But first, coffee.
BEN: Today’s adventures required extra liquid propellant and thus began at Pedestrian Coffee, directly adjacent to the Belmont “L” station and just a few blocks away from the library. This is obviously a super popular spot and the place was packed. I’m always excited by an 8 oz. option – the perfect caffeine boost without overload. Great coffee and lovely staff.
What’s up with Lake View?
BEN: The Merlo branch sits on the east side of the Lake View community area in the Lake View East neighborhood, adjacent to Northalsted (AKA Boystown) and just south of Wrigley Field. The area gets its name from the Hotel Lakeview, an 1850s establishment that drove a resort-like development along the lakeshore and at one point served as a refuge from the mid-century Chicago cholera epidemic. Lake View was also once known as a center of celery farming, and today hosts a large Jewish population, including 4 synagogues.
The neighborhood feels quite upscale, and I didn’t feel nearly hip enough to be a resident.
Also, is it Lake View, or Lakeview? The internet says the former, but it feels wrong. If you have a strong opinion on this critical issue, please comment below!
To the library!
BEN: A CPL branch has existed at this site since 1942. The current building, rededicated and renamed in 1988 and renovated again in 2020, is named for 44th Ward Alderman and state legislator John M. Merlo.
SAM: We had the privilege of speaking with children’s librarian Andy, a 25-year CPL veteran. She highlighted the branch’s engagements with local public and private schools, reflecting one of my biggest core values: minimizing barriers and providing access to people so that they have a chance to obtain resources they need. Merlo hosts classes at the library and also visits the schools, teaching students how to locate and borrow books so that they can take advantage of their local library. It’s great to see this library being proactively equitable and making resources available to local students.
Andy also highlighted the diversity of the neighborhood, including its service to the large local LGBTQIA+ community, substantial Jewish community, and role in welcoming newly arrived immigrants and international visitors. Hence, their collection of books represents that diversity.
BEN: Andy said she thinks the collection should be a “mirror where the community can find themselves” – beautifully put!
However, the poster below makes clear that inclusivity has its boundaries – ants, take note.
NATHAN: I found a poop book in the kids section! I also read a book called “Babysitters’ Little Sister: Kitty Cat Club.” They remodeled the library in 2020, and now the shelves are not too high for kids to reach! There are two public floors in the building. Lots and LOTS of space!
And, more books!
BEN: Our final stop in Lake View was Unabridged Bookstore, a cavernous used bookstore and local legend that was absolutely crawling with customers. I picked up a Chicago neighborhood guide – a useful primary source for Project 81 blog posts!
What about transit?
DANIEL: The Merlo Branch has easy CTA access. The Belmont ‘L’ station, which the Red, Brown, and Purple Express lines stop at, is 0.4 miles from the library. Not only that, the library is served by 3 CTA bus routes, the 77, the 151, and the 156, and if you don’t mind walking a little, the 8, 36, 135, 146, 134, and 143. As for Metra, the nearest stations are Ravenswood, 2.7 miles from the library, and Clybourn, 2.8 miles from the library. Pace is 4.5 miles from the library, so I would NOT recommend riding it (lol).
CTA Bus: ✅
CTA Train: ✅
Metra: ✅
Pace: ❌
Parking: ❌
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