Nothing in life is as constant and powerful as the word change. Although, there is a saying that says that first impression last forever, but, the concept of change could turn anything around in a manner that is least expected. My visit to Humboldt Park is an example of just that. The experience was such a wonderful one that my earlier impression about the neighborhood was turned to a thing of the past within the three hours spent in the neighborhood.

I had the privilege of visiting the neighborhood for the first time in many years, and I was extremely surprised at what I saw couple with the fact that most of what I knew about the area after my last visit was based on newspaper readings, and news information from the electronic media.

I visited the library on 733 N. Kedzie, and two parks after that. My visit to the library created a terrific mindset, because the library usually open at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, but to my surprise, at 9:30 a.m. there was close to fifteen people standing outside waiting to enter. To see residents of any neighborhood waiting to enter the library at such an early hour of the day during the week shows the level of enlightenment in the area, and the values attached to education in such neighborhood.

While at the library, I had the opportunity to ask the library coordinator some questions:

Q: What does you think about the effects of the library in the area?

A: The library had been a source of inspiration to both the young and the old in the neighborhood, and she also believed it must have contributed to the crime reduction in the area.

Q: When was the library opened?

A: The library was opened in July 2011 and the patronage by the residents has been very, very impressive.

Q: Who uses the library? 

A: She asked me to look around, and I could see for myself that the neighborhood was a diversified one that consist of different ages and cultures, ranging from Puerto Rican, Polish, African Americans, German, and many others who all come regularly to make use of the library.

I then visited the parkly and my general conclusion was that they seemed to be used moderately, but that could be due to the time of day and the season. One thing that may help usage, would be the installation of more security cameras to help the community residents feel safe.