Everyone could use a little story time.
The Chicago Public Library has launched “Live From the Library,” a daily reading presented by librarians as well as some of the city’s famous residents like Oprah Winfrey, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
On Thursday, the Obamas read “The Word Collector” by Peter H. Reynolds. “We chose this book because it illustrates the transformative power of words,” the former president said. Then he added, smiling, “I love words.”
Michelle Obama reflected on her time as a kid in Chicago’s libraries. “I remember my first trip to the library and how important I felt,” she said. “It was around age 4. My library card was a key that unlocked a world of knowledge and experiences.”
When the stay-at-home order went into effect in March, the Chicago Public Library closed all 81 of its branches for the first time in 150 years. The libraries were one of the last public spaces to remain open.
The city hopes this online series will help families experience some of the benefits of the libraries without physically being there.
“Our libraries are more than just buildings to check out books, they’re our community meeting places, early education and job training centers, and where our young people are empowered to explore their passions and pursue their dreams,” Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot said in a statement.
The program can be seen live every weekday at 10 a.m. on CPL’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Past programs can also be viewed there.
