This Chicagoan is Visiting Every Branch of the Chicago Public Library
Photo courtesy of Molly Page.
Trying to cope with the state of our country and the world—while making a living, caring for friends and family, and trying to burn ourselves out—is on most our minds these days.
When crisis hits, whether it’s a global pandemic or structural injustice, many of us turn to creativity to handle the palpable angst. For me, the unease of the pandemic led me inward, ultimately inspiring me to found Read & Run Chicago.
For local author Molly Page, the same urge to cope sparked her latest project. Luckily for our community—and library lovers everywhere!—she found a wonderful outlet to channel it: visiting all of our city’s 81 (soon to be 82!) Chicago Public Library branches.
I’ve been following along on Instagram and TikTok over the last few months, learning more Chicago history than I ever expected.
Just in time for this year’s American Library Association National Library Week, I had the chance to ask Molly questions via email about her inspiration behind the project, her relationship to the Windy City, and what’s surprising her most along the way.
Tell us about your relationship with Chicago.
Chicago is the goal I didn’t know I was working toward. In this city, I feel more like myself than anywhere else. From the moment we unpacked our last box 15 years ago, I’ve been devouring everything it has to offer. Though I’m not a Chicagoan by birth, I’m definitely a Chicagoan by choice! I’m a devoted consumer of its culture and cuisine, and a perpetual student of its history and architecture. Basically, I’ve turned my passion for living life as a tourist into my career.
I’ve written a couple of books about things to do around Chicago, and researching was the best “job” ever. Once the books were published, I got to transition from being a writer to an author (imagine me using jazz hands). Researching and writing were very solitary endeavors, being an author is all about selling. That’s what got me better acquainted with the city’s incredible bookstores - Exile in Bookville and Barbara’s on State Street are two that have been kind to me and my work. That process is also what got me interested in libraries. I’ve been speaking in libraries around Chicagoland since 2016.
Molly Page and her book, 100 Things to Do in Chicago Before You Die.
Tell us about your project to visit all of the Chicago Public Library locations.
It really started over lunch with my friend, Diana. I was looking for a creative project to help me cope with the state of the world. She casually mentioned that someone should do a social media series on the city’s libraries. So, I stole her idea (with her permission) and ran with it. I introduced the project and posted my first library, Harold Washington, on TikTok in September. Since then, I’ve visited 30 more and am continuing to learn about the process of creating videos. That, for me, is the challenging part. Visiting the libraries is pure fun.
I imagined visiting all 81 branches before the 82nd (CPL at the Obama Center) opened. If I’m being honest, that seems like a lofty goal at this point. We’ll see. Truthfully, I’m in no rush to finish, I’m having so much fun.
What do you notice when you enter a new library branch?
Each visit, I notice two things immediately. First, I notice the light in the space. For me that sets the mood. Second, the vibe. Who’s at the desk, and do they greet me? Is it crowded, and if it is, who’s there?
So far, which branches have been the most interesting and why?
That’s a tough question, it’s like asking me to pick my favorite flavor of ice cream. How do I choose? I make it a point to find something special about every branch, and that’s part of what makes each visit interesting. Sometimes what’s unique jumps right out at me, and other times it’s more of an investigation. The branches have a lot in common, but they each have their own personality too.
That being said, I’m an architecture geek, so there have been several branches that I’ve found absolutely stunning - Manning, Young, and Independence are beautiful structures. Altgeld’s art wowed me. The history that lives within the walls of Hall and Woodson awed me. And teeny tiny Water Works was a fun surprise to discover and share.
How can we follow along and support your project?
I’m posting videos on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. I made a Chicago Library Tour playlist on YouTube if you’d like to start from the beginning and catch up.
I would truly appreciate your support! Like they say, “Follow, comment, and share to help spread the word” on whichever platform you like. Also, if you find yourself in a branch that I’ve visited, please mention the video to staff.