Woodson 50th

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF CARTER G. WOODSON REGIONAL LIBRARY

For half a century, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library has been a beacon of knowledge, history and community on Chicago’s South Side. Since opening on December 19, 1975, Woodson Regional has embodied Dr. Woodson's belief that education inspires people to live more abundantly, offering services and resources, as a bridge between those at neighborhood branches and Harold Washington Library Center. Home to the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection, the largest African American history and literature archive in the Midwest, Woodson Library preserves and amplifies the achievements, stories and contributions of Black Chicago and beyond.

As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History, and the generations of readers, researchers and families who have made this library their own. We invite you to celebrate 50 years of service to Chicagoans of all ages. Share Your Story and join in the celebration! #WeAreWoodson50

Take a look through community snapshots of people at Woodson who have connected through its events, programs and resources. We'll be adding more photos throughout the year! Want to be featured? Share Your Story or tag us on social media using #WeAreWoodson50

A close of shot of the front of the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library.

Children partaking in The City of Chicago's Public Library Summer Learning Challenge, July 2019.

Woodson staff smiling during the Banned Book Wagon Tour at Woodson Regional, September 2024.

A kid puruses the bookshelf during the Banned Book Wagon Tour at Woodson Regional, September 2024.

Former NFL Player Martellus Bennett reads and discusses his children's book with students from the Marcus Garvey Elementary School at Woodson Regional Library, April 2019.

A wall of paintings hung up in the Children's Area of the Woodson Regional Library.

During the Woodson 50th Anniversary celebration, the community painted a table commemorating Carter G. Woodson.

An adult helps children out with a crafting activity at Woodson Regional.

Former NFL Player Martellus Bennett reads and discusses his children's book with students from the Marcus Garvey Elementary School at Woodson Regional Library, April 2019.

A group of kids and adults stand outside of the Banned Book Wagon, 2019.

The front doors of the Woodson Regional Library.

THE VIVIAN G. HARSH RESEARCH COLLECTION

The Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature is named after Vivian G. Harsh, a Chicago native, who became Chicago Public Library's first African American branch head after accepting the position at the Hall Branch library. Over the course of her life, Harsh collected rare books, pamphlets and materials that documented the African American experience. In 1970, ten years after her death, the renowned Special Negro Collection that she started and cultivated was renamed the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature.

Archivists and librarians at the Harsh Research Collection continue the legacy of Vivian G. Harsh by collecting, preserving, and providing access to archival collections documenting the African American experience.

ASNLH Committee for 1935 Chicago Convention (Carter G. Woodson, Vivian G. Harsh, Claude Barnett, Richard Jones, Henry Lowe Englestein, A. L. Jackson, George Arthur), 1935. Source: George Cleveland Hall Branch Archives [Box 9, Photo 44]. Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature, Chicago Public Library.

Harsh meeting with soldiers of the "Fighting Eighth," circa 1918. Source: History of the American Negro in the Great World War.

Opening Day, Reference Desk, January 1932. Source: George Cleveland Hall Branch Archives [Box 10, Photo 84]. Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature, Chicago Public Library.

Vivian Harsh in her office with Special Negro Collection, early 1930s. Source: George Cleveland Hall Branch Archives [Box 9, Photo 19]. Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature, Chicago Public Library.

#WEAREWOODSON50

Explore a collection of stories celebrating what Woodson Library means to Chicago. From discovering a favorite book to experiencing an inspiring event or uncovering history through research, every story is part of our legacy. Thank you for 50 years!

Share your story!

Cydni Hinton
Librarian ll, YOUmedia Teen Department
Woodson Regional

Over the past few years, my experience working at Woodson Regional has been nothing short of a remarkable and fulfilling journey. From the dedicated staff members who collaborate seamlessly to create an encouraging work environment, to the patrons who infuse life and energy into our library space, I have come to truly appreciate the multifaceted nature of this institution. The varied collections we offer and the vibrant culture we cultivate collectively make Woodson an exceptional place for anyone looking to start their career in the field of librarianship.

