How many libraries can boast that they are the “new gold standard”? The Albany Park Branch Library can! This beautiful building, nestled in the heart of Chicago’s North Park neighborhood, has a rich history dating back to 1963. The Albany Park Branch Library originally served both the Albany Park and North Park communities.
Over the years, the library became a beloved hub for learning and community engagement. However, by the 2010s, the building was showing its age. In 2012, a major renovation project began. This $15 million investment aimed to transform the Albany Park Branch Library into a state-of-the-art facility for the 21st century.
The renovation was completed in 2014, and the results were stunning! The new Albany Park Branch Library boasts an impressive 6,000 additional square feet, including a spacious computer room and expanded book stacks. One of the most significant additions was a dedicated learning space for toddlers, a testament to the library’s commitment to early literacy. This new addition proved immediately popular, as evidenced by the 30% increase in the branch’s picture book collection. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised the renovated Albany Park Branch Library, calling it “the new gold standard” for libraries in the city.