Best Calm Study Space: Chicago Bee Library – Bronzeville

Nestled away under a cozy corner off 37th and State, the Chicago Bee Library is a historic building that serves as my local branch. I’ve found it to be a source of creativity. More than just a place to check out books, it’s a space where I can explore different interests and get things accomplished. There’s something about the calm, airy environment, both in and outside the building, that instantly sets the stage for focused work. Whether I’m working remotely or drafting an article, I find that the quiet gem offers a retreat from the noise of the world. Inside their bookable spaces I’ve completed major projects, like a DCASE application and the early stages of a Sundance submission.

What makes the Branch even more special is its connection to history. The library resides in the Chicago Bee Building, the former home of the Chicago Bee newspaper. It was built between 1929 and 1932 by Anthony Overton, a trailblazer in Black entrepreneurship and journalism. His work championed Black businesses and civil rights. Understanding the history of the space motivates me to push boundaries in my own line of work and creative projects.  

And then there’s the design—the building’s Art Deco architecture, a visual reminder of Bronzeville’s vibrant past. Designed in 1929 by Z. Erol Smith, it has stood the test of time, becoming a Chicago Landmark in 1998. It feels like a bridge between eras, a place where the past informs the present. Creating in a space like this reminds me that I’m part of something bigger—a continuum of storytellers, past and present.

This library isn’t just about its history, though. The community energy here is undeniable, from the welcoming staff who’ve been there for years to the creative outlet YOUmedia space for teens, alongside a variety of hands-on workshops like sewing and jewelry making. It’s a place where creativity flourishes at every level, and I’m proud to be a part of that. Despite living closer to the Hall branch, I come here as my source to check out books. For me, reading and writing are intertwined—you can’t truly excel in one without the other. Every time I engage with the Bee branch, I’m reminded of the power of words and the importance of exploring creative interests within community. 

Chicago Bee Library, 3647 S State St. Mondays and Wednesdays, 12–8pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am–6pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 9am–5pm; Sundays, 1–5pm. (312) 747-6872, chipublib.org/locations/18/