Avalon Branch — Chicago Public Library

🏢 Chicago Public Library · Chicago, Illinois

Avalon Branch — Chicago Public Library

Opened in 2006 with LEED-certified sustainable construction, cathedral ceilings, and clerestory windows, the Avalon Branch serves a cluster of eight South Side communities — from Avalon Park and Chatham to South Shore and Jeffery Manor.

📞 (312) 747-5234🌐 chipublib.org🧭 Get directions
🕑 Hours & visit📖 About⭐ Highlights📚 Services📍 Nearby❓ FAQ

🕑 Library Hours

Monday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 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: 8148 South Stony Island Avenue, CHICAGO, IL 60617

Phone: (312) 747-5234

Website: chipublib.org

Plus Code: 86HJPCW7+GM (CHICAGO, IL)

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📖 About Avalon Branch — Chicago Public Library

Avalon Branch opened March 7, 2006 as part of Chicago Public Library's 21st-century building program, achieving LEED Green Building certification. The single-story structure features soaring cathedral ceilings and clerestory windows that flood the reading areas with natural light. Two public artworks funded through Chicago's Percent for Art Ordinance enrich the space: 'Current,' a sculpture by Barbara Cooper, and a digital photo collage by Stephen Marc. The branch anchors library service for eight South Side neighborhoods — Avalon Park, Calumet Heights, Burnside, Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, South Shore, South Chicago, and Jeffery Manor. CyberNavigators technology tutoring (by appointment, Tue–Thu) and a seed library round out its community offerings.

⭐ What makes this library special

  • LEED-certified sustainable building with cathedral ceilings and clerestory windows, opened March 7, 2006
  • Two Percent for Art Ordinance works: 'Current' sculpture by Barbara Cooper and digital photo collage by Stephen Marc
  • Seed library — borrow vegetable, herb, and flower seeds free with a CPL card
  • CyberNavigators free one-on-one technology tutoring (Tue–Thu by appointment)
  • YOUmedia teen digital media program
  • Meeting room available for community groups by reservation

📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card

Avalon cardholders stream, download, and research free through CPL's digital apps 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
  • Seed library — free seeds with library card
  • After-hours book return
  • Scanner
  • Meeting room reservation
  • CyberNavigators technology tutoring (by appointment)
  • Two ADA computer workstations (24-in monitor, oversize keyboard, trackball)
  • City Bill Payment Kiosk
  • Accessible parking (1 space on north side)

🎸 Programs

  • YOUmedia digital media program for teens
  • Sensory Story Time for young children
  • Brain Health Tuesdays adult programming
  • Mad Science workshops
  • Spanish Study Group
  • Film screenings
  • Digital literacy classes
  • Puzzle Club

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What neighborhoods does Avalon Branch serve?

Avalon Branch is the primary CPL location for residents of Avalon Park, Calumet Heights, Burnside, Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, South Shore, South Chicago, and Jeffery Manor on Chicago's Far South Side.

Does Avalon Branch have a seed library?

Yes — Avalon has one of CPL's seed libraries. Library cardholders can borrow packets of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds at no charge, then return seeds from their harvest at season's end to replenish the collection.

Can I get free technology help at Avalon Branch?

Yes. CyberNavigators tutors offer free one-on-one help — email, job applications, smartphone basics, and more — on Tuesdays through Thursdays by appointment. Walk-in computer stations are also available during all open hours.

Is the Avalon Branch building eco-friendly?

Yes. Avalon opened in 2006 as a LEED-certified building constructed to U.S. Green Building Council standards. Its clerestory windows maximize daylighting, reducing energy use while brightening the reading and study areas.

🖨 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.

✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.

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