Harold Washington Library Center
Quick Facts
- Location
- USA, Chicago
- Category
- Square & Landmark
- Duration
- Recommended visit 1-2 hours
- Opening Hours
- Monday 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00 · Tuesday 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00 · Wednesday 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00 · Thursday 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00 · Friday 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00 · Saturday 09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00 · Sunday 13:00-17:00 · Mon-Fri 9:00-20:00, Sat 9:00-17:00, Sun 13:00-17:00
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Free · Free admission, no ticket required
- Address
- 400 S State St, Chicago, IL, USA
- Coordinates
- 41.8763, -87.6282
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
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 13:00-17:00 |
Mon-Fri 9:00-20:00, Sat 9:00-17:00, Sun 13:00-17:00
Ticket Information
| Adult | Free |
|---|
Free admission, no ticket required
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Harold Washington Library Center?
Monday: 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00; Tuesday: 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00; Wednesday: 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00; Thursday: 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00; Friday: 09:00-20:00,09:00-17:00; Saturday: 09:00-17:00,13:00-17:00; Sunday: 13:00-17:00; Mon-Fri 9:00-20:00, Sat 9:00-17:00, Sun 13:00-17:00
How much is the admission for Harold Washington Library Center?
Adult: Free; Free admission, no ticket required
Any practical tips for visiting Harold Washington Library Center?
Free computer access with Chicago library card Ninth-floor winter garden is best reading spot
How long should I spend at Harold Washington Library Center?
A typical visit takes Recommended visit 1-2 hours.
