Since this is a blog about third places, it’s only fair we sometimes talk about libraries, bookstores, bars, and other hangouts that aren’t necessarily coffee houses, despite the blog’s name.   

One of the best third places you could hope for would have to be welcoming, free, with lots of seating options, natural light, strong wi-fi, and pleasant to be in.

Well, you’ll be hard-pressed to find this wonderful combination anywhere other than in the Harold Washington Library Center’s Winter Garden on the ninth floor.

Warm in the winter and fresh in the summer, it’s an indoor garden open to the public year-round. Sometimes they close it for a private event. In that case, you can use one of their private study rooms.

They allow covered drinks, and no reservations are required. Come in and grab a table.

Main Library: chipublib.org
Harold Washington Location

400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605

M-Th 9 am – 9 pm
F-Sat 9 am – 5 pm
Sun 1 pm – 5 pm