We trekked from Union Station toward our hotel and we all stopped in our tracks when we saw this building. Gorgeous detail and very unique architecture. Wish the trees didn't partially block the view. Would like to explore further during next visit. read more

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Nearly two decades in Chicago, over six years working within two blocks of the place but I finally have gotten to the Harold Washington Library. Named for Chicago's first Black mayor, Harold Washington, this became the main library branch upon its dedication in 1991. We had the chance to visit the children's library on the second floor. The entire floor is the children's section and though there's plenty of books, most of it is a play area. There's a section that's designed for the littlest babies (pre-walking) to play more gently, and then different toys and areas for the older kids to play at, like a life-size Connect Four; a food truck; a play theatre. The library calls them neighborhoods, designed for early learners, elementary-aged children, and tweens. There's lots of comfortable seating for kids and parents, and there's even a separate section where you can eat lunch (bringing your own food). My complaint about the kid's library is that the bathroom is in bad need of remodeling. There's in theory a place to change your kid, but it's so tiny that it's kind of a weird place to maneuver. You'll also need to remember to bring a changing pad because it's a tile counter so not sure if it would be super comfortable to wipe it down and lay your kid on it. There are great archival collections here, so if you're interested in a historical subject (Chicago related) it's worth a stop. There's a maker lab in the library with all kinds of equipment for patron use. And can you believe that there are music practice rooms here?? They are free for use, and there's even a chamber music room for small ensembles. Each of the rooms has a piano in it. This is one of the coolest features of a library ever. Our visit here was far too short; we only were able to spend about 30 minutes when we came, but I'll be looking forward to bringing my little one again. And I'll enjoy coming by on my own during my lunch break to explore some of the other areas of the library, like the solarium and hopefully sometime the basement auditorium. read more

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We loved a couple of hours in the Thomas Hughes Children's Library, a floor of it's own of the huge high-ceilinged ornate Harold Washington Library Center on the north edge of Printers' Row. There's rows and rows children's books. There's craft and drawing tables, fully supplied with materials, scissors, glue, etc. There's several banks of card-accessed computers, suitably curated for young children. There's chairs for kids and adults. There's a do-it-yourself puppet-show stage, where my niece performed with an octopus, an elephant, a fox (or maybe a wolf), and a cute little turtle puppet. There's even a separate long-room of tables for bring-your-own snacking. And the kind librarian encourages soft voices without over-doing control, and all were having quiet-not-silent fun. read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - An octopus do-it-yourself puppet show with a bench for the audience and many moveable chairs available for kids and adults - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Beautiful winter garden/atrium and lots of seating to study or work :) even when there are lots of people it's pretty easy to find seating or a study room read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - Atrium - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This downtown historic Library is beautiful has free computers, and printers and Wi-Fi and a printing museum on the ninth floor and of course books and digital books. Because it's a public library you will smell some odors bc it's a huge library w many floors. Elevators help you get to your floor. But no real parking here bc it's downtown. Metered on Park Chicago app or spot hero or garages. read more

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Located south of The Loop on S. State St. and W. Ida B.Wells Dr. Stunning architecture, clean, big (9 floors), simply beautiful! This is a full service library with computers for public use with free wifi internet service and lots of work space. Friendly staff and so many books. There is a YouMedia space for teens to enjoy, music practice, and audio rooms. I'm glad that we got to visit this amazing space in the heart of downtown Chicago. read more

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It was a fantastic visit down to the Harold Washington library. I am a big fan of public institutions and libraries as I believe they have a lot of history and artwork to observe. I typically go to a satellite branch in my neighborhood which is subpar but it really does have access to a very large catalog. The Chicago Public Library system is amazing and I cannot complain at all. The interlibrary loan system is amazing. Definitely good use of my tax dollars since I love to check out books, audiobooks, dvds (yep) and read digital magazines. I was really taken back at how beautiful the library was. Upon check in I told the librarian that I was looking for a place to work for a few hours while my husband was doing something downtown. I didn't want to have to pay for We Work as I didn't really need privacy or anything like that. The librarian stated that the best location to work would be on the 5th through 8th floors, but if I could stay seat on the 9th floor I would really love the atrium. I was lucky and there was a table available for me to work for a few hours on the 9th floor. Now I didn't stay there in the entire time because it was really brighter than there and I wanted its own else to be able to take in its beauty. I moved on down a floor to the music for which by the way this library has not only a whole floor dedicated to music and find arts but also you could check out music playing rooms. How amazing is that I wish my neighbor who plays bagpipes once a week would rent out one of these rooms! LOL just kidding I support the arts. Anywho this was my first time here but I will be back, it was nice to be able to have access to free Wi-Fi, you're also allowed to print up to like 10 pages free per day. Always use a VPN with public wifi. I felt that the physical security at this facility was nice. On one of the floors this library had a whole museum so I need to come back and just really make a day out of it. Lots of food places to eat nearby and it has its own CTA stop so makes it really easy to use public transportation. Tip: I will say that often the libraries are used as cooling zones for people that are unhoused, so at closing time sometimes it's kind of a rush to get people out of there and it was hard to grab elevator at times. read more

