'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast DC
From City Cast DC by City Cast
May 31, 2026 · 32 min
About this episode
The episode discusses how Chicago's libraries are evolving to meet community needs and features a conversation between David Plotz and Jacoby Cochran.
Where would DC 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.
People in this episode
Host: David Plotz
Guest: Jacoby Cochran
Topics covered
- libraries
- community needs
- public services
- Chicago
- DC
- education
- food pantry
Keywords
- libraries
- Chicago
- community services
- food pantry
- education
- public libraries
- Chicago Bears
- DC
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: City Cast, Chicago Bears
Places: Chicago, DC, Indiana
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