The Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago’s main library, has been a significant presence in the South Loop since its opening in 1991, yet it remains a space that feels underutilized in certain areas.
Much like a runner caught between third base and home, the library exudes potential but has yet to fully realize it, offering limited acknowledgment for its role in revitalizing the neighborhood.
With its noteworthy top-floor winter garden, praised as one of the best interior spaces in the city with abundant natural light due to its glass-domed ceiling, the library nevertheless suffers from certain design flaws.
Visitors face a daunting journey through a cavernous lobby and a long first-floor hallway before they can access its collections, which has raised questions about how well the library’s design serves modern patrons.
In light of changing demographics and evolving library use, particularly in the South Loop, which is becoming home to numerous educational institutions and vibrant community spaces, the library is now considering a redesign.
Library officials, alongside consultants and community stakeholders, have engaged in discussions that seek to transform the building into a more inviting and functional space for all users.
Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown acknowledged the library’s age and the necessity for it to evolve: “We have the largest central library in the country in Chicago. And as you know, it’s over 30 years old. It was built pre-internet … built for a different time. So we’re out of the pandemic, as we’re looking at how the Loop is being utilized, we want to have this building continue to serve the city as best as it can.”
This initiative marks the first thorough reassessment of the library’s design since it was built, driven by focus groups that have generated a plethora of ideas to rejuvenate the space.
Among the proposals gaining traction is the addition of a cafe in the winter garden, which would complement the library’s study environment.
“On average, people are staying here for well over an hour,” said Brown, emphasizing that a cafe could enhance the patrons’ experience by encouraging them to linger longer for study or relaxation.
The design discussions also focused on activating underused interior areas next to the ground floor’s limited windows, fostering a dynamic connection between library goers and the abundant activity happening outside on the streets.
Addressing concerns about the accessibility of the library’s collections, chatters have included the possibility of relocating parts of the collection closer to the entrance, making them more visible to those entering the building.
Chris Lambert, Principal at Blue Cottage Consulting, introduced the idea of dedicating a permanent exhibition to Mayor Harold Washington, a key figure in the library’s history, as well as showcasing other notable aspects of Chicago’s heritage.
“This could become a showpiece,” Lambert stated. “It becomes a thing that celebrates Chicago’s history in a real vibrant way.”
The construction of the library in 1987 involved a highly publicized design competition, an effort seen as a renaissance for Chicago’s architectural scene after the unveiling of the State of Illinois building just two years prior.
The excitement surrounding the competition drew significant public interest, including an episode dedicated to it by PBS’s Nova program.
After a non-binding popular vote by Chicagoans, the award went to the SEBUS Group led by the local architecture firm Hammond, Beeby & Babka, aiming to craft a modern building that honored local architectural traditions.
Despite receiving criticism for its style that some viewed as outdated, the library now stands as a testament to the city’s architectural heritage, maintaining a robust presence alongside notable landmarks like the former flagship Sears store.
The library’s façade boasts a diverse architectural vocabulary, with its less conspicuous Plymouth Court side featuring a sleek glass curtain wall that contrasts sharply with the more traditional 19th-century designs on the other sides.
Importantly, discussions about the library’s redesign do not propose altering its architectural essence but rather enhance interaction between the library and the surrounding neighborhood.
Brown mentioned that establishing thematic connections between the library, the nearby L stop, and developments at Pritzker Park could be part of the proposed renovations.
Funding remains a critical component of this endeavor, with plans to turn the concepts and recommendations from the focus groups into a comprehensive document for submission to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration.
The library also seeks to present these ideas to local and national philanthropic organizations to secure the necessary financial support for the project.
In summary, the Harold Washington Library Center is on the brink of transformation, poised to adapt to a rapidly changing urban landscape and the evolving needs of its diverse user base.
image source from：chicago
