs no registration. Trivia teams always welcome an extra player, so it is easy to join on your own. «Trivia Night at Canaryville: November Knowledge Edition» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Mon2Nov
Free
SocialChicago

Social book chat with Mayfair library at Pete’s Pizza, Chicago

Pete's Pizza #2 (Chicago Public Library off-site)

Staff from the Mayfair branch on the Northwest Side host an adult social and book chat at Pete's Pizza #2 on Montrose Avenue: say a few words about whatever you are reading and leave with new titles to try. There is no set book and no registration; the programme is free, though food and drinks are at your own expense. It is for ages 21 and over. «Adult Book Discussion Group at Pete's Pizza #2» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue3Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Tuesday night bridge club, Logan Square Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Logan Square

Every Tuesday evening the Logan Square branch of the Chicago Public Library hosts a bridge club. The library suggests it as a next step for people who already enjoy trick-taking card games such as Hearts or Spades, and it says players of all levels are welcome, so a newcomer who has only played other card games can sit down and learn. Because bridge is played in fours, turning up alone is the normal way to start: the table fills with whoever is there. The branch is on West Fullerton Avenue in the Logan Square neighbourhood on the north-west side. The club is free to attend and the language is English. The event page carries registration settings, so check it before you go. The session runs from 18:00 to 19:30. Accessibility help can be requested from the library in advance. «Tuesday Night Bridge Club» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed4Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Game night for adults with smooth jazz, Wrightwood-Ashburn, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Wrightwood-Ashburn

The Wrightwood-Ashburn branch on Chicago's South West Side sets out chess, checkers, cards and other games for an evening of play to a smooth-jazz soundtrack. Bring your own snacks and join any table. It is free, for adults, and needs no registration. «Game Night for Adults» Starts 17:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed4Nov
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Spanish conversation group at Blackstone library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Blackstone

Blackstone, Chicago's first branch library and a domed landmark in Kenwood, hosts a community-led Spanish conversation group. Everyone from beginners to native speakers is welcome to come and enjoy speaking Spanish together. It is free and needs no registration. «Spanish Conversation Group» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Thu5Nov
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

The science behind Project Hail Mary, Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Garfield Ridge

On Thursday 5 November the Garfield Ridge branch of the Chicago Public Library, on South Archer Avenue, hosts a talk called The Physics of Project Hail Mary. For people who enjoyed the novel and the film, the session explains the science and physics behind the story. The speaker is Gerry Jackson of the Chicago Society for Space Studies. The event belongs to the 2026 One Book, One Chicago season, which this year explores the novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey, so it fits a wider programme of space-themed gatherings across the city's libraries. The branch offers accessibility help on request, with requests to be made by phone or email at least fourteen business days before the event. Entry is free and the language is English. The talk starts at 18:00 and ends at 19:00, a good fit for science fiction fans who come alone and enjoy a friendly discussion afterwards. «The Physics of Project Hail Mary» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Thu5Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Sourdough Bread Club meet-up, Albany Park Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Albany Park

The Albany Park branch of the Chicago Public Library runs a sourdough Bread Club, now in its seventh edition, and the Thursday evening meeting on 5 November is one of its meet-ups. The club supports home bakers with starter distribution, workshops, email help and access to a baker’s tool library, and the librarian who leads it, Scott, is described as an enthusiastic baker who loves guiding people through the world of naturally leavened bread. You register only once for the whole three-month programme and can then come to as many weekday or weekend meetings as you like, ideally at least one a month. The session takes place in the Community Room and is free and in English. It starts at 18:30 and ends at 19:30. The branch asks anyone who needs sign-language interpretation or other access support to contact the library in advance. «Albany Park Bread Club» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Fri6Nov
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Introduction to zine making, Harold Washington Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center

The Maker Lab on the third floor of the Harold Washington Library Center, the central library of Chicago, hosts an introductory zine workshop led by Brenda Quetzali. Zines are small hand-made booklets, and you will learn basic folding and binding techniques while creating a personal zine that reflects your own voice, ideas and experiences. Everyone also fills a page in other participants' projects, so each person leaves with a zine made in collaboration with the group. The class is for adults aged 18 and over, is free, and runs on a Friday afternoon from 14:00 to 15:30. Registration is needed because places are limited, and Maker Lab workshops start on time: arriving more than five minutes late may mean losing your seat. Requests for accessibility help can be made to the library at least 14 business days ahead. «Introduction to Zine Making» Starts 14:00, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat7Nov
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Spanish Study Group, Avalon library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Avalon

The motto of the Avalon library's Spanish Study Group is «We teach each other», and that is exactly how the two hours work. It is aimed at basic and advanced beginners, who all work from one book but can begin at whichever chapter feels comfortable. Participants teach one another grammar and pronunciation and practise reading, writing, listening and speaking. The first hour goes to advanced-beginner learning and the second hour helps the true beginners, and sometimes a native Spanish speaker visits to answer questions. It meets on a Saturday morning at the Avalon branch on South Stony Island Avenue. Free, drop-in, with no teacher to pay and plenty of patient learners at the same stage as you. «Spanish Study Group» Starts 10:30, ends about 12:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat7Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

First Saturdays Stitch-a-Palooza, Uptown library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Uptown

