HWLC YOUmedia

Teens use screen printing equipment to make a T-shirt

High school students, come explore, create, collaborate, check out books, develop new skills and lead with us at YOUmedia, on the 1st floor of the Harold Washington Library Center.

Contact Us

Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

What We Do

We focus on art, digital media, making and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) projects. Check out our regularly scheduled workshops.

You can borrow laptops and play videogames while in YOUmedia. You also can be certified to use cameras, an in-house production studio, drawing tablets, lighting equipment and 3D printers under staff supervision.

YOUmedia equipment is available for free to teens in high school. First-timers need to sign up and show a high school ID. Returning students just need to sign in.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Learn more about YOUmedia's history, philosophy and partnerships. Librarians, educators and nonprofit learning organizers can arrange a tour of YOUmedia.

YOUmedia FAQs

  • You can hang out, mess around and geek out. All YOUmedia locations have laptops, cameras, music and gaming equipment, and some YOUmedia locations have 3D printers, vinyl cutters and more. It's an open environment where you choose what you want to do and skilled library staff provide coaching and assistance. And of course there are books, too!

  • YOUmedia is available at more than twenty CPL locations.

  • YOUmedia locations are designed for certain grades. View high school locations and locations for grades 6-8.

  • Check with each YOUmedia location for hours.

  • YOUmedia is free. It doesn't cost anything to use equipment or visit any YOUmedia space.

  • If you're in high school, bring your school ID and your library card if you have one.

    If you're in sixth through eighth grade, just bring yourself.

    If you don't have a library card, you can still visit YOUmedia, and we can also help you get a library card.

  • No, but you'll need to fill out a form with your name, address and what school you attend when you visit YOUmedia for the first time.

  • YOUmedia offers a variety of equipment and devices for use in the YOUmedia space. You can use these items regardless of any fees on your account.

  • At HWLC YOUmedia and Woodson Regional YOUmedia, you can book the studio once you're certified. To get certified, you must attend studio certification.

    To learn more about using other YOUmedia studios, reach out to the teen staff at the appropriate CPL location.

View more about YOUmedia