Harold Washington Library Center

Introduction

The Harold Washington Library Center is the central library of the Chicago Public Library system, named after Harold Washington, the first African American mayor of Chicago, and officially opened to the public in 1991. This magnificent ten-story building located at 400 South State Street features a Greek Revival architectural style with a massive bronze owl sculpture crowning the roof, symbolizing wisdom and scholarship. The library houses over two million books and includes a dedicated children library, computer center, music practice rooms, and art exhibition spaces. The ninth-floor winter garden with its skylit atrium is a favorite retreat for readers, surrounded by greenery and flooded with natural light, offering a rare tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Beyond being a temple of knowledge, it serves as a vital cultural hub for Chicago residents, hosting lectures, exhibitions, book clubs, and public events throughout the year.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info