On the first Saturday of the month the Uptown branch of Chicago Public Library hosts a stitching session for adults. Bring your own project, whether knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning or embroidery, make progress on it, and chat with other fibre-arts people from the neighbourhood. Beginners and experts are equally welcome, so if you have a half-finished scarf in a drawer this is the nudge to pull it out. The branch is on West Buena Avenue and the event runs two hours on a Saturday morning, free, with no registration required in the listing. It is an easy way to spend time among friendly people when you come alone, since everyone has something in their hands to talk about. «First Saturdays Stitch-a-Palooza» Starts 11:00, ends about 13:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat7Nov
Free
CultureChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Composer Tania León talk, Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center

On Saturday 7 November the Harold Washington Library Center in downtown Chicago hosts the Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tania León, who gives a presentation titled Can You Imagine? about her extensive work in music. The talk is held in the Chicago Author's Room on the seventh floor, in conjunction with the exhibit Pulitzer On the Road. León, a Cuban-born American composer, conductor and educator, was the first Latin American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Music, in 2021, and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2022. She studied under Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa, has conducted orchestras around the world, and received two Latin Grammy nominations for 2026. Entry is free, and the booking system shows a capacity of fifty-five seats, so registration is advisable. The language is English. The talk starts at 14:00 and ends at 15:00. «Can You Imagine?: The Musical Career of Tania León» Starts 14:00, ends about 15:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat7Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Comic Book Roundtable on the X-Men, Sulzer Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional

The Sulzer Regional Library on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago hosts the Comic Book Roundtable, a monthly meet-up for adult comic fans with a new topic every month. On Saturday 7 November the subject is the X-Men, and the library lists a few starting points for reading: Grant Morrison’s New X-Men omnibus and volumes, and the recent X-Men ’97 comic. Digital copies of many titles are available free with a library card through the Hoopla service, so you can prepare at home. The group meets in a small meeting room, the event is for adults aged 18 and over, it is free, and the language is English. It runs from 14:30 to 16:30. The library invites questions and suggestions for future topics, and it also offers accessibility support if requested at least fourteen business days ahead. «Comic Book Roundtable: The X-Men» Starts 14:30, ends about 16:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sun8Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Chess meetup, Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional

The Sulzer Regional Library, on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighbourhood, hosts a Sunday afternoon chess meetup in one of its small meeting rooms. The library invites players of every level to come, play some games and meet new people, and suggests bringing your own chess set if you own one. Because the room is small, space is limited, and the listing says that registration is required through the organisers’ Meetup group for Chicago chess, which will also send updates to everyone on the RSVP list. Entry is free and the text is in English. The meetup runs from 13:30 to 15:30. The announcement adds the usual library note on accessibility: sign-language interpretation or other help can be requested by phone or email with a notice period of fourteen business days, so anyone who needs support should ask well ahead. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue10Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Monthly home bakers meetup, Brainerd Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Brainerd

The Brainerd branch of the Chicago Public Library, on West 89th Street in the south of the city, starts a monthly meetup for people who love to bake. The first evening is a casual chat about whatever each person has baked since the last time: cakes, bread, pastries or anything else. Bakers of every skill level are invited to share photographs and videos of their results and to talk about the recipes they tried, and they may also bring their creations to share if they wish. The point is to swap tips and encouragement rather than to compete. The library says registration is not required but is recommended. It is free and in English, on a Tuesday from 18:00 to 19:00. «The Brainerd Bakers» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed11Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Cookbook Club, Austin library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin

The Austin branch of Chicago Public Library, on West Race Avenue, runs a monthly Cookbook Club for adults, and the November meeting falls on a Wednesday evening. Each month the group explores one featured title: members pick a dish from the book, cook it at home and bring it along to share. Around the table everyone says what they cooked, what surprised them and what they would make again. The library describes it as welcoming to curious beginners and confident home cooks alike, and as a good way to discover new flavours while meeting people. It is free to attend, from 18:00 to 19:45, and the booking system shows a capacity of 20 places, so it is wise to sign up beforehand. The listing does not name the cookbook for this session, so check with the branch. «Cookbook Club» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:45. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed11Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Share-a-song music club, Rogers Park Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Rogers Park

The Rogers Park branch of the Chicago Public Library, on the city's far north side, runs a monthly music club on the second Wednesday of the month. The library describes it as music appreciation combined with music therapy, and as a song club in place of a book club. Each participant chooses one favourite song to share, plays it for the group, and tells the others why it matters to them, after which everyone talks about their reactions and feelings. You only need to bring the title of a track, because the library has access to YouTube in the room. The meeting takes place in the second-floor community room and lasts an hour and a half, from 18:00. The listing does not ask for registration, and admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to come back with different songs. The language is English. «Music For Self-Care: Share A Favorite Song!» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Thu12Nov
Free
CultureChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

One Book, One Chicago talk on «Orbital», Albany Park library

Chicago Public Library – Albany Park (Community Room)

Albany Park library on the Northwest Side invites readers to discuss Orbital by Samantha Harvey, this year's One Book, One Chicago citywide selection. The lyrical novel follows six astronauts through sixteen orbits of the Earth in a single day aboard the space station, musing on the lives they left below. It is free and drop-in, and a citywide read gives you an instant conversation topic with strangers. «Adult Book Discussion: Orbital by Samantha Harvey» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat14Nov
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Spanish Study Group, Avalon Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Avalon

