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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

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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?

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