Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago

Harold Washington Library Center features impressive architecture, art exhibits, and a variety of unique educational resources in addition to its traditional resources as part of the Chicago Public Library System. The building’s late-1900s architecture highlights 5 giant owl statues on the roof, which are symbolic of knowledge.

Children are sure to love the center with all the hands-on experiences that are available, and art and history admirers will have plenty to explore. You could enjoy the art or history collections in an hour or easily spend an entire afternoon exploring with your family.

Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago - one of the highlights of 12 Free Things to Do in Chicago (Read all about Chicago here)

Highlights of the Harold Washington Library Center

You’ll find more than 1.2 million books here, but the library offers so much more. If you’re able to visit on a nice day, the winter garden is a great place to enjoy a quiet moment among the exquisite blooms. Local and international artwork adorns the halls, and the 9th floor houses the Special Collections and Preservation Division, which highlights the building’s namesake, Mayor Harold Washington, as well as temporary displays.

You’ll find a fun Maker Lab with workshops and open lab hours, activities, and read-alouds at the Thomas Hughes Children's Library, and fun events for teenagers are found in YOUmedia.

photo by Deirdread (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Good to know about the Harold Washington Library Center

The Harold Washington Library Center is situated on the corner of West Van Buren Street and South State Street. Be sure to stop at the lobby when you arrive to get a schedule of events and a checklist of displayed artwork.

While you're in the area, you may enjoy a stop at The Art Institute of Chicago where you can view a massive collection of local and international artwork. If it's a nice day, you could head to Grant Park or the Buckingham Fountain to enjoy a picnic or a peaceful walk.

photo by Deirdread (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Location: 400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Phone: +1 312-747-4300

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