Sure, every one has to tighten their belts, but is it right to cut the library's budget when it is an important resource for children, homeless and the unemployed? more ›

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposed 2012 budget includes significant cuts for the Chicago Public Library system, including reduced hours of operation and 363 layoffs. more ›

Circulation in 2009 for Chicago Public Libraries is expected to be record-breaking, surpassing the mark set just a year ago in 2008. CPL officials said Monday that 9.2 million items were checked out through November, a pace likely to beat the 9.8 million total items checked out in 2008. The back-to-back record-breaking years is a nod to the lasting economic troubles in the area, as Chicagoans continue to look for low-cost forms of entertainment. Librarians have also reported an increase in the usage of their services, including resume building and school application guidance. Unfortunately for the libraries, despite the record usage, the economic crunch will bring a cut in hours and services for most of the city's branches in 2010. more ›

• The White House responded today to the video footage of the brawl in which 16-year-old Derrion Albert was killed.
• The New York Times has announced plans for a local edition in Chicago.
• The investor who bought the city's large old main post office has missed a deadline, putting the deal in jeopardy.