Harold Washington Library Center
🏢 Chicago Public Library — Chicago, Illinois
Harold Washington Library Center
Chicago's central library and one of the largest public library buildings in the world — a monumental postmodern landmark crowned by giant aluminum owls.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM – 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: 400 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 747-4300
Website: chipublib.org
📖 About Harold Washington Library Center
Opened in 1991 and named for Chicago's first Black mayor, the Harold Washington Library Center fills an entire block at 400 South State Street. Designed by Hammond, Beeby and Babka in a monumental, Beaux-Arts-inspired postmodern style, its red-brick-and-granite façade is topped by five aluminum owls: a great horned owl spreads its wings above the State Street entrance as a symbol of wisdom, while four barn owls perch at the roof's corners amid swirls of leaves and seed pods. Inside, a glass-roofed Winter Garden on the ninth floor brings daylight to a top-floor conservatory, and the building holds special collections including the Chicago Blues Archive and the dedicated Thomas Hughes Children's Library.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Ninth-floor Winter Garden atrium under a glass roof
- Iconic rooftop owl sculptures (Athena's symbol of wisdom)
- Chicago Blues Archive and Chicago-history special collections
- Thomas Hughes Children's Library
📱 Free with a Chicago Public Library Card
Any Illinois resident can get a CPL card free and unlock:
📍 More Chicago Public Libraries
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there giant owls on top of the Harold Washington Library?
The owls are ornamental sculptures symbolizing wisdom, echoing the owl of the Greek goddess Athena. A great horned owl with roughly a 20-foot wingspan sits above the State Street entrance, and four 12-foot aluminum barn owls perch on the roof's corners amid metal swirls of leaves and seed pods representing knowledge and growth.
Can I visit the Winter Garden on the top floor?
Yes. The Winter Garden is a glass-roofed atrium on the library's ninth floor, open to the public during regular hours. Filled with natural light and greenery, it is a popular quiet space and event venue with views over the Loop.
What special collections are held at the Harold Washington Library Center?
As Chicago Public Library's central library it holds notable special collections including the Chicago Blues Archive and extensive Chicago-history holdings, plus the separate Thomas Hughes Children's Library. Some rare materials are for in-library use or available by appointment.