8/23/2003
Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Public Library today dedicated and celebrated the grand opening of the new Chicago Public Library West Englewood Branch, located at 1745 West 63rd St.
“This library is just one of the many projects we are pursuing to continue revitalizing this community and is particularly important because it is West Englewood’s first library,” said Mayor Daley. “Libraries are one of the most important anchors in a community because they symbolize education, reading and are a safe haven for positive, constructive activities.”
The new 7,000 square-foot West Englewood branch brings new library service to the community. This new full service library will contribute to the accelerating revitalization of the West Englewood neighborhood. The new branch will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the library will be closed on Sundays.
The West Englewood Branch of the Chicago Public Library houses a large collection of materials including juvenile, young adult and adult books, books on tape, newspapers and periodicals. There are new computers available for public use offering free Internet connection. There are also special programs for patrons including a cyber navigator and teacher in the library,
The building is one story, entirely ADA accessible and features: a children’s and adult reading room, a community room, free parking, and a photocopier for public use.
The Chicago Public Library is partnering with the Chicago Public Schools again for the annual Library Card Campaign which will make the process of getting library card extremely easy – kids can apply for them at school. Special reading lists will also be available to Chicago Public School students through local schools.
In celebration of the opening of the West Englewood Branch Library, children and parents can enjoy live performances at a “Family Day Celebration,” on Saturday,
Sept. 6, 2003 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about activities occurring at the new West Englewood Branch of the Chicago Public Library, patrons can call the branch at 312/747-3481.
The West Englewood branch library is the City’s second “green” library. Design elements incorporate technology that is both cost-effective, energy efficient and good for the environment. The Department of Environment will be sending in needed documents to the U.S. Green Building Council to secure its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Some of the design elements include:
- 50 percent of the building’s annual electricity usage for two years will come from alternative sources such as solar power.
- Controlled lighting that allows the interior lights to automatically adjust based on the amount of natural daylight available.
- An electric car recharging station in the parking lot, high energy efficient heating and cooling systems, and the inclusion of open space for plants, flowers and trees for stormwater management.
The new West Englewood Branch is the 43nd new or renovated library that has opened since 1989 under the Neighborhoods Alive/Chicago Public Library Capital Improvement Campaign. An additional 11 projects are slated for completion by 2005.
Other improvement projects underway in this community include the reconstruction of 63rd street, a new 7th district police station just a few blocks away, redevelopment of Kennedy King College, more than 150 new units of senior affordable housing through new construction of the Wheeler House (1420-58 W. 69th St.) and the rehabilitation of the Yale Building (6559-67 S. Yale St.), new fire station for Engine Company 84 (5900 S. State St
