Dunning Branch
🏢 Chicago Public Library — Chicago, Illinois
Dunning Branch
Dedicated May 6, 2011 and designed by Jackson Harlan, LLC, Dunning Branch earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council — one of the most energy-efficient library buildings in the CPL system. Built adjacent to Dever School on land donated by the Chicago Board of Education, the 8,800-square-foot branch replaced the former West Addison Branch and now serves a diverse Northwest Side community with Polish- and Spanish-language materials alongside a seed library and Internet-to-Go WiFi lending.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | 1 PM – 5 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 7455 W. Cornelia Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
Phone: 3127430480
Website: chipublib.org
📖 About Dunning Branch
The Dunning Branch opened May 6, 2011, replacing the former West Addison Branch that closed in 2009. Designed by Jackson Harlan, LLC and built by F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, the 8,800-square-foot one-story building achieved LEED Gold certification — surpassing its original Silver target — making it one of the greener structures in the Chicago Public Library system. The building sits adjacent to Dever School on land donated by the Chicago Board of Education. The neighborhood's name derives from David S. Dunning, a farmer and developer who purchased land in the area in 1865, though the community became better known for the county poor farm and state hospital that operated on its northern edge through much of the 20th century.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- LEED Gold certified green building, designed by Jackson Harlan, LLC and opened May 6, 2011 — one of CPL's most energy-efficient branch buildings
- Internet to Go WiFi hotspot lending lets patrons take home a portable Wi-Fi device
- Seed library for borrowing and returning seeds each growing season
- Collections in Polish and Spanish reflecting the neighborhood's historic and current immigrant communities
- Teacher in the Library program Monday–Thursday, 3–6 PM, with certified educators providing free homework help
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dunning Branch a green building?
Yes. The Dunning Branch earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council when it opened in 2011, exceeding its original Silver target. The 8,800-square-foot building was designed by Jackson Harlan, LLC and was constructed adjacent to Dever School on a site donated by the Chicago Board of Education.
Can I borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot from Dunning Branch?
Yes. The branch participates in CPL's Internet to Go program, lending portable Wi-Fi hotspots to cardholders who need internet access outside the library. Availability varies; ask staff about current loan periods and eligibility.
Does Dunning Branch offer materials in Polish?
Yes. The Dunning Branch maintains a Polish-language collection alongside Spanish-language materials, reflecting the Northwest Side neighborhood's historical Polish immigrant community and its current diversity. Staff can help locate specific titles or request items through the CPL system.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.