The Avalon branch of the Chicago Public Library, on Stony Island Avenue on the city's south side, hosts a peer-led Spanish study group on Saturday mornings. Its motto is that the members teach each other. The group welcomes people who are basic beginners or advanced beginners in the language, and works from a single book, although you can start at the level where you feel comfortable. Over the two hours the first hour is used for advanced beginners and the second to help the basic beginners. Members practise grammar, pronunciation, reading, writing, listening and speaking, and sometimes a native Spanish speaker joins to answer questions. The listing does not ask for registration, and the event is free. The listing is in English. Learning together in a small group is a friendly way to stay motivated and meet neighbours. «Spanish Study Group» Starts 10:30, ends about 12:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Mon16Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Relaxed board game night for adults at Austin library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin (Auditorium, 2nd floor)

The Austin branch on Chicago's West Side hosts a relaxed Monday evening of board games in its auditorium. Play the classics, learn something new and connect with others, whatever your experience; bring your favourite game or use one of the library's. It is free, for adults, and needs no registration. «Game Night» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Mon16Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Game night for adults, Budlong Woods Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Budlong Woods

On Monday evening 16 November the Budlong Woods branch of Chicago Public Library, on North Lincoln Avenue, hosts a community game night for adults with board and card games. The library names Flip 7, Rummikub, Scrabble, chess and Azul among many quick-playing games on offer, and invites guests to bring a favourite game they are willing to teach. Solo players are explicitly welcome, so you can arrive alone and be matched with a table. The listing notes that space is limited and asks people to stop by or telephone the branch to register. It is free and held in English. Accessibility help, such as sign-language interpretation, can be requested from the library at least fourteen business days ahead. The evening runs from 18:00 to 19:30, a short and friendly way to meet neighbours. «Budlong Game Night» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue17Nov
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Vinyl cutting 101, Legler Regional Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Legler Regional

The Maker Lab on the second floor of the Legler Regional Library, on Chicago's West Side, runs a one-hour introduction to cutting vinyl. Staff teach the basics of using electronic cutting machines of the kind sold as Cricut or Silhouette Cameo, with vinyl used for stickers, decals, T-shirt transfers and more. If you want to turn an image into a sticker, the library asks you to arrive with a two-tone, black-and-white silhouette image saved in your email or on a flash drive. The class is for adults aged 18 and over and is free. Places are limited: registration opens on 3 November at noon, seats are few and there is a waitlist, so sign up through the library page before you come. It takes place on a Tuesday from 17:00 to 18:00. Accessibility help can be requested from the library at least 14 business days ahead. «Vinyl Cutting 101» Starts 17:00, ends about 18:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue17Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Cookbook club on baking, West Belmont Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – West Belmont

The West Belmont branch of the Chicago Public Library, on North Narragansett Avenue in the north-west of the city, holds its monthly Cookbook Club on Tuesday evening. Members explore new cooking styles and themes each month, and the library says that anyone who likes cooking or just enjoys browsing cookbooks is welcome. November’s title is «Baking Across America» by B. Dylan Hollis, and copies are available at the branch’s circulation desk. Participants may bring a sample dish to share, but nothing says it is required, so you can also come to chat and listen. Online registration is suggested by the library. The club is free, held in English and open to adults. Accessibility help such as sign-language interpretation can be requested from the library, with at least fourteen business days of notice. The session starts at 18:30 and ends about 19:30, an easy evening for anyone who loves baking and enjoys talking about food. «Cookbook Club: Baking Across America» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed18Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Retro Game Day: tabletop games at Near North library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Near North (Meeting Room)

Near North branch on West Division Street sets out old-school tabletop games for a Wednesday afternoon: Mahjong, Rummikub, UNO and more are provided, or bring your own favourite and teach the table how to play. Rediscovering a classic game is one of the easiest ways to sit down with strangers. It is free, for adults, and needs no registration. «Retro Game Day: Tabletop Game Play» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed18Nov
Free
SocialChicago

Weird Book Club, Midwest Coast Brewing, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Midwest Coast Brewing Company

On Wednesday 18 November Chicago Public Library's Weird Book Club meets at Midwest Coast Brewing on West Walnut Street. It is an adult discussion group for people who enjoy science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative fiction and non-fiction, and it gathers on the third Wednesday of each month. This edition belongs to the One Book, One Chicago programme, and the listing says the title was to be revealed in early September. Reserved copies can be borrowed from the Manning branch while supplies last, and many titles are available as e-books or audiobooks. You are welcome even if you did not finish the reading. The event is for guests aged 21 and over, has a cap of fifteen places and is free. The language is English. It runs from 18:30 to 19:30, a sociable evening where a pint is optional. «Weird Book Club at Midwest Coast Brewing: OBOC» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Thu19Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Song club: share a favourite track, Austin library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin