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Inconsistent security staff who don't take their job seriously. Mentally ill folks hang out and make noise and disturb study. Security lazy at best. Other public locations are much better read more

There is so much for me to love about this library: 1.) The library is located on South State Street between West Van Buren Street and Ida B. Wells Drive. Ida B. Wells is a national treasure, and she also happened to be born in my hometown. Talk about representation and being seen... Go Chicago! :) 2.) The views, abundant natural light, and architecture of the Winter Garden. I spent most of my time in the library just enjoying this space, and I witnessed multiple engagement and fashion photo shoots and a hodgepodge of individuals hanging out, studying, and on video calls. 3.) The wonderful exhibits. I particularly enjoyed learning more about Harold Washington, Chicago's first African American mayor. 4.) The architecture: I walked to the library from the McCormick Place area, and the library was by far the most architecturally striking building that I passed on my walk. The postmodern ornamentation on the library immediately grabbed my attention and left me in awe of the grand building. 5.) There is a lot of fascinating history affiliated with this library including an English book donation from England that helped to establish the library following the Great Chicago Fire. The Harold Washington Library Center was also the world's largest municipal public library when it first opened in 1991. I highly recommend stopping by and checking out the library if you're in the area. read more

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Had not been here in over 15 years. My daughter insisted on visiting the library downtown. Not a lot has changed. It's a huge library. We visited 7 floors. I liked that they had plenty of phone chargers. They also had electrical outlets to charge your phone. There isn't a lot of street parking. We took the metra there and back. Not a lot of patrons at this library. read more

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I had the pleasure of visiting this fine library the day of the Columbus Day parade. What an amazing building. Staff is very nice and it's definitely a building worthy of bearing the name of one of our better mayors in recent years. If your a Chicagoan or a visitor you have to try to make time to visit this amazing library I'm sure glad I was able to make time and pay a visit read more

Libraries have always inspired me, particularly those with grand edifices housing their collections. The Harold Washington Library Center on State Street is a beautiful and fitting example of classically inspired architecture. This building is the product of one of the largest ever design-build competitions with five finalists submitting proposals ranging in style from classical (the winner) to post-modern. The imposing structure was the largest single library building in the U.S. when it opened in 1991. Despite the extensive square footage, it is easy to navigate through the building with escalators and elevators to speed your way around. The collections are protected from sunlight yet the interior spaces have plenty of windows and are well-lit and comfortable. My only disappointment was that the Winter Garden on the 9th floor was inaccessible due to construction repairs ongoing. Oh well, that will have to be seen on a future visit. If you're visiting Chicago, this is a stop that is highly recommended. read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - The Chicago Public Library (now Harold Washington Library Center) is the product of one of the largest-ever design-build competitions. - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice public space for reading and researching. Plenty of tables, plenty of assistance if you are looking for anything in particular. We just spent a little bit of time walking the grounds of the building looking at the art, the architecture, and enjoying the lack of noise inside the library. This building has eight floors of resources. Whether it be books, music, or other media, this library has plenty. Quiet reading rooms are available, and if youre musically inclined you can sign out a sound proof room to jam on a piano or other instrument. Or you can sign out some headphones and listen to LPs. It was nice, and felt like a safe space free from the hustle and bustle of the city. read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I always loved libraries. I always believed that knowledge came from the libraries. Little known fact: I earned my Master's of Library Science from St. John's University. Many years ago, I worked as a librarian in top tier global law firms and in academia. All of those memories came flooding in when I stepped into this library. I felt a bit jealous of people who worked at the library. We went up to the top floor and enjoyed the special exhibition. I really enjoyed reading the abstracts at the exhibit. I never realized it took such effort to secure a spot for the Chicago Public Library. The exhibit featured maps, meeting minutes, and plans. The highlight centered around the fantastic autographed poster of the amazing Josephine Baker, dancer and performer extraordinaire. Just by walking around, I got this wonderful sense of Chicago history. The library displayed artwork, and designs on different floors. Come to the Chicago Public Library. Go with friends, family or even a date. read more

