Chicago Public Library – Chinatown Branch

Does anyone else feel like this library is more of a distraction than a place to study/​read/​etc. There were kids talking loudly and it was so distracting that we couldn’t get any work done. On top of that, there were hardly any seats/​tables available (I came on a Saturday afternoon). Will not be coming back.

Unilocal has consolidated the reviews to this location, the older smaller location is now closed. Yes, I’m sad to see it go. Don’t get me wrong, this location is larger even has two floors, sleek and roomy. A definite center for the community to gather, and it is right across the street to new Chinatown, which also is bustling and laid out in an outdoor fashion. Both this library and new Chinatown have a lot in common, more of everything, and efficiently laid out. Everything you could need or want, however the charm, yes that’s back at those old places.
No need to tell me, yes, I’m old.

It’s a beautiful structure that is designed with Feng Shui principles in mind. I had been wanting to check out and since I had a writing assignment on China Town, this was the perfect time.
First, I spent $ 15 for parking which I’m not happy about, but it’s not the library’s lot so I digress.
When I entered the building I was immediately greeted by a symphony of kids. I went to the desk for help and was directed to the 2^nd floor. As I reached it I heard a shrieking sound from its fire exit door.
Then came the cell phone conversations and music applications. Oh, and don’t forget the guy singing through his headphones, adjacent to him was another playing some rock music concert footage from his device.
Lovely designed library but way too noisy.

This is a really nice library for both children and adults. The first floor is dedicated to children and then they have a community conference area as well I guess for people to hang out in. I like how the children area has education building toys to play for the kids. On the second floor you have an adult section for reading and using the computers for internet. The teens have an area to play video games. The bathrooms are clean and the place feels brand new and really great library for the community.

The brand new facility rocks! Spacious and well set up, literally weeks old… easy parking, lots of study space, free private community rooms for teaching, events, activities and all. So happy for the loop residents and their tax dollars!

The new and expanded 2-​story branch is sparkling at Wentworth and Archer. A festive opening on Sat., Aug. 29 was attended by Mayor Emanuel. It was punctuated by the traditional firecrackers and lion dancers that fittingly inaugurate most Chinese facilities. Many Chinese and non-​Chinese from outside the neighborhood came for this special occasion. Many of those attending were young people, but anyone who asked, got a handmade «Lambchop» the sheep mask on a stick. Let’s hope the CPL works out a generous (maybe free) parking by voucher ticket with the local merchants-​funded parking lot just across the street.

The Chinatown branch just opened a brand new building on the corner of Wentworth and Archer and it’s niiiice. Compared to the old building, this is a SEISMIC upgrade. There are an unexpected number of places to study, wifi is fast, relatively quiet, and things are clean. I might have found my new study spot. Parking may be a problem in Chinatown, but it’s a nice spot!

This branch is a good place to study.
Caveat scolaris: Sometimes there are a lot of children running about, so if you’re going here to study, you have to be able to tune them out.

This place doesn’t stink as much anymore. Every day that I’m here, I see someone mopping the floors and all.
The only thing that scares me is the lady’s room because they use the huge bins that touches our elbows when we take care of business. .just don’t move around much when you’re in there.

Fantastic selection of music both domestic and international artists.

was back here 2 weeks ago.
still a great place to use the toilet.
looks the same.

My neighborhood library is the Harold Washington Library. But I have been on the lookout for the Museum Passport for the Planetarium for over a month and HWL never has it! So I decided to come to the Chinatown Library instead to see if I could get it there. Lucky for me, I was able to snag one! I got the last one!!!
I didnt walk around the rest of the library to see how stocked it was in books, but it seemed pretty busy for a Saturday afternoon. The girl at the counter was definitely very nice and helpful. My aunt didnt have her library card with her, but the girl was able to look up my aunt in the system so that we could check out an item. I will be back!!!

Welcome to the wonderful world of reading in the cultural atmosphere of Chinatown. Two stone lions guard the entrance, but they are ineffective in guarding the library and keeping it a peaceful, quiet, study zone. After 3:00 PM on school days the elementary students rush into the library in such great numbers disrupting the peaceful environment. A security guard can be seen patrolling the children’s area telling kids to «Shhh…». Though she does keep some level of order it is somewhat ineffective. The children’s section in the Chinatown Branch Library needs to be bigger to accommodate the constant influx of children. Adults can enjoy a more orderly sitting area in the back.
This library has a wide selection of children’s books and Chinese literature. And for the most part the librarians are pretty nice and helpful.
Interesting Fact — There is an indoor fountain adorned with live plants on the right side of the library. There are tables and chairs, so go ahead pick a book up and enjoy the little corner of indoor nature.

Another decent Chicago Public Library, though a bit confusing. To get to the adult section (you know what I mean) with books, movies, music and computers, you have to pass the children’s section, which is different from other libraries. For books about or relating to China, Chinese culture, Chinese-​Americans, etc, you have to swerve right when you first enter, and follow the sound of the fountain.

This is the only place I know of where I can you get research done… flip through the latest magazines and even rent Chinese CDs and movies. There is a children’s section… reference section, media, even special displays and a chinese book section all about cooking, history, palmistry, whatever. I’ve spent many hours here especially in my younger days.

This library is in one of the newer buildings along Wentworth, a complex that also contains a post office, banks, travel agencies, and other assorted stores. The building has the appropriate look for Chinatown, from the colorful roofs to the lion sculptures at the front door.