Rediscovering Your Local Chicagoland Library
Harold Washington Library (400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL)
It’s never been easier to get books for you and your little ones.
Whether you’re subscribed to a book box, downloading audiobooks to a tablet, or ordering YA titles on demand with next day shipping, you’ve got options–many of them! But don’t go throwing away your kid’s library card just yet.
In 2014, the Chicago Public Library system was ranked 1st in the US and 3rd in the world. Over several years of investment and upgrades, it’s 80+ branches have become more modernized, accessible, and resourceful. The programs and events your family can find at a CPL location, as well as surrounding area libraries like Evanston & Winnetka, are incredible–plus, they’re free!
We’ve created a short list of some of the best municipal and neighborhood branches in the Chicagoland area.
You’ll find that each library has its own learning opportunities and fun activities for kids of any age. We’re also identifying each of these libraries’ commitment for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and how they work with their multicultural communities. For more information, visit chipublib.org or the website for the branch nearest you.
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Harold Washington
Location:
400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours:
M-Th 9AM - 8PM
F & S 9AM - 5PM
Sun 1PM - 5PM
Key Staff:
Shelley Hughes, Director, Children's Services and Family Engagement
Sorting system:
Library of Congress
Not only is the Harold Washington library the center of one of the most renowned library systems in the country, it is also the world’s largest public library building. Named after the city’s 1st Black mayor, the state-of-the-art facility combines over 10 resource levels and connects directly to the transit system.
Head up to the 2nd floor for the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library, which boasts a huge collection to kids classics and new releases. There is always different classes and events to attend, including sign language classes, a preschool book club, story-time, and arts & crafts. The library also provides free homework help, and a “teacher in the library” program which provides guests time with a certified teacher. Currently, you can sign up for the Stories in Motion contest on the CPL website. After exploring the building’s beautiful Winter Garden, visitors can practice their instruments in any one of the many music and meeting rooms.
Diversity & Inclusion:
In 2019, the library hosted a Teen Services Summit, where attendees discussed ways to better the serve the LGBTQIA+ youth community.
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Lincoln Belmont Branch
Location:
1659 W. Melrose Street, Chicago, IL 60657
Hours:
M 10AM - 6PM
T & Th 12PM - 8PM
W 10AM - 6PM
F & S 9AM - 5PM
Su 1PM - 5PM
Sorting system:
Library of Congress
The Lincoln Belmont branch serves the north side of Chicago’s Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, and North Center neighborhoods. It’s known for its great artwork, large-print books, and various online family-centric social events. Some of those include the Mini Readers Preschool Book Club, Family Game Night, and festive holiday-focused arts and crafts classes.
Diversity and Inclusion:
There will be a children’s book club based on books from the popular Ana & Andrew Book Club Series in January of 2022.
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Evanston Library
Location:
1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Hours:
M -Th 10AM - 8PM
F & S 9AM – 6PM
Su 12PM – 6PM
Key Staff:
Laura K. Dranoff Antolin - Youth Engagement Librarian
Sorting System:
Dewey Decimal
Located just south of the prestigious Northwestern University, the main branch of the Evanston Public Library system is one that this city’s residents can be very proud of. The EPL is all about education, community outreach and involvement, and family resources. Some of their weekly classes include STEM and arts & crafts–there’s even a book and drama club. There are cultural events, such as their annual Kwanzaa celebration. You’ll also enjoy their 101 Great Books for Kids List, and discount admission to participating museums. Their community listening and sharing engagements invite all Evanston citizens to have a platform for input, and their bilingual support helps keep non-English speakers informed throughout the library.
Diversity and Inclusion:
EPL commissioned an equity, diversity, and inclusion assessment in 2018 to get a better idea of how to use library resources to address the lack of diverse experiences. It has since created a Racial Equity Task Force, while providing key resources for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Park Ridge Public Library
Location:
20 S Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Key Staff:
Staci Greenwald, Youth Services Manager
Sorting system:
Dewey Decimal
Even at over a century old, the Park Ridge Library is very kid-centric. Parents and caregivers can select Book Bundles for early readers, while kids of any age create digital experiences in the Media Lab. The winter season opens up new craft classes and seasonal book clubs. They also offer many in-person and virtual events, including story-times and family movie nights.
Diversity & Inclusion:
PRPL curates a list of progressive, anti-racist children’s books.
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Winnetka Public Library
Location:
768 Oak St, Winnetka, IL 60093
Hours:
M – Th 9AM – 9PM
F – S 9AM – 5PM
Su 1PM – 5PM
Key Staff:
Amanda Garrity, Youth Services Manager
Sorting system:
Dewey Decimal
A 19th century library that recently experienced a huge renovation, the Winnetka Library’s collection of materials is vast and diverse. Well-known for its world-class design & print studio, it also provides many fun and informative events for children and families. Visit their calendar online for weekly story-times, craft and baking classes, and gaming events. The library's Youth Winter Reading Challenge invites kids and young adults to participate and win prizes from selecting new books to enjoy.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Library staff regularly attend seminars and personal development training focused on DEI and how to better understand cultural impact and the needs of the community. Sign up to participate in their annual MLK day of service coming up in January.
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Oak Park Public Library
Location:
834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301
Hours:
M –Th 9AM –9PM
F 9AM – 6PM
S 9AM – 5PM
Su 12PM – 5PM
Key Staff:
Community Engagement/Early Childhood Outreach team Jenny Jackson & Nora Sanchez
Sorting system:
Dewey Decimal
Part of OPPL’s mission statement emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and the
education of global citizens. One of 3 branches in Oak Park, the main building was erected less than 20 years ago. As with many libraries, COVID restrictions have limited in-person events. However, virtual visitors can enjoy pajama story-times, drawing classes, and amazing TechGirlz workshops.
Diversity & Inclusion:
A multicultural media collection and transgender resources are just a few of the invaluable tools OPPL uses to engage the community. It has also appointed a director of Equity and Anti-Racism, Stephen Jackson, who works with an advisory team to help identify challenges and learning opportunities to diversify book & activity selections.
If you haven’t done so already or if you are new to Chicago, we at Nanny Harmony encourage you to branch out and check out our local, public libraries. Check out their websites for events, story-times and more.
— Written by our friend and local Chicagoland nanny, Nanny Miss Monique.