The Austin branch of the Chicago Public Library, in the city's West Side, offers a monthly gathering described as an alternative to a book club: a song club. Each person chooses one favourite track to share and brings it to play for the group. People take turns playing a piece of music, then telling the others why it matters to them, and the whole room goes around discussing reactions, thoughts and overall feelings after listening. Because the meeting is monthly, regulars are encouraged to come back with different songs each time. The programme is called Music for Self-Care and is for adults aged 18 and over. It takes place in the second-floor auditorium on a Thursday afternoon from 15:00 to 17:30. Entry is free and the listing shows no registration requirement. It is held in English, and the format makes talking with strangers easy because the music starts the conversation. «Music For Self-Care: Share Your Favorite Song!» Starts 15:00, ends about 17:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Thu19Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Stitch club for knitters and crocheters, West Loop Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – West Loop

The West Loop branch of the Chicago Public Library, on North Aberdeen Street, hosts an informal stitching club on Thursday evening in its Tinkering Lab room on the first floor. The library calls on fibre-art enthusiasts to bring whatever stitching project they are working on, whether knitting, crochet, needlepoint, sewing or something similar, and describes the club as relaxed, with all levels welcome. No materials are provided, so bring your own yarn, needles and pattern. It is an easy way to meet neighbours who share a hobby, and a beginner can sit next to someone more experienced and ask questions while their own project grows. The club is free, in English and open to adults. Accessibility help such as sign-language interpretation can be requested from the library, with at least fourteen business days of notice. The meeting starts at 18:30 and finishes at 19:30, a short slot that fits easily after work. «West Loop Stitch Club» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Fri20Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Friday Mahjong Club at Clearing library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Clearing

Clearing branch on the Southwest Side, near Midway airport, invites adults to come and play Mahjong on Friday afternoons. The tile game with roots in nineteenth-century China has a long-lasting appeal and a table of four that always needs another player. It is free, for adults, and needs no registration. «Mahjong Club» Starts 13:30, ends about 16:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat21Nov
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Thanksgiving side dishes cooking demo, Edgebrook Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Edgebrook

On Saturday 21 November the Edgebrook branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 5331 West Devon Avenue, hosts a cooking demonstration titled Sides to Make You Say Thanks. The listing speaks to anyone planning for Thanksgiving, whether they are hosting or joining friends and family, and promises to show how to create delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with any main course. Cheryl Knecht from Schoolhouse Kitchen and Studio shares recipes, offers helpful tips and provides samples of three crowd-pleasing sides. The session takes place in the Community Room on the second floor. Entry is free and the language is English. It is a practical and friendly way to prepare for the American holiday, and a good moment to chat with neighbours who are also cooking for a crowd. The demonstration starts at 10:00 and ends at 12:00. «Sides to Make You Say "Thanks!" Cooking Demo» Starts 10:00, ends about 12:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat21Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Book discussion: «Remarkably Bright Creatures», Budlong Woods, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Budlong Woods

The monthly adult book discussion at Budlong Woods library takes up «Remarkably Bright Creatures» by Shelby Van Pelt. The debut novel tells a story of loss and determination driven by a decades-old mystery, and of the unlikely friendship between Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. It is a warm, funny and moving read, which tends to make for a lively discussion. The branch describes the club as a way to share your love of reading, broaden your horizons and stay connected with others. Saturday morning, an hour and a half, free; no registration is mentioned, so you can simply come and join the circle at the Lincoln Avenue branch, whether or not you have finished the book. «Adult Book Discussion: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt» Starts 11:00, ends about 12:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat21Nov
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Sofrito cooking demonstration, West Lawn Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – West Lawn

On Saturday 21 November the West Lawn branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 4020 West 63rd Street, hosts a cooking demonstration called Archives and Cocinas with Chef Urban Pilón. The listing says that food is a form of cultural expression. The chef will demonstrate sofrito, and the session also introduces the library's collections on Latine food found in Special Collections, before ending with an interactive cooking demonstration. Participants are encouraged to bring a menu from their favourite restaurant to add to the Chicago Menu Collection. The presenter, Roberto Pérez, is a chef, musician and researcher of Afro-Caribbean traditions who founded the culinary initiative Urban Pilón in 2012 and gives demonstrations and courses on healthy foods combined with history. The page is in English and Spanish, and the event is free. It takes place in the community room. The session starts at 11:00 and ends at 12:15. «Archives and Cocinas: Cooking Demonstration with Chef Urban Pilón» Starts 11:00, ends about 12:15. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat21Nov
Free
CultureChicago

Fall wine glass painting class, Jeffery Manor Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Jeffery Manor

On Saturday 21 November the Jeffery Manor branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 2401 East 100th Street, runs a cosy fall-themed wine glass painting class. The listing invites participants to create their own beautifully hand-decorated seasonal glasses, and says that people of all skill levels are welcome to relax, paint and enjoy the creative process. The session is free and the page is in English. For people who need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance, the page gives the library's access phone number and email address and asks for requests at least 14 business days before the event. A craft hour like this is an easy way to meet other adults in the neighbourhood, and you leave with a keepsake for your own table. The class starts at 14:00 and ends at 15:00. «Fall Wine Glass Painting» Starts 14:00, ends about 15:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sun22Nov
Free
CultureChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Friendsgiving comedy film screening, Pullman Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Pullman

