Nowadays, with streaming services and eBooks available at the click of a button, many people have left their library cards in that forgotten corner of their junk drawer. But Chicago has several libraries that still anchor their neighborhoods, providing a communal space for residents to enjoy. Here’s a list of some Chicagoland libraries still going strong.

The Newberry - Near North Side

Photo courtesy of The Newberry Library

Established in 1887, this independent research library was named after Walter Loomis Newberry, a Chicago business leader who contributed funds to create a free public library. Located in the Near North Side neighborhood and situated across from Washington Square park, The Newberry houses a collection of original sources specializing in local history, genealogy, and American Indian and Indigenous studies. 

As a community center, the library offers a series of conferences, lectures, meet the author events, exhibitions, and free public tours. Also, stop by The Newberry Bookstore to purchase a literary gift. 

Schaumburg Township District Library - Schaumburg

Photo courtesy of bogdanstepniak

As the second largest library in Illinois, the Schaumburg Township District Library serves about 130,000 residents in Schaumburg and the surrounding neighborhoods (Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, and Streamwood). Featuring an “Enchanted Forest” kids play area, two expansive floors of books, and private rooms you can reserve for up to two hours a day, this library is both a place of learning and a hub of activity. 

As a cornerstone of the community, this library hosts outdoor concerts in the summer and year-round events for all ages.

The Poetry Foundation Library - River North

Photo courtesy of Alanscottwalker

In the River North neighborhood—just a few blocks south of The Newberry—The Poetry Foundation Library holds over 30,000 volumes dedicated to poetry, including limited editions, chapbooks, journals, criticism, and audio archives. Many of the titles in this library also make up the working collection of Poetry magazine, a monthly publication. 

Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the library also hosts interactive programs to encourage a wider readership of poetry. Stop by to enjoy poetry readings, writing workshops, and music performances. 

Evanston Public Library, Main Library - Evanston

Photo courtesy of Amerique

The Evanston Public Library offers a number of “cultural, intellectual, technological, and information resources,” such as museum passes for free/discounted museum admission, weekly book sales, technology classes, special services for teachers, and genealogy archives. The library also gives Evanston teens access to a 3D printer and hosts a yearly Storytelling Festival for the community. 

Chicago Public Library - Chinatown

Photo courtesy of Smart Chicago Collaborative

Opened in 2015, the Chinatown branch of the Chicago Public Library is known for its unique architecture designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. The library itself serves as a cultural information center, offering Chinese language materials, ESL classes, and citizen services in addition to their standard library materials and study rooms. 

The Chinatown branch also serves the Armour Square, South Loop, and Bridgeport neighborhoods.

Barrington Area Library - Barrington

Photo courtesy of Barrington Area Library

In addition to its stunning architecture and grounds—including a sculpture garden and a series of native plant gardens—the Barrington Area Library features digital recording studios, an internet cafe, and a young adult area. Also, as part of the library’s Business and Technology Center, the “MarkerLab” gives library cardholders access to 3D printers, a laser and vinyl cutter, and various advanced software programs. 

This library hosts a number of events for both children and adults, including Family Story Time, adult book clubs, writers workshops, and musical performances for residents of Barrington, Deer Park, Tower Lakes, Algonquin, Fox River Grove, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, and Palatine.