Woodson Library reopens after renovations

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The historic Woodson Library in Chicago's Washington Heights neighborhood just got a huge upgrade after almost $9 million in renovations.

The library will house the largest collection of African American history and literature in the Midwest. It will also house the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection in honor of the first African American librarian in the Chicago Public Library system.

"I think it's just a sense pride for everyone because I do know that people have been coming to this library since they were a little kids. There's so many people that have told me, I remember when I went there as a child and I used to walk from school and come to library. So I think it just makes people even more proud," said Lynda Schoop, Regional Director of Woodson Library.

An all-day celebration to celebrate the re-opening will be held Saturday.

The Woodson Library is located at 9525 South Halsted Street and is named after Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month.