On Sunday 22 November the Pullman branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 11001 South Indiana Avenue, screens the film Friendsgiving, released in 2020. The listing summarises the story: after years of awkward family gatherings, the thirty-somethings Abby and Molly decide to invite their closest friends over for a Thanksgiving celebration, and they soon learn the challenges of hosting a feast for all of their friends, much to their dismay. The film runs 95 minutes and is rated R. The screening is part of Community Cinema, a programme of screenings at branches across Chicago, and English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are available. Entry is free, and the page is in English. It makes for a cosy Sunday afternoon in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The screening starts at 14:00 and ends at 16:00. «Film Screening: Friendsgiving - 2020» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue24Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Tuesday Night Bridge Club at Logan Square library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Logan Square

Logan Square branch on West Fullerton Avenue hosts a weekly bridge club for adults on Tuesday evenings. If you already enjoy Hearts or Spades, this is the invitation to give bridge a try; all levels are welcome and a card table of four is a ready-made way to sit down with strangers. It is free and needs no registration. «Tuesday Night Bridge Club» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Fri27Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Puzzle Club for adults at Avalon library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Avalon

Do you enjoy working on a jigsaw puzzle with a bit of company? The Avalon branch library invites adults 18 and up to join staff for fun and conversation while the group tries to complete a puzzle together. The library supplies the puzzle, and you can bring one of your own if you like. It is a relaxed late-morning hour on the Friday after Thanksgiving, with no skills needed and no pressure to talk; slide a piece into place now and then, or settle into a chat with whoever is next to you, and leave with the satisfaction of a picture slowly coming together. The branch is on South Stony Island Avenue, close to the Avalon neighbourhood. Free, with no registration required. «Puzzle Club» Starts 11:00, ends about 12:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat28Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Saturday Game Day drop-in at Garfield Ridge library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Garfield Ridge

Garfield Ridge branch on South Archer Avenue, on the Southwest Side near Midway airport, runs an all-day Saturday game drop-in for adults. Bring a game or play one of the library's: UNO, Skip-Bo, Mexican Train, Canasta, chess, checkers, Sorry and more. Players gather on the adult side of the building as space allows, and the stated aim is simply to make new friends. Free, no registration, come and go as you like. «Saturday Game Day» Starts 09:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat28Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Crocheting circle at Thurgood Marshall library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Thurgood Marshall

The Thurgood Marshall branch of the Chicago Public Library, on the city's South Side, hosts a Saturday morning crocheting circle for adults. Whether you already crochet or want to learn, participants pick up stitches, patterns and tips, start new projects, or bring along a work in progress. The library provides crochet hooks and some starter yarn, and you are asked to bring your own materials if you have them. Beginners, novices and experienced crocheters are all welcome. The circle meets from 11:00 to 12:30. Entry is free, and the listing shows a registration option with a small number of places, so it is wise to book through the library page or ask at the branch. The language is English. A craft circle is one of the easiest ways to start talking to people for the first time, because the work in your hands gives everyone something to share. «Marshall's Crocheting Circle» Starts 11:00, ends about 12:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sun29Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Chess meetup at Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional

On a Sunday afternoon the small meeting room at the Sulzer Regional Library, on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Square area, becomes a chess club. The library invites players of every level to sit down, play a few games and get to know other chess fans, and suggests bringing your own set if you have one. The idea is simply to meet people through the game, so beginners and experienced players are equally welcome. Because the room is small, the number of seats is limited, and the library asks everyone to register in advance through the Chicago Chess group page on Meetup, which will also send updates to those on the list. Admission is free. The meetup runs for two hours, from 13:30 to 15:30, and is in English. Accessibility support can be requested from the library well ahead of time. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Mon30Nov
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Mahjong Mondays, Little Italy Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Little Italy

On Monday 30 November the Little Italy branch of the Chicago Public Library on West Taylor Street holds its Mahjong Mondays session for adults. The library invites people who would like to learn American Mahjong, as well as those who already know the game but need partners, to come to learn, practise and improve. No supplies are needed, so you do not have to bring a set, and players of every skill level are welcome. The listing does not require registration, and the event is free. The programme is in English. The session starts at 12:30 and ends at 15:30, three hours in the middle of the day. It is an easy way to find regular tablemates for a game. «Mahjong Mondays» Starts 12:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Mon30Nov
Free
SocialChicago

Literary Lounge Book Club: Orbital by Samantha Harvey

Chicago Public Library – Chinatown

The Chinatown branch's monthly adult book club discusses this year's One Book, One Chicago pick, Samantha Harvey's Orbital, about six astronauts circling the Earth in a single day. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Space is limited and registration is required, and the small group format makes it easy to get talking.

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Mon30Nov
Free
SocialChicago

Weird Book Club at the Map Room bar, Bucktown, Chicago

Map Room (bar), Bucktown

Once a month, on the last Monday, a Chicago Public Library book club for fans of strange fiction meets in a local bar, the Map Room, on Hoyne Avenue in Bucktown, rather than inside a branch. The group reads science fiction, fantasy, horror and anything speculative or odd. This month's book is «The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories» by Ken Liu, a collection of fourteen short stories that draw on myths and legends of the Asian diaspora. Copies can be borrowed from the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch while supplies last, and many titles are also available as e-books or audiobooks through the library's apps. The event is for adults aged 21 and over, free, and the listing sets a limit of about twenty places with registration through the library page. On arrival you find the sign-in sheet at the back of the bar. It runs from 19:00 to 20:00. «Weird Book Club: The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue1Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Bridgeport Knitting Circle, Daley library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Daley, Richard J.-Bridgeport

