Harold Washington Library Center
Posted by: 
honeychile
N 41° 52.578 W 087° 37.692
16T E 447873 N 4636232
The Harold Washington Library Center is the central library for the Chicago Public Library System.
Waymark Code: WM79H0
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 09/23/2009
Views: 12
The Harold Washington Library Center is named for former Mayor Harold Washington, Chicago's first African American mayor. It opened October 7, 1991. It is located just south of the Loop 'L', at 400 S. State Street in Chicago. The building fills an entire city block at State Street and Congress Parkway. It is a full service library and ADA compliant. As with all libraries in the Chicago Public Library system, it has free wifi internet service.
This library is like no other library around. You might think you are in a mall instead of the library. Large and open, the ground floor contains a large information desk in front of a centrally located escalator, allowing access to other floors. The stunning, 52-foot glass-domed atrium known as the "Winter Garden" on the top (ninth) floor is definitely 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. 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, but left your laptop behind? Stop by the third-floor Computer Commons, which has about 75 terminals available for public use. Expect a half hour wait.
The architecture of the building is fascinating. Thomas H. Beeby and his colleagues, won a design/build competition for Chicago's new Central Library in June of 1988. This 756,640 square foot neo-classical building appeared in The Guinness Book of Records as the largest public library building in the world.
The acroteria on the Congress Parkway and on the Van Buren sides contain seed pods, which represent the natural bounty of the Midwest. The acroteria angularia contain an owl, representing the Greek symbol of knowledge, perched in foliage. It was the roofline and the owl that caught my attention even before the building itself.
Classification of Library: Public Library (Open to all)
Internet access available: Yes - Your Laptop: Free
Hours of Operation:
Mon 09:00 AM-09:00 PM
Tue 09:00 AM-09:00 PM
Wed 09:00 AM-09:00 PM
Thu 09:00 AM-09:00 PM
Fri 09:00 AM-05:00 PM
Sat 09:00 AM-05:00 PM
Sun 01:00 PM-05:00 PM
Approximate date of opening.: 10/07/1991
Library Website: [Web Link]
Additional Internet Connection Options: Not listed
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