Harold Washington Library Center
4.6(1.5K)google
4.2(325)yelp
LiteratureHistoric BuildingEducational
Overview
The Harold Washington Library Center is a monumental, awe-inspiring public library building occupying an entire city block in Chicago's downtown South Loop. Named after the city's first African American mayor, this striking postmodern architectural fortress seamlessly blends massive, heavy red-brick classic masonry with massive ornamental bronze owls and glass pediments on its roofline. The crowning jewel inside is the breathtaking Winter Garden on the ninth floor—a serene, sun-drenched architectural sanctuary with a massive glass dome ceiling, marble floors, and lush green trees, providing a silent, inspirational oasis for reading and deep quiet contemplation.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended to visit the Winter Garden on the 9th floor on a weekday afternoon. This massive, light-filled indoor atrium features a magnificent glass dome and lush trees. It provides a peaceful sanctuary for reading and is a premier hidden spot for interior architectural photography.
Getting ThereAs the central headquarters of the Chicago Public Library, its transit connectivity is superb. Take the 'L' Brown, Purple, Pink, or Orange Lines directly to the Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren station, which connects right to the building.
Travel Tips
- The 9th-floor Winter Garden has very limited tables and seating, which are frequently occupied. If you need a functional workspace or desk, head directly to the standard reading rooms on floors 3 through 8.
- All public computers and scanning services shut down automatically 10 minutes before the library building closes. Complete your urgent printing or electronic database searches well ahead of this cutoff.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The iconic glass-domed 'Winter Garden' on the 9th floor is the prime photo spot. It is a designated quiet study space; flash photography, loud talking, and uncovered drinks are strictly forbidden (all drinks must have secure lids).
Reviews
Positive
- This post-modern red brick library giant with massive bronze owl ornaments delivers a powerful visual impact, living up to its grand footprint.
- The 9th-floor Winter Garden is an exquisite, glass-domed green sanctuary open completely for free, offering a soul-cleansing, peaceful aura.
- The center is completely free to enter, housing millions of volumes; the interactive local history and pop culture exhibits offer immense fun.
- Transit convenience is flawless, with its own accessible corridor linking to the CTA train station, backed by pristine accessible restrooms.
Heads up
- As a massive downtown public library, lower open floors experience high local density and noise, occasionally feeling slightly frantic.
- The 9th-floor Winter Garden is frequently rented out for private upscale weddings, closing off access arbitrarily for casual travelers.
- The expansive library layout can feel like a maze, and individual older multimedia research tools lack funding for upkeep and don't work.
- Set downtown, it lacks dedicated lots, and nearby metered curbsides are heavily restricted, adding steep costs for driving visitors.