Site of the Chicago Public Library Central LibrarySite of the Chicago Public Library Central Library, Randolph Street looking southwest toward Lake Michigan, circa 1893. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives.
Site of the Chicago Public Library Central LibrarySite of the Chicago Public Library Central Library (currently the Chicago Cultural Center) looking north from Washington Street, circa 1890. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives.
Construction of Chicago Public Library Central LibraryConstruction of Chicago Public Library Central Library (currently the Chicago Cultural Center), 1894 March 23. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives, photograph 1.94.
Construction of Chicago Public Library Central LibraryConstruction of Chicago Public Library Central Library (currently the Chicago Cultural Center), 1894 March 23. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives, photograph 1.92.
Reading room of Chicago Public Library Central LibraryReading room of Chicago Public Library Central Library (currently the Chicago Cultural Center), circa 1893-1920. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives, photograph by Hesler’s Photo Studio.
Harold Washington Library Center ConstructionAerial shot of construction site, 1989 April 27. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives. Harold Washington Library Center Construction Photographs. Peter Fish Studio, Chicago.
Harold Washington Library Center ConstructionElevation of south side of building, 1990 April 26. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives. Harold Washington Library Center Construction Photographs. Peter Fish Studio, Chicago.
Harold Washington Library Center Construction, 1990.View looking southeast, showing construction of Winter Garden, 1990 June 27. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives. Harold Washington Library Center Construction Photographs. Peter Fish Studio, Chicago.
Harold Washington Library Center ConstructionElevation of north side of building, 1990 September 26. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives. Harold Washington Library Center Construction Photographs. Peter Fish Studio, Chicago.
Harold Washington Library Center ConstructionInstallation of granite detail, 1990 July 12. Source: Chicago Public Library Archives. Harold Washington Library Center Construction Photographs. Peter Fish Studio, Chicago.
The first couple weeks of October boast a number of important anniversaries in Chicago and Chicago Public Library history. Following the Great Chicago Fire on October 8, 1871, the Chicago Public Library was founded. It bounced around among different locations for many years until October 11, 1897, when the Central Library (now the Chicago Cultural Center) opened its doors. Built expressly to house CPL, this massive building served that role for nearly a hundred years.
Toward the end of the 20th century, however, CPL was outgrowing its space. In 1986, Mayor Harold Washington worked with City Council to authorize a design/build competition for a new central library building and approved a bond issue to pay for it. Unfortunately, Mayor Washington passed away before ground broke on October 13, 1988. In honor of his love of books and his work to have the library built, the new library was named for him, and Harold Washington Library Center opened 25 years ago, on October 7, 1991.
Construction for both these massive buildings was impressive. Follow the progress through construction photographs in this photo gallery, drawn from the Chicago Public Library archives and the Harold Washington Library Center Construction Photographs.
Learn more about CPL's history with our CPL history timeline and our Chicago Public Library Digital Collection.
Add a comment to: Happy 25th, Harold Washington Library Center!