Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Library (CPL) are proud to announce a year-long celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, a cherished institution in the Washington Heights neighborhood and the South Side of Chicago. For five decades, Woodson has been a vital resource, adapting to the evolving needs of its community by offering dynamic spaces, innovative programs and essential resources that foster lifelong learning. As home to the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection—the largest collection of African American history and literature in the Midwest—Woodson Regional Library remains a beacon for preserving and celebrating Black history.
"For 50 years, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library has strengthened our communities and stood as a pillar of education and cultural preservation on the South Side," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "This year's celebration is about honoring the past and ensuring that future generations continue to have access to spaces where history, knowledge and community come together."
A Year of Celebration
To honor this historic milestone, CPL will host a series of events and initiatives that showcase Woodson’s impact and legacy, including:
- Special events taking place on the 19th or 20th of each month, culminating in a grand year-end celebration in December.
- Digital storytelling, inviting Chicagoans to share their personal memories and experiences at Woodson through an online submission form, opens a new window.
- Limited-edition commemorative merchandise available on Threadless, opens a new window.
"For 50 years, Woodson Regional Library has been more than just a library—it’s been a hub of history, culture and community on the South Side," said Library Commissioner Chris Brown. "This milestone is a chance to celebrate everything Woodson means to Chicago, from the incredible Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection to the countless memories made inside its walls. We can’t wait for everyone to join us in honoring the past, sharing their stories and making new memories all year long!"
Honoring a Legacy
Carter G. Woodson Regional Library first opened its doors on December 19, 1975, as a two-story regional library serving Chicago’s South Side. It was named in honor of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a trailblazing author, journalist, publisher and historian. He was also widely regarded as the “Father of Black History.” Dr. Woodson played a crucial role in documenting and promoting African American history, founding the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1926 and establishing Negro History Week, which later evolved into Black History Month in 1976 as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration.
Woodson Regional Library opened as the "prototype for a new kind of library service for Chicago" and was the "first of a generation of libraries" to offer services and resources as a bridge between offerings at branches and Harold Washington Library Center. Additionally, Woodson’s redesign earned recognition as one of Curbed Chicago’s most beautiful historic libraries.
Join the Celebration
As part of the anniversary programming, CPL invites the public to participate in events, share their stories and explore the collection of stories that make up Woodson Library. More details on upcoming celebrations and events can be found at chipublib.org/woodson50, opens a new window.
Patrons can also tag their favorite Woodson moment with #WeAreWoodson50 on social media for a chance to get featured on CPL's channels. Thank you for 50 years!
