The Chicago Public Library (CPL) is a temple of knowledge visited by a large number of people every day. Its history is incredibly interesting and rich. We’ll discuss the details on chicago1.one.
The Library’s Founding
The first libraries in Chicago were private, requiring membership fees to visit. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire devastated the city, burning, by various estimates, between two and three million books. As a gesture of sympathy, Great Britain decided to donate a large volume of literature to Chicago to help the city establish a robust collection. Thus, the donation, consisting of over 8,000 books from Great Britain, prompted influential Chicago citizens to petition for the creation of a new, free public library.
In April 1872, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance establishing the Chicago Public Library. In 1873, the library opened in a round, iron reservoir—somewhat like a water tank—at the intersection of LaSalle Street and Adams Street. Visitors had to climb steep stairs to enter. Given the building’s unusual shape, the premises had poor ventilation, managed by ceiling panels operated by pulleys. It was often freezing in the winter and stifling in the summer.
The first librarian appointed was William Poole, who focused on building the library’s collections and ensuring free access to literature for all social classes. Since no standard library classification system existed at the time, William cataloged books using the letter “P.” The library’s initial collection included books from England, Germany, and Belgium. A large portion of the literature was dedicated to esoterica, which was only of interest to a narrow circle of people. Year by year, the library became more popular, and its collection grew with new world masterpieces.
Expansion: Branches Emerge, Collections Improve
In 1890, the priorities of the Chicago Public Library shifted. It began not only serving readers but also engaging in educational activities. This coincided with Chicago’s cultural revival, which included the establishment of the Newberry and Crerar research libraries. The three libraries divided various fields of study among themselves. Thus, the Newberry housed literature dedicated to the humanities, the Crerar focused on natural sciences, and the Public Library, at that time, held a large collection of books by famous American authors.
In 1897, the library moved to a more spacious building, now known as the Chicago Cultural Center. The site on which the building stands required the inclusion of a memorial hall dedicated to soldiers and sailors from Illinois.
In 1904, the library’s first branch opened in a luxurious building in Hyde Park. Approximately $2 million was spent on its design and construction. Inside the building, there are marble and gold details, as well as several murals representing labor, science, literature, and art.
The ideals of progressive reformers soon returned the library to its core mission of public service, exemplified by Chief Librarian Henry Legler’s “A Library Plan for the Whole City,” created in 1916. In it, he called for a broad network of neighborhood libraries in regional districts to provide service within walking distance of home for every Chicago resident. Consequently, the first Henry Legler Regional Library was established in 1920 in the West Garfield Park area. It remains part of the Chicago Public Library and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Legler’s plan was continued by Carl Roden, who took over as Chief Librarian. Thanks to his efforts, the library system grew by 50%, and circulation reached unprecedented heights.
For three decades after 1950, the Chicago Public Library remained constrained in terms of funding. Nevertheless, by 1951, it had expanded its service in Chicago neighborhoods by modernizing the bookmobile system. Notably, within seven months, this mobile branch system distributed nearly 100,000 books in areas without library service. Previously, horses delivered books ordered by patrons to transfer points located in confectionaries, pharmacies, churches, and factories.
By 1969, Chicago had approximately 59 library branches. During that period, public attention was drawn to necessary repair work on the library’s central building. In 1977, it was restored and reopened, eventually becoming a cultural hub for the city, attracting all the city’s elite. The building also housed a new department for special library collections. However, other collections lacked a main building until 1991, when the Chicago Public Library moved to the Harold Washington Library Center.
The Library’s Active Development
Meanwhile, the Library Board actively discussed plans for constructing a new building. Former Mayor Harold Washington decided to provide financial assistance, and soon the new central library was built and named in his honor. Its construction marked an emphasis on quality service to the population. In 1955, under the leadership of Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey, a new five-year development strategy was created, which gave the system renewed energy. According to this strategy, 41 libraries were built and renovated between 1989 and 2002. The commitment to community engagement, expressed through public programs, exhibits, and special events, sharply increased attendance at the Chicago Public Library.
Significantly, the modern CPL actively launches various projects aimed at instilling a love for books in children and adults. Free programs are implemented in all its branches, including author readings, storytelling, exhibitions, and dance and music performances.
Why Chicagoans Love the Library
There are several reasons why people enjoy visiting the Chicago Public Library:
- Professional Librarians. They recommend the best books to readers and help them discover something new.
- Free Access to Books. The library operates 24/7, and not just online. 81 branches are open seven days a week. This gives every reader a great opportunity to borrow a book on a weekend, print documents, and much more.
- Extensive Development for Children. The library has everything, from free digital literacy lessons to high-quality programs for toddlers.
- Community and Collaboration. Teenagers can engage in conversations on various topics at the library. By visiting the Maker Lab, users have an excellent opportunity to bring their creative and entrepreneurial projects to life. Plus, they teach new crafts and creative skills there.
- History Exploration. Did you know you can dive into the past at the CPL? Yes, everyone has access to a large number of photos from the Chicago Park District archives. The library preserves the city’s history, documenting events from different eras.
- Unique Innovative Programs. These help people achieve success. For example, in the “Teacher in the Library” program, educators help students succeed in school and beyond by offering free homework assistance.
Analyzing all of the above, it can be concluded that the Chicago Public Library is a place where citizens relax and gain knowledge.