Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Vivian Harsh
1890-1960
| | Bronzeville Walk of Fame | |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
1. Vivian Harsh Marker
1st Black librarian, Chicago Public Library
Founder, "Special Negro Collection"
Erected 1996.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Women. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list.
Location. 41° 49.911′ N, 87° 37.053′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is on South King Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3430 S King Dr, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fannie Barrier Williams (here, next to this marker); Lorraine Hansberry (here, next to this marker); Richard Wright (here, next to this marker); The Boulevard System (within shouting distance of this marker); Bronzeville (within shouting distance of this marker); Gwendolyn Brooks (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bronzeville (within shouting distance of this marker); Earl Fatha Hines (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Also see . . .
1. WTTW-11 Chicago: The Chicago Librarian Who Created a Lauded Collection of African American History
this page online
Excerpt: "Vivian G. Harsh was a librarian who was also an historian, one who nurtured, collected, and disseminated African American history and literature on the South Side of Chicago at a time when few others did. Today, 60 years after her death, her work continues to bear fruit."(Submitted on May 22, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection. The collection referenced on the plaque was renamed after Harsh after she died. It holds the largest African American history and literature collection in the Midwest. (Submitted on May 22, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
2. Four markers in front of the King Branch library
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
