Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Library (CPL) announced a year-long celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, a cherished institution in the Washington Heights neighborhood and the South Side of Chicago. For five decades, Woodson has been a vital resource, adapting to the evolving needs of its community by offering dynamic spaces, innovative programs and essential resources that foster lifelong learning. As home to the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection—the largest collection of African American history and literature in the Midwest—Woodson Regional Library remains a beacon for preserving and celebrating Black history.

A Year of Celebration
To honor this historic milestone, CPL will host a series of events and initiatives that showcase Woodson’s impact and legacy, including:

• Special events taking place on the 19th or 20th of each month, culminating in a grand year-end celebration in December.

• Digital storytelling, inviting Chicagoans to share their personal memories and experiences at Woodson through an online submission form.

• Limited-edition commemorative merchandise available on Threadless.

As part of the anniversary programming, CPL invites the public to participate in events, share their stories and explore the collection of stories that make up Woodson Library. More details on upcoming celebrations and events can be found at chipublib.org/woodson50.

Photo Caption: Woodson Regional Library located in Washington Heights in Chicago (c) City of Chicago Right: Dr. Carter G. Woodson featured in the facade of Woodson Regional Library (c) Chicago Public Library