Have You Read a Good Book Lately? Find the Best Libraries in Chicago

Chicago is home to some of the best public libraries in the country. The libraries house a wide array of items including historical documents, genealogy records, children's programs, cultural events and, of course, books.

The Harold Washington Library Center is the main branch of the Chicago Public Library system. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, this library is one of the main focal points of the city. One of the largest libraries in the country, the Harold Washington Library features numerous specialty divisions including a new book department, a children's library, a talking book center and a special collections department devoted to preserving the history of Chicago.

The library regularly hosts many special events such as author signings, book readings, cultural gatherings and poetry gatherings. Book clubs for adults, teens and children meet weekly and are open to the public. The Harold Washington Library has rooms and catering available for private events such as weddings, events and cultural productions.

Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State Street

Chicago, IL 60605

Admission: Free

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Phone: (312) 747-4300

The Newberry Library, located in the fashionable near north side of the city, is an independent research library that is open to the public. Inside, users will find a treasure trove of Chicago's historical past in the library's extensive collection of rare and one-of-a-kind books, manuscripts, maps, genealogical records and audio-visual materials.

The Newberry Library regularly hosts lectures and seminars from some of the world's leading authorities on history and the humanities. Patrons must be at least 16 years of age, have a valid photo ID and a pre-planned research topic in order to access the collections.

The Newberry Library

60 W. Walton St.

Chicago, IL 60610

Admission:Free

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday, Monday Closed

Phone: (312) 943-9090

The Chicago History Museum Research Library contains over 22 million books, documents and artifacts pertaining to the history of Chicago and Illinois. Located in beautiful Lincoln Park near Chicago's magnificent lakefront, the library is walk into the city's rich historical past.

The collection features Chicago area authors, historical books about the city and state, audio-visual collections and artifacts. The library's most sought after collections include materials on the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and Abraham Lincoln.

The Chicago History Museum Research Library

1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614

Admission

General: $5/day; $15/year
Members: Free
Students (Grades 1-12): Free

Hours:
(Regular)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Monday: closed

(Summer, May 24 through September 7)

Tuesday and Wednesday: 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, Monday: closed

Phone: (312) 642 - 4600

Resources

Chicago History Museum Research Library http://www.chicagohistory.org/research

Harold Washington Library http://www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/harold-washington/

Newberry Library http://www.newberry.org/