Vodak/East Side Branch
🏢 Chicago Public Library — Chicago, Illinois
Vodak/East Side Branch
Named for James F. Vodak (1910–1991) — community leader, senior citizens' advocate, and longtime president of the East Side Chamber of Commerce — this 14,000-square-foot branch opened October 14, 2006 and serves a far south side neighborhood shaped by steel-mill heritage, where 83 percent of today's residents are Latino.
🕑 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: 3710 E. 106th Street, Chicago, IL 60617
Phone: 3127475500
Website: chipublib.org
📖 About Vodak/East Side Branch
Vodak/East Side Branch opened October 14, 2006 at 3710 E. 106th Street, honoring James F. Vodak, a civic pillar who served as East Side's ombudsman for senior citizens and executive director of the East Side Chamber of Commerce until his death in 1991. The 14,000-square-foot, one-story building was constructed with environmentally friendly and recycled materials and applied for LEED certification upon opening. Interior photography by James Klekowski captures everyday East Side scenes — church-goers at morning mass, a 91st Street station platform, summer parades — alongside Michelle Kim's industrial images documenting Acme Steel's blast furnaces, preserving the neighborhood's working-class heritage on the library walls. The branch serves the East Side and South Deering communities, home to a largely Latino population descended from the steelworker families who built the area.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Named for James F. Vodak, a beloved East Side civic leader and senior-citizens advocate
- Photographic art installations documenting neighborhood life and the area's steel-industry heritage
- Spanish-language materials collection and ESL/English Conversation Group sessions
- WiFi hotspot lending — borrow a hotspot to take internet access home
- Homework help and community meeting room available for reservation
📱 Free with a Chicago Public Library Card
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was James Vodak, and why is the branch named after him?
James F. Vodak (1910–1991) was a lifelong East Side resident who served as a community ombudsman for senior citizens and was executive director and president of the East Side Chamber of Commerce. The branch was named in his honor when it opened on October 14, 2006, recognizing his decades of civic service.
Does Vodak/East Side Branch offer English language learning programs?
Yes. The branch hosts an ESL/English Conversation Group that gives participants practice speaking English in a welcoming, informal setting. Call (312) 747-5500 or visit chipublib.org for current meeting times.
Can I borrow a WiFi hotspot from Vodak/East Side Branch?
Yes. Chicago Public Library offers WiFi hotspot lending at Vodak/East Side Branch, allowing cardholders to take internet connectivity home. Check availability and loan periods by calling (312) 747-5500 or visiting chipublib.org.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.