Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch
🏢 Chicago Public Library — Chicago, Illinois
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch
Named for civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr. — who proposed a domestic Marshall Plan to close the racial wealth gap and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 — this South Side branch pairs a Maker Lab and YOUmedia Recording Studio with the legacy of Young's lifelong commitment to economic opportunity.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Tuesday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Thursday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | 1 PM – 5 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 415 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: (312) 747-0039
Website: chipublib.org
📖 About Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch
The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch at 415 E. 79th Street honors the memory of Whitney Moore Young Jr. (1921–1971), executive director of the National Urban League who transformed the organization into a powerful voice for Black economic equality and helped shape President Johnson's War on Poverty. Situated on Chicago's South Side near the 79th Street corridor, the branch is among the better-equipped in the CPL system, featuring a Maker Lab, a YOUmedia Recording Studio exclusively for teens, and a generously sized parking lot with 12 general, 3 accessible, 2 fuel-efficient, and 2 carpool spaces. Teacher in the Library homework help runs Monday through Thursday, complementing digital literacy classes and community film screenings.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Maker Lab for hands-on creative and technology projects
- YOUmedia Recording Studio (teens only) for music, audio, and digital media production
- Teacher in the Library homework help Monday–Thursday
- Parking lot with 12 general spaces, 3 accessible spaces, 2 fuel-efficient, and 2 carpool slots
- Named for Whitney M. Young Jr., Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and National Urban League director who helped launch the War on Poverty
📱 Free with a Chicago Public Library Card
Any Chicago resident can get a CPL card free and unlock:
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Whitney M. Young Jr. and why is this branch named for him?
Whitney M. Young Jr. (1921–1971) was executive director of the National Urban League and one of America's most influential civil rights leaders. He proposed a domestic Marshall Plan calling for $145 billion to close the racial economic gap, advised multiple U.S. presidents, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969. The branch on Chicago's South Side bears his name in recognition of his legacy of expanding opportunity.
Can teens use the recording studio at the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch?
Yes. The YOUmedia Recording Studio at this branch is reserved for teen patrons. It supports music recording, audio production, and other digital creative projects. Visit chipublib.org or call (312) 747-0039 for current access requirements and scheduling.
Is there a Maker Lab at the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch?
Yes. The branch has a Maker Lab open to patrons for hands-on projects involving fabrication, digital design, and creative technology. Check the CPL events calendar for workshop schedules and any registration requirements.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.