South Shore Branch
🏢 Chicago Public Library — Chicago, Illinois
South Shore Branch
South Shore Branch opened in May 1929 in a Tudor-style building that is one of the oldest standing branch library structures in Chicago's system. A $2.5 million renovation completed in 2020 transformed the 90-year-old landmark with a professional YOUmedia Recording Studio, a dedicated Black history and authors section, and a fully redesigned youth space — all within its historic brick walls.
🕑 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: 2505 E. 73rd Street, Chicago, IL 60649
Phone: 3127475281
Website: chipublib.org
📖 About South Shore Branch
Opened in May 1929, South Shore Branch is housed in a Tudor-style building at 2505 E. 73rd Street that has anchored this lakefront South Side community for nearly a century. The branch underwent a $2.5 million renovation completed in February 2020, gaining a YOUmedia media lab and professional recording studio for teens, an early-learning space with computers and board games, a dedicated heritage section spotlighting Black history and works by Black authors, and updated exterior, roof, and windows. Public art from Chicago's Percent for Art program graces the interior, including works by sculptor Elizabeth Catlett and painter Synthia Saint James. The branch serves a predominantly African American neighborhood of more than 53,000 residents within walking distance of Lake Michigan's Rainbow Beach.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- YOUmedia Recording Studio — professional-grade teen recording space added in 2020 renovation
- Heritage collection spotlighting Black history and works by Black authors
- "Teacher in the Library" homework help Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4–6:30 PM
- Public art by nationally recognized artists including Elizabeth Catlett and Synthia Saint James
- After-hours book return drop available when the branch is closed
📱 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
When did South Shore Branch reopen after its most recent renovation?
South Shore Branch reopened in February 2020 after a $2.5 million renovation that took approximately one year. The project added a YOUmedia lab, professional recording studio, Black history collection, early-learning space, and updated the historic 1929 building's exterior, roof, and windows.
Is there a homework help program at South Shore Branch?
Yes. The branch offers a "Teacher in the Library" program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, providing certified-teacher assistance with homework for students.
What makes South Shore Branch architecturally distinctive?
South Shore Branch is one of the oldest operating branch library buildings in the Chicago Public Library system, built in Tudor-style architecture and opened in May 1929. It has been updated over the decades while retaining its historic character.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.