Illinois State Library

Visiting the Illinois State Library

Location and Hours of Operation

Illinois State Library
Gwendolyn Brooks Building
300 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, Illinois 62701-1796
Telephone: (217) 785-5600
Toll-free: (800) 665-5576 (Illinois only)

The Illinois State Library is located across the street from the historic Illinois State Capitol, and is within easy walking distance of downtown Springfield. The State Library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

Public access to the State Library is through the first floor north door only (Monroe Street entrance). All persons entering the building through the Monroe Street entrance are required to walk through a metal detector, and have bags and other personal items passed through an x-ray machine.

Driving Directions

From North I-55 (Chicago, Bloomington, Lincoln): Take the Sangamon Avenue Exit and continue west to Fifth Street. Turn left, and continue south to Capitol Avenue. Turn right and continue west for three blocks to the State Capitol at Second Street. The Illinois State Library is on your right.

From South I-55 (St. Louis, Carbondale): Take the Sixth Street Exit and continue north to Capitol Avenue. Turn left and continue west for four blocks to the State Capitol at Second Street. The Illinois State Library is on your right.

From East US 36/I-72 (Decatur, Champaign): Cross Dirksen Parkway and continue west on Clearlake Avenue, which becomes divided and continues as Jefferson Street going west. Continue on to Fifth Street. Turn left and continue south to Capitol Avenue. Turn right and continue for three blocks to the State Capitol at Second Street. The Illinois State Library is on your right.

From West US 36/I-72 (Quincy, Jacksonville): Take the Sixth Street Exit and then proceed north to Capitol Avenue. Turn left and continue west for four blocks to the State Capitol at Second Street. The Illinois State Library is on your right.

From Illinois 97 (Macomb, Havana): Illinois 97 becomes Jefferson Street and then divides into Madison Street (east) and Jefferson Street (west). Starting on Jefferson Street, then becoming Madison, go east to Second Street. Turn right, and continue south to Monroe Street. The Illinois State Library is on your left.

Parking

Metered parking is available on most downtown streets, including on Monroe Street and Capitol Avenue. Limited free parking is also available at the Capitol Complex Visitors Center located at 425 South College Street. The State Library has three free handicapped spaces available. For further information on parking availability near the State Library, view a list of hourly/daily parking locations in the Springfield downtown area.

A printable map of Springfield is available from Google Maps.