About Near North Branch

Neighborhoods Served

  • Near North
  • River North
  • Gold Coast
  • Streeterville
  • Lincoln Park
  • Old Town
  • Kingsbury Park

History

  • Near North Branch was dedicated August 6, 1997, replacing a temporary reading room in Seward Park.
  • Near North Branch originally opened October 12, 1972 in two combined apartments at 1157 N. Cleveland Avenue as a study center for residents of the Chicago Housing Authority.

Artwork

  • a painting entitled "Two Children: Boy and Girl" by William Gettings
  • Near North Branch also features artwork funded through the Percent for Art Ordinance administered by the City of Chicago Public Art Program:
    • a mixed media collage entitled “Scott Street at Cabrini Green” by Mat Barber Kennedy
    • a series of paintings entitled “Illinois Writers” by Steve Musgrave
    • a painting entitled “Key Bearer U” by Jane Williams Ferris