On the snowy first day of spring visited 2 branches in the bungalow belt near the old stockyards. On the way there, took a very short detour to see the old Stockyard Gate from 1865. Standing in the midde of an industrial park, fronting rail tracks, it stands as a reminder of the neighborhood that thrived with the cattle and beef trade starting in 1865. Just a few blocks away is the Richard J. Daley Branch. A blocky brick front faces the street, and keeps it closed off from busy Halsted. It was filled with patrons on this blustery Saturday--with the new shortened hours that the entire system started in January--Saturday still remains as a full service day (9-5). I saw a Cybernavigator helping a gentleman send an email to Oprah, and the Census had a table with someone to help folks with any questions about filling out their form. A piece of art,"Halsted Street Wall Relief", over the check out desk mirrors the neighborhood outside the doors.
Canaryville Branch is one of the newer libraries that have been part of the city's amazing renaissance of building to improve access to media and books, and to provide community gathering places. It is the smallest of the new group, and has a little reading garden off to the side. It is on a very quiet stretch of 43rd street, and seems to be a charming, quiet place. I found the One Book, One Chicago selection for check out there, the only place I have found to have so many copies out and available. It is an Irish story, and this neighborhood was, and is still an Irish place.
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