Um…where’s the library?
BEN: Given its location across the street from the iconic Chicago Water Tower on the Magnificent Mile, we’ve been wanting to visit this branch for months and were stymied by its closure. Finally, the day arrived!
Right away, we were confused by the lack of signage on the exterior of the Water Works building or a marked entrance. There’s a book drop outside, but where’s the library?
We headed for the big double doors, and instead of a library branch, found…massive water pipes???
NATHAN: Apparently, the library was also kind of a water pump system at the entrance!
BEN: Turns out this is the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, featuring permanent Christmas decorations and a windowed gangway for public observation. Very cool views of machinery and the interior of the historic building.
But…where’s the library?
We took a left and discovered the lobby of the Lookingglass Theater Company – a beautiful space (newly renovated, hence the closure) with a coffee bar and seating area.
But once again…where’s the library?
As we turned the corner around the theater entrance, we glimpsed a few bookshelves in the corner. Is this it?
Yep, that’s it! Here we have the smallest branch in the Chicago Public Library system. Christian, the librarian on duty, told us the history: about 10 years ago, elderly local residents lobbied CPL through the 2nd Ward office for a branch where they could pick up holds and return materials, and they succeeded. These folks make a great point – given the high population density in the Mag Mile / Streeterville area, there really is a dearth of library accessibility, with the closest branches being Near North all the way up in Old Town, and Harold Washington in the Loop.
The branch has a very small collection of its own, including jigsaw puzzles – one of a handful of locations with such an offering.
SAM: While we were talking to the librarian and were learning about how this branch of CPL came to existence, there was a young couple standing next to us. I did not want us to take over the entire space, so I gently told Nathan to move to the side to make space for them. They smiled and said they were also listening in. One of them has lived overseas before and both her and her husband are interested in exploring different parts of the city since they had just recently relocated to Chicago from the east coast. They are brand new parents and mentioned how they are inspired by our project. It was nice to meet people who share our love for learning about the city!
Snack time!
NATHAN: After we saw the library, we went to Water Tower Place and went to go get Wow Bao. The baos were extremely good! After we ate Wow Bao, we went to the Lego Store. I found some cool stuff for my birthday and my Christmas list, like a fire truck, an ambulance – stuff like that.
What about transit?
DANIEL: Uh… Where do I even start? There is just too much transit. Let’s start with CTA. The 3, 10, 26, 125, 143, 146, 147, 148, 151, and 157 all stop near the library. The Chicago Street Station on the Red Line is 0.3 miles away.
Pace routes 851 and 855 all stop near here too.
For Metra, just take ANY line into the city and take CTA to the library.
I should also mention to NOT drive here, because if you use plain logic, you can realize that Water Works is in downtown, so, you know…
CTA Bus: ✅
CTA Train: ✅
Metra: 😐
Pace: ✅
Parking: ❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
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