Originally opening in the Gage Park Fieldhouse in 1928, the Gage Park Branch Library stands as a testament to community and knowledge. Let’s step inside and discover its story.
This branch wasn’t always at this location. The Gage Park Branch Library moved to its current spot in December 1990. It has been a cornerstone of this neighborhood ever since.
The Gage Park Branch Library has a special namesake. It was named for George W. Gage. He was a prominent businessman and attorney. Gage also served as a South Park Commissioner.
The Chicago Public Library system is vast. It comprises 81 locations. This includes a central library and three regional libraries. Branches are spread throughout the city’s 77 Community Areas. The Gage Park Branch is one of these vital community hubs.
The Chicago Public Library has a rich history. It was founded in 1872. This founding occurred after the Great Chicago Fire.
England donated books to help rebuild the city’s collection. Private donors included Queen Victoria and Benjamin Disraeli. Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning also contributed.
The first Chicago Public Library opened in an abandoned iron water tank. It was located at LaSalle and Adams Streets. That was on January 1, 1873.
The library system uses the Library of Congress classification system. This is unlike many public libraries. They often use the Dewey Decimal system.
The Chicago Public Library is the second largest in the Midwest. Only the Detroit Public Library is larger.
In 1916, Henry Eduard Legler created a plan. It was called the “Library Plan for the Whole City”. This plan aimed to put a library within walking distance of every Chicagoan.
The Harold Washington Library Center is the central library. It opened in 1991. At that time, it was the world’s largest municipal public library.
The Chicago Public Library has eliminated overdue fines. They forgave all existing fines in 2019. Patrons still need to return items to keep borrowing.
Today, the Gage Park Branch Library continues to serve its neighborhood. It provides access to books and resources. It also offers programs for all ages. The Gage Park Branch Library remains a vital part of the community. It enriches lives through learning and discovery. Stop by the library to play board games, LEGO bricks, magna tiles and more.