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Having learned that most large city libraries have collections of things, we decided to check out this library. We walked around the interior, went up the stairs, and looked around. This library was planned during Mr. Washington's Chicago career from 1983, until his death in 1987. The building is massage, as this is the main library in the Chicago system, built in 1991. We found someone to ask about any collections. We learned that on the ninth (top) floor was a museum holding a lot of documents highlighting Mr. Washington's career as Chicago's mayor and his accomplishments. We enjoyed looking at photographs and artwork. The top floor also has a large atrium with benches and tables. We ate our snacks there. The building is handicapped accessible with elevators and escalators. read more

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The first time that I went to the magnificent Harold Washington Library Center was about 2 weeks ago, when we helped our daughter transport 12 of her framed photos to the library.  Daughter is an artist and independent curator.  In celebration of the APIHM, my daughter was invited to have a solo exhibition of her photography of Chicago in the Public Room of the library the entire month of May. After she installed her artwork, she took me to view the famous Winter Garden on the ninth floor, which was so spacious and beautiful! It's a perfect place for someone to read that book, or work on a project on one's laptop, or just to take a break to appreciate the beauty of the place! Yesterday my daughter was invited by the library to do an Artist Talk. So, it was the second time that I went to the library.  It was a hybrid event that had participants in person, and also people participated via Zoom. A gentleman who joined in Zoom was in Washington DC! In the end, the host took us out to State Street to view through one of the large "shopping windows" of the library, where they had a large monitor doing a slide show of more than 100 of my daughter's photos of Chicago! Impressive technology showcasing art!  I also made use of the chance to take some photos of the exterior of the library, which looks magnificent! I would like to mention that every staff member that I had encountered at the HWLC was so friendly and helpful! That included the receptionist when I went the first time, Francesco in the Public Room, Jack of another department who stopped by to appreciate the artwork right after they were installed, and of course the host of the event, Ms. Young Park!  The HWLC has a lot of different departments and is worth visiting, and is surely a library center that Chicagoens should be very proud of! read more

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I visited here to see the architecture of the winter garden (ninth floor). I could only view from outside because a wedding was being set up inside. The main branch of the New York public library may have the rose reading room and beautiful murals along the ceilings, but this library is more open, airy, and practical. And unlike NYPL, this library still has physical volumes and periodicals. The building is 10 floors (the 10th being admin offices). There are elevators, but the primary mode of transport here is an escalator system. This library seems to be a sort of community center. There are music rooms, media rooms, interactive sections, study areas, art exhibits and sculptures. Computer commons. Multiple sections, including science, reference, popular fiction, graphic novels, history, poetry, plays, etc. Appear to be many staff members, librarians, and security personnel around to help. If I lived in Chicago, I would spend a ton of time here exploring and learning! read more

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I was looking for the Spanish Play "The House of Bernarda Alba" by Federico Garcia Lorca as I wanted to read it before seeing the play live at The Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. Unfortunately, it was not on the shelf but the computer said that two copies were available. So I went to the help desk on the 7th Floor where Librarian Ed found it immediately as the book had not been returned to the shelf yet. Ed was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, kind and professional. Thank you Ed! Furthermore, the tables, chairs, carpets and surroundings were incredibly clean and sanitized. The lighting was bright and staff in general was kind and professional. read more

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I mean this library is pretty amazing inside and out. if you want to explore books there's plenty of meandering to do. The staff is very helpful on the multiple floors, they'll get your book reserved cross town in a snap. There's multiple purposes for each floor such as digital media labs and computer labs. Make sure to check the directory. My favorite part of the library has nothing to do books. It's the winter garden on the top floor. A Crown of Glass has been used to describe the top floor. It's fun just to sit, take in views, and also there's a rotating special exhibit section worth checking out. The winter garden is often reserved for private events like weddings, I mean like often, I'll just go straight up to see, if I'm lucky it's empty. It's a great way to burn 20 minutes if you have downtime. The Sculptural facade with the green patina is quite amazing too. Very dramatic sculptures. Stone work as well has plenty of hidden elements. It's really a work of art! read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Though I'm on vacation in the Windy City, I still have work to do. For some weird reason, my cousin's Wi-Fi network won't appear on my laptop so I took the Red Line to the Loop and ended up here. The Harold Washington Library Center is conveniently located by the L though depending on where you get off, you'll walk a bit to the State Street entrance. Once inside, you quickly realize that the outside of the building is merely an optical illusion to the slew of floors inside. I ascended about a couple of escalators to get to the public computer area. Luckily for me, there was a long, spacious table in the back where those with notebooks and Macbooks can settle down at. The Wi-Fi here is free, and is fast. I was able to knock some work stuff out of the way, and as I headed back out towards the Loop, I again found myself taking in the library's astounding features. The library's namesake, the late Harold Washington, would've been proud of this place. read more

