Kelly
About This Library
Hiram Kelly Branch, the second oldest branch of the Chicago Public Library, underwent an extensive renovation and was rededicated December 7, 1989. The branch houses four artworks: If You Believe by Robert Dilworth; Wacko I, by Carl Kock; The Schomburg Library, by Jacob Lawrence; and Still Life with Books and Globe, by Richard Willenbrink. The artworks were funded through the Percent-for-Art Ordinance administered by the City of Chicago Public Art Program.
Kelly Branch, named for Chicago businessman and library benefactor Hiram Kelly, originally opened June 24, 1911. Prior to that time, borrowers obtained library books through a neighborhood delivery station housed in a local stationer's shop.