The Bridgeport Knitting Circle gathers once a month at the Richard J. Daley branch of the Chicago Public Library on South Halsted Street, in the Bridgeport neighbourhood. It is an informal session for people who knit or crochet, at any level of skill, who want to sit with their yarn, chat with neighbours and perhaps pick up a tip or two. The library says everyone is welcome and does not ask for registration in the listing, and entry is free. The December meeting is on a Tuesday evening from 18:30 to 19:30, in English. Bring whatever project you are working on, or start a simple one if you are new to it. For a newcomer to the area, a regular craft circle like this is one of the easiest ways to meet people who live nearby, because the activity gives everyone something to talk about. «Bridgeport Knitting Circle» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed2Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Game Night for Adults with smooth jazz, Wrightwood-Ashburn, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Wrightwood-Ashburn

On the far South-West Side of Chicago, the Wrightwood-Ashburn branch on Kedzie Avenue puts smooth jazz on the speakers and lays out chess, checkers, cards and other games for a relaxed Wednesday evening. Bring your own snacks, sit down at whichever table has a free chair and you will have a partner within minutes. For adults, free, no registration. «Game Night for Adults» Starts 17:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed2Dec
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Spanish Conversation Group at Blackstone library, Hyde Park, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Blackstone

Blackstone, the oldest branch of the Chicago Public Library, sits in a domed classical building in Kenwood near Hyde Park. On Wednesday evenings a community-led group meets there to speak Spanish for an hour, from complete beginners to native speakers who simply want to use their language. Everyone is welcome, it is free and you just show up. «Spanish Conversation Group» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed2Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Chatty Crafters craft group, Clearing Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Clearing

On Wednesday 2 December the Clearing branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 6423 West 63rd Place, welcomes the Chatty Crafters group. The listing asks whether you like crafting and conversation and invites you to bring a craft you are working on. Participants can check out other people's crafts, talk to fellow crafters or just relax and work on their own project. The page does not name a particular craft, so any project you can carry is a good one to bring. Entry is free and the language is English. For people who need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance, the page gives the library's access phone number and email address and asks for requests at least 14 business days before the event. It is a relaxed hour to meet neighbours while your hands are busy. The group starts at 18:30 and ends at 19:30. «Chatty Crafters» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Thu3Dec
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Talk: Chicago Movie Palaces and Balaban & Katz

Chicago Public Library – Uptown

Chicago Architecture Center tour guide Robin Simon tells the story of the grand movie palaces and of Balaban & Katz, the Chicago firm behind many of them, in connection with a current library exhibit. It is free with registration, and history talks like this attract chatty locals.

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Sun6Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Spanish book club on Onetti, Little Village library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Little Village

The Enhorabuena Spanish-language reading club, a programme of Illinois Humanities, meets monthly at Little Village library to discuss books in Spanish. This month's title is «La vida breve» by the Uruguayan writer Juan Carlos Onetti, a classic of Latin American fiction. The group is open to any adult who is interested in reading and talking about reading with other adults, and it is held in person on a Sunday afternoon. The library asks participants to register and confirm details by emailing the coordinator, whose contact is on the event page, in case of any changes; there is space for up to thirty people. Free, and a good way to practise Spanish with friendly neighbours. «Club de Lectura en Español: La Vida Breve / Juan Carlos Onetti» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue8Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Chess for all levels, Chicago Bee Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Chicago Bee

On Tuesday afternoon 8 December the Chicago Bee branch of Chicago Public Library, on South State Street, holds its weekly chess hour in a second-floor meeting room, led by a facilitator named eMadeline Morgan. The library says the hour is meant for people who have never touched a chess piece as well as those who have loved the game for years. You can learn the basics at your own pace, practise against other players, try strategies and puzzles, ask questions in a supportive setting and meet new people through shared play. The language is English and the listing shows no fee. It starts at 14:00 and finishes at 15:00. A friendly chess hour is a good way to start talking to people, because the game gives you something to do while you get to know the room. «Come Play Chess with Us» Starts 14:00, ends about 15:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed9Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Retro Game Day: tabletop games at Near North library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Near North (Meeting Room)

The Near North branch on West Division Street, between the Gold Coast and Old Town, sets out old-school board games for a Wednesday afternoon: Mahjong, Rummikub, UNO and other card games are provided, or you bring your own and teach the others how to play. A low-key way to spend two hours with strangers who quickly stop being strangers. Free, no registration. «Retro Game Day: Tabletop Game Play» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed9Dec
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Talavera Holiday Ornament Workshop at Harold Washington Library

Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center

Special Collections staff introduce the library's Trade Collection and the art of Talavera pottery, then you decorate your own holiday ornament in that style. The session is bilingual in English and Spanish and free, with registration. Making crafts side by side is a natural icebreaker.

