About Biblioteca Popular

Biblioteca Popular at Chicago Art Department is a community-driven library and space, that archives a growing collection of donated books, zines, articles, and writings for everyone to explore. Inspired by the anarchist library that thrived in Pilsen from the 1970s to 2013, Biblioteca Popular continues its legacy, embodying CAD's mission of accessibility, community education, and radical programming. It serves as a welcoming resource for local residents, CAD artists, visitors, and neighbors alike to learn, connect, and build community.

The collection focuses on art, civic engagement, design, and activism, aiming to bridge the space between art and justice. As an ever-evolving free resource, Biblioteca Popular is also a gathering space that grows with each new donation. Open to all during CAD’s public hours, the library invites anyone looking for a quiet place to read, a resource for learning, or a hub for community gatherings. While materials are generally meant to stay within the space unless specifically donated to be taken, visitors are encouraged to actively engage with the collection and share in its offerings.

This library thrives on the generosity and contributions of the community. Donations of books, zines, or other writings are warmly welcomed during CAD’s Second Fridays or through scheduled drop-offs.