Kendra Mealy Wilk
Children's Department Manager
Woodson Regional Library

When I first started as a children's librarian 17 years ago, I was sent to Woodson to learn from the staff here for a week before taking up duties at my home branch. I learned from several children's librarians, but my mentor was Children's Department Manager Shannon Arends, who remained a valued advisor and friend for years to come. I still remember coming into the department and looking in wonder at the amazing paper tree that Children's Associate Bing Liu had built and the assortment of historical dolls on display with the antique dollhouse that is still a feature of the department today.

Tamela Chambers
District 5 Chief

Woodson has played a significant role in my personal and professional development, since the moment my mother took me to get my first library card there. From that day forward, it was and remains one of my favorite locations to visit. I was raised in the Fernwood community (adjacent to Washington Heights where Woodson is located) and walked to Woodson from my elementary school (Fernwood) to do school projects and check out books. The library was a staple throughout HS and the place I returned to, after graduating college. I volunteered in the children's department which led me to a position as a children's library associate and a 24-year, career in libraries.

John Rayburn
Supervising Clerk
Woodson Regional

Well, my testimony may be a lot different than others. Woodson Library was one of my hang-out spots after school. Never in a million years did I think that I would be the head of circulation there - since I use to get put out of Harsh regularly, for being disruptive. A short while later, I started at Vivian G. Harsh as a library page. The Head of Harsh at that time, Robert Miller saw my potential and became my supervisor. Beverly Sandifer, who was the Supervising Clerk at that time, encouraged me to apply for the job and mentored me. Who knew that 30 years later I would promote through the ranks to become the Supervising Clerk at Woodson. To start there as a page, and to come back as the person in charge of the circulation department is a full circle.

Cordiah Hayes
Teen Librarian I
Woodson Regional

When I walked into the Woodson Regional Library in 2018, to say that I was nervous would be an understatement. It was my first day as the branch's Teen Library Associate and I had no idea what to expect. Since then, my tenure at the branch has included attending library school, becoming a Spectrum Scholar, and finally being promoted to librarian post graduation. Woodson Regional Library has shaped me into becoming the best librarian I can be, and for that I remain grateful. Furthermore, working at Woodson has proven to me that libraries are indeed the cornerstone of any community. From the story times in the Children's Department, to special book clubs held in YOUmedia, and Adult Services offering resource fairs and movie screenings, Woodson Regional's dynamic programming and commitment to patrons proves that we serve our community and is a true testament to its' longevity.

Sherilyn Smith-Neal
Past Staff Member
Woodson Regional

Woodson means extended community family to me. I worked as a Page right out of high school in the Vivian G Hash Collection of Afro- American History and Literature. I learned so much about the collection from the job and working with the very talented and knowledgeable Librarians like the collection Director, Dr. Joyce. I truly appreciated the opportunity to serve my community and receive great support and confidence from the Harsh Collection staff as I attended college full time while working there. This was the Best experience and job to have for a college student!

Pachina Fletcher
Patron

Woodson was the place my Dad would take me and my sister's to if we had a paper or project for school..He would drop us off after school and pick us up when we were ready. We could find books and information. And if the books were reference we could make copies of what we needed. The library staff was always helpful. Once I got older I still come to library to use the computer especially if I need to print something. Also the library always has great community events. Me and my family for several years would always attend the Christmas Sing along. The library that was in charge does and we are hoping it will start back again.. Thank you.

Edna L. Laura
Head Library Clerk
Little Village

I grew up in that area. Woodson was my library during my High School years. I attended John M. Harlan High School from 1975-1979. I remember there was a lady that worked there that was very strict. She could date stamp a book borrowing card faster than thing I ever seen. I would check out books I needed for my book reports for certain classes. I liked going there because it was brand new, big and clean.
My friends and I would go to the library than go across the street to the McDonalds and get food and shakes. (it was there long before Woodson lol) Then we would walk back home. I also work for Chicago Public Library.