Humboldt Park Branch
🏢 Chicago Public Library — Chicago, Illinois
Humboldt Park Branch
Named for Alexander von Humboldt — the 18th-century German scientist who founded modern geography — this North Side branch opened in 1996 and sits deep in Paseo Boricua, Chicago's vibrant Puerto Rican cultural corridor. A $4.5 million expansion in 2013 added a rain-harvesting irrigation system and a YOUmedia Recording Studio, and a 2025 renovation brought solar panels and energy-saving upgrades that are projected to cut the building's energy use by 90 percent.
🕑 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: 1605 N. Troy Street, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: 3127442244
Website: chipublib.org
📖 About Humboldt Park Branch
Humboldt Park Branch opened at 1605 N. Troy Street on July 13, 1996, and has been expanded twice since: a 5,000-square-foot addition with sustainable design features — including a rainwater-harvesting system — opened February 9, 2013, and a six-month renovation completed in June 2025 added solar panels, new windows, and refreshed interiors. The branch sits one block from Division Street's Paseo Boricua district, home to the two iconic 59-foot Puerto Rican steel flags that define the neighborhood's identity. Public art commissioned through Chicago's Percent for Art program decorates the building, with murals by Carlos "Dzine" Rolon and photographs by Lucy Gomez celebrating local culture. The branch maintains an extensive Spanish-language collection and is a cultural anchor for a neighborhood that is more than 53 percent Latino.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- YOUmedia Recording Studio — a professional teen-only music recording space on-site
- Seed library — borrow vegetable and flower seeds to grow your own garden
- Fishing poles available for checkout — gear up for local parks and lakefront spots
- Certified-teacher homework help program for students of all ages
- Accessible ADA computer workstations with 24-inch monitors, oversize keyboards, and trackball mice
📱 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
Does Humboldt Park Branch offer programs in Spanish?
Yes. The branch maintains a large Spanish-language materials collection and hosts Spanish-language programming throughout the year. Digital Navigator tutoring sessions covering computer basics, email, and job searching are available in both English and Spanish.
Can teens use the recording studio without an appointment?
The YOUmedia Recording Studio at Humboldt Park Branch is designated for teen use. Contact the branch at (312) 744-2244 or visit chipublib.org for current scheduling and session availability.
Is there parking available at Humboldt Park Branch?
Yes. The branch has two on-site parking lots, each with at least one accessible parking space. The entrance is wheelchair-accessible, with push-button ADA-compliant doors.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.