Harold Washington Library Center

Chicago's main public library is the largest public library in the world. Named for the city's first and only African-American mayor, who died of a heart attack in 1987.
The building fills an entire city block at State Street and Congress Parkway. The stunning, 52-foot glass-domed Winter Garden on the top floor is worth a visit.
On the second floor is another treasure: the vast Thomas Hughes Children's Library, which makes an excellent resting spot for families traveling with kids.
  • Home / 
  • Harold Washington Library Center / 

Harold Washington Library Center

Specialty: Public Library
Neighborhood: South Loop
Features: Family friendly, Free WiFi, great selection of fiction and nonfiction books, a wide selection of video tapes and DVDs including children's videos and a excellent collection of fiction and nonfiction, on audio cassette, compact disk and play-away
Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Admission: Free
Parking: Several parking facilities are within convenient walking distance of the Harold Washington Library Center
ADA: Wheelchair accessible

General Info

The library also offers an interesting array of events and art exhibitions that are worth checking out. A 385-seat auditorium is the setting for a unique mix of dance and music performances, author talks, and children's programs. Want to check your e-mail? Stop by the third-floor Computer Commons, which has about 75 terminals available for public use. Allow a half-hour

Gallery

gallery_Arnold_s_pic_s_v3_050606_031.jpg

gallery_Arnold_s_pic_s_v3_050606_032.jpg

gallery_consumer_goods_(pic1)_045.jpg