Uploaded September 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How was Chicago’s first public library opened?
The Great Chicago Fire burned about 2 million books that were in existence in the city. Thomas Hughes, who was a British MP, organized a book drive in England that resulted in over 8,000 volumes being sent to form the nucleus of the new Chicago Free Library. Visit architecture.org/buildings to learn more about Chicago’s most iconic buildings and discover how Chicago’s rich architectural legacy was built.
How was Chicago’s first public library opened?
The Great Chicago Fire burned about 2 million books that were in existence in the city. Thomas Hughes, who was a British MP, organized a book drive in England that resulted in over 8,000 volumes being sent to form the nucleus of the new Chicago Free Library. Visit architecture.org/buildings to learn more about Chicago’s most iconic buildings and discover how Chicago’s rich architectural legacy was built.
