“For decades, North Lawndale residents have pointed to their crumbling local library as proof of the city’s neglect of the West Side.
“Now, after a year-long closure and $2.15 million in renovations, the Douglass Branch library, 3353 W. 13th St., has reopened.
“The redesign comes after community members pushed the city to do something about the old library, which residents said had deteriorated to the point of being unsafe. Malloy said the Douglass Branch is a beautiful old building with a lot of historical architectural value, but its age showed in the condition of the facilities.
“The building, constructed in 1929 and last renovated in 1980, was in such a sorry state that when neighbors needed to get a book or use any library services, those living just blocks away would make the trip downtown to Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.” (Sabino, 11/25/19)