Harold Washington Library Center
Harold Washington Library Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The library houses approximately two million books and is a wonderful example of Chicago's architecture.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown / The Loop
Often visitors' first stop in Chicago, The Loop is a good starting point to sample the city's energy and flavor. This central business district boasts Michelin-rated restaurants, upscale hotels, premier shopping, and enough arresting architecture to keep your camera busy for hours. You won’t find too many photo galleries of downtown Chicago without a shot of Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A stunning skyline coupled with cultural attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago present a Downtown where work and play peacefully coexist.
How to get there
- Harold Washington Library – State/Van Buren • 2 min walk
- Harrison • 3 min walk
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1,028 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
274 reviews
Excellent
164
Very good
89
Average
16
Poor
4
Terrible
1
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
CharlieV2011
Chicago, IL2,318 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The building maybe beautiful on the outside, but inside is a different story. Yes there are books here, but this really isn’t a library. There are scores of homeless people here; people listening to music and shows on their electronic devices without headphones; and others just sitting around talking with no respect for anyone wanting silence to read or study. Most of the time, the online catalog lists inventory incorrectly. The bathrooms have people sleeping on the floor. In my opinion, I picture libraries as quiet buildings that are clean and full of resources, but this library is the opposite.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN5,776 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I visited here to see the architecture of the winter garden (ninth floor). I could only view from outside because a wedding was being set up inside.
The main branch of the New York public library may have the rose reading room and beautiful murals along the ceilings, but this library is more open, airy, and practical. And unlike NYPL, this library still has physical volumes and periodicals.
The building is 10 floors (the 10th being admin offices). There are elevators, but the primary mode of transport here is an escalator system.
This library seems to be a sort of community center. There are music rooms, media rooms, interactive sections, study areas, art exhibits and sculptures. Computer commons. Multiple sections, including science, reference, popular fiction, graphic novels, history, poetry, plays, etc.
Appear to be many staff members, librarians, and security personnel around to help.
If I lived in Chicago, I would spend a ton of time here exploring and learning!
The main branch of the New York public library may have the rose reading room and beautiful murals along the ceilings, but this library is more open, airy, and practical. And unlike NYPL, this library still has physical volumes and periodicals.
The building is 10 floors (the 10th being admin offices). There are elevators, but the primary mode of transport here is an escalator system.
This library seems to be a sort of community center. There are music rooms, media rooms, interactive sections, study areas, art exhibits and sculptures. Computer commons. Multiple sections, including science, reference, popular fiction, graphic novels, history, poetry, plays, etc.
Appear to be many staff members, librarians, and security personnel around to help.
If I lived in Chicago, I would spend a ton of time here exploring and learning!
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert L
Amherst, MA1,632 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We stayed at a hotel across the street from the library. The exterior is dramatically beautiful. However, going inside, while it is quite nice, isn't worth the extra effort. The only entrance during the Covid rules is on the State Street side.
Written 11 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsPsPicks
Butler, PA523 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Ask for the Art brochure and Guided Tour brochure at the main desk, and then explore. The building itself is gorgeous, and then there is all of the art inside… and then books! Truly a terrific place to spend a few hours. Make sure to go all the way up to the Winter Garden.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva T
United Kingdom5,849 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We walked several times along this building and every time I spotted some beautiful detail. When I check on it I didn't believe that it was built only in 1990's. The architects really designed the building in style which is complimenting other buildings in south Loop. We didn't know that there is a winter garden on the last floor, only was told about the last day of our stay in Chicago which is pity as I would love to visit it.
Written 14 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabrielaSeevetal
Seevetal, Germany10,375 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
This building has its place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest public library building in the world. It was opened in 1991. There were no people on all floors on a Wednesday afternoon. The building seemed abandoned. After crossing the 9th via stairs and lift. reached the second floor, we stood in the light-flooded conservatory. An unpleasant smell of food passed through the actually very nice courtyard. The rest of the building is rather unspectacular.
From Grant Park to Oak Street Beach and the Loop area, Chicago is a great place to walk to all the attractions.
From Grant Park to Oak Street Beach and the Loop area, Chicago is a great place to walk to all the attractions.
Automatically translated
Written 9 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trisch V
Moberly23 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Walked past this amazing building numerous times during our visit to Chicago. Finally stopped in our last day and glad we did. Even though we had minimal time, the security officer recommended taking the elevator to the 9th floor to see the winter garden. Beautiful venue and view. Hope to visit again to peruse the book shelves.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TakenByTravel777
Kalamazoo, MI187 contributions
Feb 2020
I love libraries, and this is worth a trip to see the exterior of the building with the owl cornices. There's also a train stop that will bring you right there. On the 9th floor, there's a beautiful open area with an indoor "garden" and a nice view of the street below. There are trees and a few tables to sit and study or work. The rest of the library was typical, but we went for the special features.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariana C
3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
I didn't have this building on my list, but I caught my attention on the street and then I looked it up. It's worth watching from the outside and also going in. The library is huge and amazing, there's free wifi and restrooms if you need them. Everyone was very kind. I wanted to visit the winter garden but it was closed for a private event, so check first!
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon K
Springfield, PA28 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
What a delightful surprise to find this gem! What a beautiful building filled with floors upon floors of books and more! So interesting! I especially loved the Winter Garfen on the top floor!
Written 24 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I humbly apologize for not responding sooner, my Internet has bee been down, the question is no longer readily visible to me at this time. I hope I can help in the future in a more timely manner.
Cherry ice cream, 2017
Written 17 June 2017
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