Congratulations Chicago Public Library on your 150th Anniversary!

Tours

Harold Washington Library Center - Tour

Date: Friday, June 23, 2023
Times: 10:00am ― 11:00am – and – 12:00pm ― 1:00pm
Harold Washington Library Center – Central Library – South Loop Chicago
400 S. State, Chicago, IL 60605
Fee: Complimentary

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The Harold Washington Library Center is Chicago Public Library’s central library and named after Harold Washington, the city’s first African American Mayor. The library opened in 1991 four years after Mayor Harold Washington ordered a design/build competition for a new central library in the South Loop. The 1hr walking tour will be led by a CPL employee that will provide an overview of the building and a tour of several spaces. Attendees will experience the outdoors, indoors by visiting the breathtaking Winter Garden on the 9th floor, learn about the man whose name graces the building and see the exhibit that permanently showcases the career and voice of Mayor Harold Washington, in addition to other rotating exhibits. Lastly, this tour will provide an up-close view of the visual art, original artwork on display throughout the building that includes works by over 50 artists, both local and internationally known, employing a variety of mediums and styles.

• Transportation will not be provided. Directions: The library is a 15-minute taxi ride from McCormick Place or a 10-minute taxi ride from downtown hotels.
• The tour guide will meet all attendees in the grand lobby near the State St. entrance. Please be prompt.
• Masks are strongly encouraged at all CPL locations. Thank you for following library guidelines when you visit.