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Wed9Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Crystal bowl sound meditation, Harold Washington Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center

On Wednesday 9 December the Harold Washington Library Center, at 400 South State Street in Chicago, hosts a sound meditation in the Winter Garden on the ninth floor. The facilitator is Jay Taylor with Wellness4Every1. Participants lie down, get comfortable and experience the powerful frequencies of crystal singing bowls. As the sound evolves, they practise the art of acceptance and become aware of sensations, thoughts, emotions and memories that arise and give way to a deep state of relaxation. No skills, abilities or beliefs are required. Registration is required, and the listing asks you to bring a yoga mat, a blanket and a pillow, though chairs are also available. The doors open at 5:30 pm and the meditation begins promptly at 6:00 pm and lasts one hour. Entry is free and the language is English. The doors open at 17:30 and the meditation ends at about 19:00. «Sound Meditation» Starts 17:30, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Fri11Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Mahjong club, Clearing Branch Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Clearing

On Friday 11 December the Clearing Branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 6423 West 63rd Place on the city's Southwest Side, runs its Mahjong Club in the afternoon. The listing invites you to come and play mahjong at the library and notes that the game has roots in nineteenth-century China and a long-lasting appeal. The club runs for three hours, so you can drop in for a round or stay for the whole afternoon, learn the basics from the people at the table and get to know your neighbours over the tiles. Entry is free and the language is English. The library asks anyone who needs sign language interpretation or other accessibility help to contact the branch at least 14 business days before the event. For anyone new to Chicago, or wanting an unhurried weekday afternoon in good company, a mahjong club at the local library is an easy place to start. The club starts at 13:30 and ends at about 16:30. «Mahjong Club» Starts 13:30, ends about 16:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat12Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Saturday Game Day, Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Garfield Ridge

On Saturday 12 December the Garfield Ridge Branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 6348 South Archer Avenue, holds its weekly Saturday Game Day. The listing describes a drop-in programme where you can bring a game or play one of the library's: UNO, Skip-Bo, Mexican Train, Canasta, Chess, Checkers, Sorry and more. Players gather on the adult side of the building as space allows. The listing says no registration is needed and encourages you to make new friends. Entry is free and the language is English. The library asks anyone who needs sign language interpretation or other accessibility help to contact the branch at least 14 business days before the event. The game day runs for six hours from the morning to the middle of the afternoon, so you can arrive at any time, join a table for a round and leave when you like. It is an easy way to meet neighbours on a winter Saturday. The game day starts at 09:30 and ends at about 15:30. «Saturday Game Day» Starts 09:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat12Dec
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Saturday Spanish Study Group at Avalon library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Avalon

The motto of the Avalon branch's Spanish group on the South Side is «we teach each other»: beginners and advanced beginners work from one book, help one another with grammar and pronunciation, and practise reading, writing, listening and speaking. The first hour is for the advanced beginners, the second for those starting out, and sometimes a native speaker drops in to answer questions. Free, no registration; join at the level you are comfortable with. «Spanish Study Group» Starts 10:30, ends about 12:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat12Dec
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Public speaking practice, Wrightwood-Ashburn Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Wrightwood-Ashburn

On Saturday morning 12 December the Wrightwood-Ashburn branch of Chicago Public Library, on the city's south-west side, hosts a public speaking practice session together with the Wrightwood-Ashburn Overcomers Toastmasters Club. The library describes it as an in-person meeting where you can improve your speaking, build leadership skills and make the most of your potential. Toastmasters clubs are known for short prepared talks and friendly feedback from the other members, although the listing itself does not set out a programme, so check the library page for details and any booking step. The language is English and the event is free. It starts at 10:30 and finishes at 12:30. For someone who finds it hard to speak in a group, a supportive club session in a local library is a low-risk place to practise, and everyone else in the room is there for the same reason. «Public Speaking Practice With the WAO Toastmasters Club» Starts 10:30, ends about 12:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed16Dec
Free
CultureChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Open mic night, Austin Branch Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin

On Wednesday 16 December the Austin Branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 5615 West Race Avenue on the city's West Side, hosts The Auditorium: Open Mic in Austin. The listing calls it a new creative stage and issues an open call for poets, singers, rappers, comedians, spoken word artists and performers of all kinds to share their work and build community. You can come to perform, come to support, or come to discover local talent, so you are welcome whether you step up to the microphone or just listen from your seat. Entry is free and the language is English. The library asks anyone who needs sign language interpretation or other accessibility help to contact the branch at least 14 business days before the event. An open mic in a neighbourhood library is a friendly place to try out a piece in front of a supportive audience, or to hear what the people around you are writing. The evening starts at 18:00 and ends at about 19:45. «The Auditorium: Open Mic in Austin» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:45. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed16Dec
Free
SocialChicago

Weird Book Club at Midwest Coast Brewing: Thistlefoot

Midwest Coast Brewing Company

This monthly library book club for fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative books meets in a brewery to discuss GennaRose Nethercott's 'Thistlefoot'. Copies are available at the Manning Branch while supplies last, and registration is open on the library website. A book club over a beer is a very easy way to meet new people.

