Chicago Public Library Grabs a Beer at Library Lounge

By Betsy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 19, 2011 8:20PM

When Chicago Public Library most recently surveyed the public, their results found when young people move to the city, many consider getting a library card an important step to becoming a true Chicagoan. CPL’s most recent campaign has focused on Chicago rights of passage — like eating ketchup-free hot dogs or calling parking dibs with lawn furniture — as well as getting a CPL library card. To encourage more young professionals to sign up for cards and find out what the Chicago library in particular is all about, CPL is meeting young people outside of the library in a place where they might feel more comfortable, open and chatty. It’s on their own turf, which means bars and booze.

The library is now hosting a monthly Library Lounge series at bars across the city. There’s not only free library cards (which are free anyway), but also free drinks and free t-shirts. Last month’s event at Branch 27 had 100+ attendees, so it seems like the Library Lounge series is catching on. On Thursday, you can meet CPL folks and grab a drink or two on the librarians at Crocodile. As long as you’re over 21, you’re welcome to attend, and if you’re one of the first 100 to RSVP to notwhatyouthink@allterrain.net, then you’ll get one of those free tees.

Chicago Public Library Presents The Library Lounge, Thursday, June 21, Crocodile, 1540 N. Milwaukee, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., free