Roosevelt
About this Library
The Near West Side of Chicago is a quiet residential neighborhood bounded by busy thoroughfares. The Eisenhower and Dan Ryan Expressways lie to the north and east, Western Avenue and railroads form the western and southern boundaries. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Chicago, yet it is one of the fastest changing and most colorful communities. This is a community of diversity, in race, in ethnic origin, in educational background, and in economic condition.
The Theodore Roosevelt Branch opened to the public in 1924. The earliest date of neighborhood library service in the area can be traced back to July 1, 1891, with "Reading Room No. 5," located at Hull House at 338 S. Halsted Street. It was renamed the Roosevelt Branch on October 6, 1924, and was relocated several times within the vicinity of Taylor Street, Halsted Street, and Roosevelt Road.
In May 1978, the Roosevelt Branch opened at 1055 W. Roosevelt Rd. The library, located on the second floor of the building housing the Illinois Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and the Talking Book Center of the Chicago Public Library. The Theodore Roosevelt Branch relocated to a larger facility at 1101 W. Taylor Street and reopened to the public on May 26, 1998. The dedication Ceremony was held on June 3, 1998.
In May 1998, the Theodore Roosevelt Branch was adopted by the LaSalle Banks through the Chicago Public Library Foundation.