Definition
Albany Park Library is a public branch library of the Chicago Public Library (CPL) system, situated in the Albany Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Overview
The library serves the residents of Albany Park and surrounding communities by providing access to a diverse collection of books, periodicals, multimedia resources, and digital services. It offers free public computers, Wi‑Fi, meeting rooms, and a variety of educational and cultural programs for children, teens, and adults. The branch operates under the governance of the Chicago Public Library system and follows CPL policies regarding circulation, community outreach, and information services.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Albany Park Library” derives from its location in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. The neighborhood itself was named in the late 19th century, reportedly after Albany, New York, though the precise historical reasoning is not definitively documented.
Accurate information is not confirmed regarding the exact origin of the neighborhood’s name.
Characteristics
- Location: 3400 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.
- Opening date: The branch originally opened in 1950; a major renovation and reopening took place in 2015, updating the building’s interior, technology infrastructure, and accessibility features.
- Collection size: The library holds several tens of thousands of items, including print books, e‑books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, and music CDs.
- Facilities: Public computers, free wireless internet, a children’s reading area, a teen zone, meeting and event rooms, and a community garden adjacent to the building.
- Hours of operation: Generally open Monday through Saturday, with varying hours for holidays; specific times are posted on the CPL website.
- Services: Standard lending, interlibrary loan, reference assistance, literacy programs, language classes, technology workshops, storytimes, and cultural events. The branch also participates in CPL’s “Library Card” program, allowing residents to obtain free library cards.
- Accessibility: The building complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering wheelchair‑accessible entrances, elevators, and assistive technologies.
Related Topics
- Chicago Public Library (CPL)
- Albany Park, Chicago (neighborhood)
- Public libraries in Illinois
- Library services and community programming
- Urban library architecture and renovation projects