Old Nichols Library

Old Nichols Library is a historic building with yellow brick walls and local limestone, distinguished by a central gable and a broad limestone arch above the entrance doors. The structure embodies Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and sits on Washington Street.

The building was established in 1897 through a bequest from Professor James Nichols and served as Naperville's main library for many years. Operations relocated in 1986, after which the structure took on a new use.

The building displays classic Richardsonian Romanesque forms with its signature rounded arches and brick walls. Today, you can still see how this architectural style reflected the importance of the library to the growing community back then.

The building sits on Washington Street and is accessible today, as it now houses a restaurant following extensive renovations in 2022. You can view the historical features from outside and enjoy the architecture from various angles.

Unlike typical Richardsonian Romanesque examples, the building uses lighter materials such as yellow brick and limestone instead of darker stone. This color choice gives the structure an unusually graceful and less heavy appearance.

Location: Naperville

GPS coordinates: 41.77389,-88.14750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44