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Loved the Winter Garden area! It was so open and bright and east to work from. The area is bit weird but outside of that, I loved this library! read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

i came with my cousin to explore the top floor! we got a look at the first 6 or so floors on our way up and it seems very extensive with lots of people studying. the top floor was stunning, well-ventilated and quiet. i was expecting it to be hot because of the window ceiling but it wasn't at all. it was a very comfortable place to relax for about half an hour and i would've loved to study or work with friends here if i lived in the area. the only thing that makes the library a 4 star is a strange damp/dank smell i noticed on the first couple floors of the library read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - top floor - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing, huge library with impressive architecture and exhibits. Highly recommended. Friendly staff.

The Harold Washington Library is a total gem in the city. It has 9 floors of books and other great resources. The highlight is the beautiful winter garden on the 9th floor. It's a sunny, lovely spot to read or get some work done. The library has a ton of other resources available - everything from a Maker's Space to music practice rooms. The staff are lovely and willing to assist as needed. There are also lots of bathrooms which were nicely maintained. It's definitely worth a stop when you are in the area. read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - Winter Garden - 9th Floor - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While my husband and I were in Chicago for a couple weeks, my husband found this library to work in so we could still be productive. What an amazing find! The location couldn't be any better, the pink line comes straight to it! The library itself is beautiful and so enormous. Our favorite spot to study in was the Winter Garden which allowed for all natural sunlight and the trees and greenery made the ambience truly special. I believe they also host weddings and other events at this library and I can definitely see why. On several occasions while we were here, we also saw many tour groups coming through as well as groups of people taking graduation pictures. Highly recommend paying this library a visit! read more

Magnificent library with 9 floors to explore! Winter garden is on the top floor with a beautiful glass ceiling/dome. Lots of seating on every floor. The first floor lobby is impressive as it looks more like a government building than a library! read more

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Just in town for a visit, we didn't check out any materials. That said, the library is 9 FLOORS! The children's area is amazing- with a huge selection and places to play and relax. The staff was friendly, too. The other areas are typical of a library, just on a grand scale. It was bustling on a weekday afternoon. read more

Great place to work with the garden on the 9th floor. Usually peaceful and beautiful lil spot to be productive

I don't know why people don't utilize the library more. They have great programs is large in there and a great place to go.

This location is the BEST especially for the children's area. It has a wonderful, easy to navigate layout that is also fun for kids of all ages. The librarians in this children's area are outstanding. They have such knowledge of all genres and can help recommend books or locate books and supporting materials that your child may be interested in. I highly recommend visiting this library! read more

This library is beautiful and very accessible by public transit as it's right next to the Jackson blue line stop. I went to practice piano in their practice room on the 8th floor. It was easy to find, and they use an online booking reservation system. One of the library workers helped me figure out how to book a room on their computer. I don't have perfect pitch so I'm not sure if all the keys were in tune, but the keys definitely all worked! If you book beforehand just check in with the librarian and they'll let you in. I'm very happy to have found this practice room. The bathrooms were all clean too, and the architecture of the building is beautiful. You can take the scenic route via escalators, or the elevator which is much faster. There are 6 practice rooms and one big practice room, but it is popular. I got one of the last bookings so it's a good idea to check beforehand. I'd probably bring some sanitary wipes next time to wipe down the chair/keys. read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - Music practice room with upright piano - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Specifically went to see the Winter Garden on the 9th floor and it was a beautiful, open space with a lot of natural light! FYI there's only 7-8 tables. I came on a Saturday afternoon to get some work done and was able to snag a table from people leaving -- perfect timing. It's free and a stunning place to check out if you're in the Loop! read more

Harold Washington Library Center - Chicago Public Library - Winter Garden - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love me a good library and this one is fabulous! I needed to charge my phone when I stumbled across this space. What luck! I grabbed a couple little books and asked a worker when I could charge up. She recommended going to the music rehearsal room area. There were several large tables within the large space that also housed several smaller somewhat-soundproofed rooms in which one can practice instruments. It was wonderful to charge my phone and read while being serenaded by the practicing musicians. There's at least one piano in there! Also, zillions of pages of sheet music are available to check out. The building is a beautiful old space and the workers I encountered were very helpful. read more