Chicago Bee Library

Chicago Bee Branch opened in the Chicago Bee building in May 1996, following a complete renovation of the first and second floors of the three-story building. The branch replaced and consolidated reading rooms in the Ickes Homes and Stateway Gardens public housing communities. Chicago Bee Branch houses artwork funded through the Percent for Art Ordinance administered by the City of Chicago Public Art Program. The pieces displayed in the library are by Derek Webster, Carrie Mae Weems and Gregg Spears. The Chicago Bee building was built between 1929 and 1932. It was designed in the art deco style and financed by Anthony Overton, a community businessman and entrepreneur. Overton published the Chicago Bee, a Bronzeville community newspaper that ceased publication in the 1940s.