Chinatown Branch, Chicago Public Library

Beautiful library inside and out, but trying to study here is nearly impossible. Near the study rooms, older patrons are constantly playing board games, laughing, and talking loudly — no one enforces quiet. Staff are friendly but powerless. One security guard with dreadlocks keeps a close eye on me while I’m just studying, which is uncomfortable. Nice space, terrible for focus.

I like this library have a security guard at the entrance to keep out those that don’t belong or will cause trouble to the rest. The library is modern, clean and have many rooms for groups activities and events. Nice bathroom too.

Where can you get more bang for your (tax) buck than a public library? Nice facility in the heart of Chinatown, with a large Chinese-language collection to bolster the English ones. Grass roof, cool architecture, fun mural, friendly staff!

The chinatown public library branch is a nice place to read books when you have time on weekends. The environment inside is great with clean seats and many interesting books. English and Chinese books are available here. On you first visit, you need to bring your photo ID with you and by filling a form you can get a Chicago Public Library ID. There are also shared computers for people to use, through which you can find books you want to read. Books can also be available through inter-library sharing.

Staff really is with chinese backgrounds...a lot of chinese books 📚, the old woman 👵at the top floor really obtuse to let you use the computer for more than 1 hr if you already used for 1 hr, the management should know that in other libraries of the country allow the use of the computer for more than 1 hr, even if you already use it, the staff thinking about this matter really poor, maybe the have a lot of people that use the building and restrooms 🚻 in a no good way, you need to ring the bell for using the restrooms, really!!??. I was just traveling, don't live at Illinois but like I said poor thinking about that regard

Love the area of Chinatown. The book selection is good. I love the murals and the layout it is a must go check out Library. If u love books like i do go see Chinatown Branch Public library. 💛📚🇨🇳

Vividly colorful library with the first floor having a child’s play area and books section. There’s some meeting rooms downstairs too. At the top there’s a section for teen/adults to sit and use computers and librarians to assist you. I will say it’s okay to come with family but it can be a bit distracting for homework depending on the level of noise.

Tons of Chinese books, magazines, and audio visual content. Clean library overall. Lots of space for computers and even some study rooms. Lots of windows for natural light. The only issue is that it's a bit small.

This branch has a very modern look. It's Miesian in style, given that it's black iron and glass, but it's also a curved structure so not a direct homage. This branch is a product of its neighborhood, and there's lots of information to be found about Chinatown and Chinese culture here. There's also materials available in Chinese. When you enter they had a little selfie station, which I thought was cute and something kids might find fun. The children's section is not exactly small, but I haven't been to story time here so I don't know how cramped it might be. We visited and there were toys out so my and my friend's kid played around a bit. They have two story time sessions, one on Thursday and one on Saturday morning, though I think they're geared toward children 3 years old and up so a bit older than our children. The staff we interacted with were nice and helpful. The security guard kind of pointed us to where we needed to be, and the children's librarian welcomed us and invited us to their story times. There's no dedicated parking at this branch. However, the Chinatown parking lot is across the street... no clue how much it costs to park there, and somehow I doubt that CPL has it in their budget to validate parking. There's lots of street parking in Chinatown, and of course the Chinatown/Cermak stop on the Red Line is across the street, too.

I want to give a very big negative number but I can't. My wife returned 6 books. Online it showed 1 was still checked out. I called. A woman I spoke to told me she didn't have that book and it's still checked out. My wife called. Told the same. Well I decided to go there the next day. I see the book and I noticed another employee spill water on a page when she's reading the book. My wife called again and was told the book is damaged. Eventually the book was off our checked off list. We won't be back.

Less of a library, more of a community center! This building has such a cool design- it's got a living roof! This building sort of looks like a Chinese lantern. It serves as a place to hang out, to learn something, to be part of the Chinese community. When I came by here, in one of the meeting rooms, surrounded in glass, I caught a Cantonese opera concert, which was a really cool way to spend the afternoon! The entire building is surrounded with floor to ceiling windows- so it's great just looking out the windows on Chinatown. The library doesn't really have so many books on the first floor. They're mostly all up on the second floor, with a large Chinese book selection. The library offers lots of curved spaces- no flat, straight lines, so there are lots of little areas to explore and check out. The main use of the library is sort of as a gathering place, there's three areas that they can seal off to each other and not disturb the quiet of the library. Throughout the library, you'll find colorful pop culture kinda art! Super cool! The exterior of the building is clad in glass, allowing it to be lit within, with a large atrium in the middle. The building has a LEED Platinum certification, so it's ecofriendly! There's not a lot of lights, it seems naturally lit, and cooled. There's lots of Chinese themes going on here, and it's a super modern style of library. It's quite unlike the traditional library, where it's stacks of books- not here! It's airy, and open, with few books. The building was designed by Skidmore Owens and Merril.

This library looks new and fancy, and is across the street from the train stop. It is not large and was understandably well-attended. In addition to the wifi and the people watching through its glass facade, this place offers a lot of Asian art and community events befitting its Chinatown locale. On the negative side, they had limited seating, and their power outlets were difficult to access. It is noisy for a library due to lots of kids and general hustle and bustle. The security guard there was quite involved, and warned people not to fall asleep or they'd be kicked out, but he couldn't stop the noise. So kind of a cool place, but not as practical for studying as I'd hoped.

A beautiful modern venue with plenty of open space, tables and seats near an outlet, and quiet. ROOMS/SPACE are available for group meetings, get togethers, study group etc. RESTROOMs are on both floors, 1st and 2nd. 1-Star less due to lack of upkeep. When toilets are cleaned with doors open, unfortunately, you can smell bleach in the main library (side effect of open floor plan). CANTONESE OPERA was a solid continuous performance including mic check. A minimalistic version performed in the Community Room by professional senior citizens. Makeshift with passion.

