Obama Presidential Center :What’s On in October

 

Stop by the Chicago Public Library branch at the Obama Presidential Center in October for storytimes, hands-on art demonstrations, Halloween themed crafts, and more! The library is open to the public seven days a week. Even if there’s not an event going on, you can stop by to browse some of President and Mrs. Obama’s favorite books, explore the City Maker Space, and pick up an exclusive Obama Presidential Center library card. You can also learn more about the role libraries play in access to information at Ideas Unbound, a Forum Talk in the Elie Wiesel Auditorium on October 20. See What's On CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMMING Pre-Halloween Craft Day Wednesday, October 14 • 5 - 7 p.m. Chicago Public Library Age: Kids 6-13 Stop by and make a collection of fun Halloween-inspired crafts to take home. Children and families can create, color, cut, decorate, and let their imaginations run wild.   Learn More Odyssey Day: the Cyclops, Circe and Penelope Thursday, October 15 • 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Chicago Public Library Age: Adults 18 and up Join us for a reading and discussion of The Odyssey focusing on Odysseus' encounters with the Cyclops and Circe and his return to Penelope.   Learn More Film Screening: Coco Saturday, October 31 • 1 - 3 p.m. Chicago Public Library All ages In this gorgeous animated adventure, a boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a famous guitar player, despite the misgivings of his close-knit family. When his ambitions cause him to run afoul of a curse, he must journey into the Land of the Dead to seek forgiveness from his ancestors.   Learn More Ideas Unbound Tuesday, October 20 • 6 - 7 p.m. Elie Wiesel Auditorium $40 Hear from authors and advocates about the history and impact of censorship, the role libraries and schools play in access to information, and practical ways you can support the freedom to read in your community.   Learn More Thursdays Monday-Saturday At Your Pace Spotlight Stories 9:15 - 11 a.m.  Home Court Free Join a weekly walk or light run designed for older adults. Learn More → Mondays: 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday: 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Women’s Garden, Fruit and Vegetable Garden Free Join a focused, 15-minute session highlighting specific campus landmarks and art pieces. Learn More → 100 Days of the Obama Presidential Center  This month we marked 100 days since the opening of the Obama Presidential Center! In honor of this milestone, we collected a by-the-numbers look at the ways people from around the world, across the country, and down the block have made this campus their own: 11,424 Obama Burgers eaten 71,524 T-shirts purchased At least 4 marriage proposals on campus 3 sightings of a bald eagle 24 free community events 3,382 new library accounts created at the Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center branch Plan your own visit to the Obama Presidential Center campus and help us make the next 100 days just as memorable!   Plan Your Visit Check out the Obama Presidential Center online shop and inspiration you can take with you. Every purchase fuels our mission to inspire, connect, and empower citizens to spark transformative change.   Visit the Store Contact Us    The Obama Presidential Center | 6001 S. Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL © 2026 Obama Foundation