City Cast Madison logo
May 31, 2026

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Madison

City Cast Madison

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Madison

00:00:00
View all City Cast Madison episodes

Where would Madison be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana?

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
May 29

Fire on Fair Oaks, E. Coli Lakes Study, and Tom Farley On Recovery

TGIF! The City Cast Madison team is here with the biggest news stories of the week. More than 75 firefighters responded to a fire at Madi...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 28

Why Distill America Puts Madison in High Spirits

This Saturday is the 18th annual Distill America event at Breese Stevens Field. Attendees will sample spirits from more than 90 vendors r...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 27

Ticks Suck Extra Bad This Season, Plus Banned Watertown Song Will Play at the Barrymore

Thoroughly checking yourself for ticks is a must-do after spending time outdoors in the spring and summer. Tick season has already been b...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 26

Is Madison a Beach Town?

We think one of Madison’s best qualities is its ability to transform with the weather, and we argue that in the summer, Madison becomes a...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 22

MMSD Parental Leave, Land Donation to Ho-Chunk Nation, and Police Monitor Contradicts Internal Investigation

This week, the Madison Metro School District school board approved a 12-week paid parental leave policy for all district staff. Meanwhile...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 21

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Madison Makes Its Case

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin, co...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 20

Inside the Wisconsin Academy’s Biggest Night

The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters connects Wisconsinites at the intersection of science, art, and culture. And their bigg...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 19

Secrets Around Data Centers, Vegan Sausage Fest, and Madison Public Market Is Opening in July

Data centers have become a hot-button issue across the state. Newly released public documents show that Alliant Energy has received propo...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 18

How Madison’s Smart Studios Shaped Indie Rock

Did you know that Nirvana recorded demos for their breakthrough album “Nevermind” here in Madison? It’s true. They recorded with Butch Vi...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
May 17

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Madison

Would Madison be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more th...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art