This moved Chinatown library is so much better than the old location! Uniquely designed, light, airy, and organized. There is a self check out section located right by the "holds" section that makes ordering and picking up a breeze. A definite must visit: friendly staff, a great kids section, community rooms, computers, and plenty of books in English.

Yelp 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.

I love to see ppl actually reading! Beautiful facility. 2 floors. Across 2 parking lots. Plenty of street parking available at 2 bucks an hour. And it's conveniently located across the CTA Red Line Archer Chinatown stop. Free computers available, with a library card, for an hour use. Unfortunately, when I went there was only one computer available, most of them were not working. And of course, the one that was available was right next to a room labeled "Study Room" with at least 20+ Chinese guys playing Mahjong.... like REALLY?? They were SO loud. And there were guys going in and out. Even some waiting to get in on the action. Ha! There went my "quiet" study time. I guess the library personnel are ok with alllllll that going on. One star lost for that. This is a library, not a community gaming center. The place is not clean. As in, sanitarily clean. Books are orderly. I find them where they say are located. However, restrooms were disgusting and overall smell of the place, yuck. I had to hold my breath around most of the visitors of the library. 2nd star lost for that.

the library itself is very nice . however the last time me and my boyfriend went there this security guard started literally starting circle around us and proceeded to ask us to separate because "this was a public space". I would be more understanding if we were laying on each other or sitting in the same chair but we were literally sitting in different chairs maybe 3 or four feet from each other and we were leaning in to whisper to each other as not to disrespect the space not even kissing or being loud . I just thought it was very wrong and inappropriate for him to specifically pick on us since we were not the only ones sitting with our boyfriends / girlfriends

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!!!!

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.

Today me and my two teenagers decided to stop by this libary and get new cards and check out a few books. The atmosphere was inviting for all and seemed geared toward a younger crowd wich seems to apeal to teens. The librarians were very helpful plus the libary has two security guards wich is a plus. As far as the noise level is concerned, you maybe better off checking your books out. Unless you don't mind the talking, etc. Overall a decent libary that I would recommend for everyone.

Beautiful library with helpful staff. However, aren't libraries supposed to be quiet? There's either someone tinkering on the piano, a performance in the community room and always, always loud chattering by kids and adults alike!! Could be 5 stars if they made it a priority to keep the noise level at a library standard.

I love the new library! It's centrally located and has everything we need. The children's play area is perfect for my daughter and we love attending their baby story time. I also enjoy borrowing books, dvds and museum passes from this location. I only wish they allowed food!

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.

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 2nd 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.

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.

This library is beautiful. I came here a couple times. But The librarian who is Chinese women. She's rude, she's arrogant, she shouts at people.I show her yelled people every times .The library need quiet not for yelling .

New! KEEP IT CLEAN! Especially the bathrooms and WASH HANDS! Anywhere you touch in a bathroom requires you to wash your hands. Toilets flush, germs fly! Great summer reading program for kids. We received a bag of new books to read for each child's grade level. Parking on street /pay or paid lot, no validation.

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.

I love this library. The staff is super friendly and very helpful if you need something.

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!!

Nice library but pretty loud. Apparently, you're not allowed to put your head on a table even when a person you know is across from you and working. I would appreciate if the library hung a physical set of library rules and if the security would not treat grown patrons like children.

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.

Nice library, but if you are in need of a place to do quiet studying, this place IS nOT for you . There is music playing and it is not relaxing at all, plus people are talking constantly. And these security guards need to learn how to smile. They look so dead.

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.

This library does have fast computers. There are cultural events there and good postings on the bulletin board. However, if you look different, security profiles you. Lady security guards will knock on the men's bathroom right after you enter. I usually ignore this but on one of the coldest days of recent Chicago time; I had the nerve to go straight to the bathroom upon entering. I mentioned this to a library worker and was told this is her normal security check method. He did apologize but seemed perplexed why I felt slighted in any way. I guess security here can make up the rules as They go. Why not, it happens too often in Chicago these days. Someone gets a little taste of authority and it goes to their head. I believe security should be held accountable just like most workers in the private sector are. I hope this abuse of power ends soon.

Had all my paperwork but didn't take electronic payments for a library card. Why is service always seemingly bad at public libraries? It's the 21st century. Let me pay with my debit card.

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!

Fantastic selection of music both domestic and international artists.

SO let me get this straight. Your going to make a stink when someone is studying quietly and happens to bring a small baggie of cereal. But your going to do absolutely nothing when people are singing, playing loud music, and disturbing people who actually came here to use the facility as I don't know, what is the word, oh yes, a library! You all need to get your priorities straight.

Just your average library. There isn't anything spectacular about it I guess. I do have many complaints about this place: 1) There isn't enough computers. 2) Some of the people are just dwads and will lock the computer after they're done and then leave. Um ok, now I have to wait another 30+ minutes for a computer to open up? Thanks jerk. 3) The children are just annoying. They just go in day in and day out and play on the computers. They come from a certain nearby school, that I won't mention, and I personally think this is a main reason as to why that school's educational standards are declining. Ironically, perhaps we should cut down on computers in the children's section, since they manage to waste 30-60 minutes in the library playing on the computer. 4) For the most part, the staff are pretty friendly. Not going to mention one person, but this staff person is sassy when you try to ask for help. Aside from that the staff are OK. I mean if you can deal with the aforementioned annoyances I mentioned, then go on ahead, this library is fine. If not, go to Harold Washington, which is better than CT library by a long shot.

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.

Sorry, piano is not a place for a library. If ya'll had a separate room for it then that's fine. I can't concentrate, you know what i mean.

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 place is pretty good. Not as many computers as Harold Washington, but not much you can complain about.