The Chicago Public Library (CPL) and Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) joined local officials and community members to open the Independence Branch Library in Irving Park and the Little Italy Branch Library on the Near West Side. The two new branch libraries are among three innovative co-located housing and library developments being built across the city that are designed to serve as community anchors. The Independence Apartments and Independence Branch are located at 4024 N. Elston Avenue. The library will replace the former Independence Branch Library on Irving Park Road. The Independence Apartments above the library will provide a total of 44 senior apartments, including 30 public housing and 14 affordable apartments. The Taylor Street Apartments and Little Italy Branch Library on the Near West Side are located at 1336 W. Taylor Street. The single-level library has natural light and an open floor plan with a children’s area and YOUmedia space. The Taylor Street Apartments above the library will include a total of 73 apartments, including 37 CHA units, 29 affordable units and seven market rate units. Full library services at the Independence Branch Library will commence at the Community Celebration on Saturday, February 6 and at Little Italy’s Community Celebration on Saturday, February 23.