Back of the Yards Branch — Chicago Public Library

🏢 Chicago Public Library · Chicago, Illinois

Back of the Yards Branch — Chicago Public Library

Opened August 26, 2013, the Back of the Yards Branch serves Chicago's historic meatpacking neighborhood on 47th Street, offering bilingual programming, GED support, and a Citizenship Corner for the area's large immigrant community.

📞 (312) 747-9595🌐 chipublib.org🧭 Get directions
🕑 Hours & visit📖 About⭐ Highlights📚 Services📍 Nearby❓ FAQ

🕑 Library Hours

Monday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.

📍 Location, Contact & Directions

Address: 2111 West 47th Street, CHICAGO, IL 60609

Phone: (312) 747-9595

Website: chipublib.org

Plus Code: 86HJR85C+9P (CHICAGO, IL)

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📖 About Back of the Yards Branch — Chicago Public Library

Back of the Yards Branch opened August 26, 2013 in one of Chicago's most storied neighborhoods — the community made famous by Upton Sinclair's 1906 novel 'The Jungle' and the site of the landmark 1939 Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council, one of the first community organizing efforts in the nation. Today the branch reflects the neighborhood's majority-Latino population with Spanish-language materials, bilingual CyberNavigators technology tutoring, and a Citizenship Corner to assist residents pursuing U.S. citizenship. GED prep sessions in partnership with UIC's Center for Literacy serve adults seeking high school equivalency credentials. The branch has no dedicated parking lot — street parking is available on Hoyne Street — and features two ADA computer workstations with large monitors, oversize keyboards, and wheelchair-accessible tables.

⭐ What makes this library special

  • Opened August 26, 2013, serving the historic Back of the Yards neighborhood
  • Citizenship Corner — resources and programming for immigrants pursuing U.S. citizenship
  • GED prep sessions with UIC Center for Literacy
  • Bilingual (English & Spanish) CyberNavigators technology tutoring
  • Spanish-language materials collection
  • City Bill Payment Kiosk on-site

📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card

Back of the Yards cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through CPL's digital services and Illinois's statewide IRIS program:

&📚 Libby / OverDrive — eBooks & AudiobooksBorrow thousands of eBooks and audiobooks free with your CPL card at chipublib.overdrive.com
&🎬 Hoopla — Stream Music, Comics & VideoUnlimited streaming of audiobooks, music, comics, and films at hoopladigital.com with your CPL card
&📊 IRIS — Illinois Reliable Information SourcesFree statewide databases launched June 2026 for all Illinois residents — news, academic journals, and more via the Illinois State Library

📚 Services

  • Free public computers (close 10 min before building)
  • Wi-Fi throughout the building
  • After-hours book return
  • Scanner
  • Meeting room reservation
  • City Bill Payment Kiosk
  • Bilingual CyberNavigators technology tutoring (English & Spanish)
  • Citizenship Corner for immigration resources
  • Two ADA computer workstations (24-in monitor, oversize keyboard, trackball)

🎸 Programs

  • GED prep with UIC Center for Literacy
  • Bilingual CyberNavigators technology tutoring
  • Citizenship Corner programming
  • Teacher in the Library homework help (English & Spanish)
  • Digital literacy classes
  • Kids cooking demonstrations
  • Teen calligraphy classes
  • Crochet and craft clubs

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Back of the Yards Branch offer GED help?

Yes — the branch hosts GED prep sessions in partnership with UIC's Center for Literacy, helping adults work toward a high school equivalency credential. Check the branch or call (312) 747-9595 for the current schedule.

What is the Citizenship Corner at this branch?

The Citizenship Corner provides resources, practice materials, and programming to help immigrants prepare for the U.S. naturalization process. Staff can direct you to relevant CPL databases, English-language learning tools, and community referrals.

Is there Spanish-language service at Back of the Yards Branch?

Yes. The branch maintains a Spanish-language materials collection and offers bilingual CyberNavigators technology tutoring in both English and Spanish, reflecting the predominantly Latino community it serves.

Is there parking near Back of the Yards Branch?

The branch has no dedicated parking lot. Street parking is available on Hoyne Street adjacent to the building. The branch is also accessible by CTA bus routes along 47th Street.

🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.

📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.

✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.

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