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Wed16Dec
Free
CultureChicago

Weird Book Club in a bar: Kafka's «The Trial», Rogers Park, Chicago

Rogers Park Social (lounge area)

The Rogers Park branch takes its Weird Book Club out of the library and into Rogers Park Social, a neighbourhood bar on Glenwood Avenue by the Morse 'L' stop. Readers of science fiction, horror and plain strange books meet in the lounge, to the right of the entrance, on the third Wednesday of the month; in December the book is Kafka's The Trial. Even if you did not finish it, you are welcome. Free, ages 21+, registration on the library page. «Weird Book Club at Rogers Park Social: The Trial» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Thu17Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Weekly adult game day, Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Garfield Ridge

Every Thursday the Garfield Ridge branch of the Chicago Public Library on the city's south-west side holds a game afternoon for adults and seniors, and the one on 17 December falls in the middle of the holiday season. The regular crowd plays Scrabble, dominoes, Sorry, UNO, Yahtzee, card games, trivia, canasta, Mexican Train and more, and newcomers can ask for a different game or bring one of their own. The organisers say the group has been meeting for five years and would like to grow, and they describe it as a good way to get to know people from the local senior satellite centre and other community groups. The language is English. It is free. The session runs from 14:00 to 16:00. Staff can also tell visitors about other library services and programmes while they are there. «Games People Play» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Thu17Dec
Free
MusicChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Song club: share your favourite track, Austin library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin (Auditorium, 2nd floor)

Instead of a book club, the Austin branch on Chicago's West Side runs a monthly song club. Everyone brings one favourite track, the group listens to it together in the auditorium, then goes around the room sharing reactions and why it matters to them. Low-pressure and surprisingly personal; a quick way to get to know a room of strangers. Free, no registration. «Music For Self-Care: Share Your Favorite Song!» Starts 15:00, ends about 17:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat19Dec
Free
MusicChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Community music jam, Edgewater Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Edgewater

On Saturday 19 December the Edgewater branch of the Chicago Public Library on the city's north side hosts an hour of community music in its second-floor room. The session is for players of acoustic instruments at any level, and singers and plain listeners are welcome too. Each hour combines group playing, solo or small-group turns and a social break, with the leader, a retired music and technology teacher from the neighbourhood, choosing songs from folk, country, pop, standards, jazz, classical, Broadway and seasonal repertoire. Printed music is provided and percussion instruments such as a cajon, hand drums and shakers are on hand. Bring a guitar, ukulele, violin, keyboard or wind instrument, but not electric guitars, electric basses or drum kits. Registration is recommended, not required. It is free. It starts at 13:00 and ends at 14:00. «Edgewater Community Music Jam» Starts 13:00, ends about 14:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Mon21Dec
Free
CultureChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Book talk on Richard Osman's «We Solve Murders», Dunning, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Dunning

The Dunning branch on Chicago's far Northwest Side ends its year with a cosy mystery: librarian Jenny leads the monthly book discussion on We Solve Murders, the first of Richard Osman's new series after The Thursday Murder Club, with retired investigator Steve Wheeler and his daughter-in-law Amy. A gentle evening of talk on the solstice. Free, no registration. «Adult Book Discussion: We Solve Murders» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue22Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Tabletop game night with staff who teach the rules, Northtown, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Northtown (Community Meeting Room)

Northtown's Tuesday game night is built for people who come alone: library staff teach the games and connect you with other players. The shelf runs from Catan, Carcassonne and Codenames to Sagrada, Jaipur, King of Tokyo and a Chicago transit game. Bring a game to share if you like. Free, drop in. «Tabletop Game Night» Starts 17:30, ends about 19:45. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed23Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Evening knit and crochet circle, Little Italy Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Little Italy

On Wednesday 23 December the Little Italy Branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 1336 West Taylor Street, holds its evening Knit and Crochet Circle. The listing invites you to join for some crafting, bring your own project or work on a group project with the others. If you are new to knitting or crocheting, the group can help get you started. Entry is free and the language is English. The library asks anyone who needs sign language interpretation or other accessibility help to contact the branch at least 14 business days before the event. The branch is on Taylor Street, the main street of the old Italian neighbourhood on the Near West Side, so you can combine the circle with a coffee or an early dinner on the street before you go in. A relaxed craft circle the evening before Christmas Eve is a warm, social place to spend a couple of hours. The circle starts at 18:00 and ends at about 19:30. «Knit and Crochet Circle» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sat26Dec
Free
SocialChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Free community yoga, Austin Branch Library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin

On Saturday 26 December the Austin Branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 5615 West Race Avenue, hosts Community Yoga with Collective Yoga Co-Op in its upstairs auditorium. The listing says the class takes place at 10 am on the third Saturday of the month and is led by instructors from the co-op. It is open to all levels. The instructor, Nikki, relies on 12 years of personal yoga practice and training to sequence classes that guide beginner and advanced students through stretches and postures that are safe but physically and mentally stimulating. Entry is free and the language is English. The library asks anyone who needs sign language interpretation or other accessibility help to contact the branch at least 14 business days before the event. A free yoga class in a neighbourhood library on the Saturday after Christmas is a gentle way to stretch out after the holiday meals and to meet other people from the West Side. The class starts at 10:00 and ends at about 11:00. «Community Yoga with Collective Yoga Co-Op» Starts 10:00, ends about 11:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sun27Dec
Free
LearningChicagoAlcohol-free friendly

Free Community Repair Session at Portage-Cragin Library

Chicago Public Library – Portage-Cragin

Volunteer fixers repair furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics and most other portable items for free. You can browse the library while you wait, leave your item and come back, or sit with a volunteer to see how it is done. Items must be easy to carry and dropped off by 2 pm.

Official page ↗See who's going in Meet & Mint10 phrases for this evening ↗

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