Is there school on Presidents Day in Illinois? What's open and closed?

Many schools across Illinois are closed Monday, Feb.17 in observance of Presidents Day, including Chicago Public Schools. According to the Illinois Board of Education, Presidents Day is typically observed on Feb. 

12, Lincoln's Birthday, though schools can chose to observe Monday, Feb. 17 instead. Public libraries, including Chicago Public Libraries, are also closed Monday in honor of the federal holiday, as are banks and other offices. 

Retailers and grocery stores however may remain open.Presidents Day began as an unofficial holiday to celebrate GeorgeWashington after his death in 1799. Americans would celebrate theirfirst president on his birthday, Feb. 22.The tradition grew in stature in 1832, which would have beenWashington's 100th birthday. 

The event was a major national celebrationthat included the reading of Washington's farewell address in theSenate. In 1879, congress officially made Washington's birthday anational holiday, but it was only observed in Washington D.C. By 1885, the day was observed nationally.  write articles about it with sub headings  

Presidents Day in Illinois: What's Open and Closed

Many schools across Illinois, including Chicago Public Schools, will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day. While the holiday is typically observed on Feb. 12, Lincoln's Birthday, schools in Illinois have the option to observe it on Feb. 17 instead.  

Closures

In addition to schools, public libraries, including Chicago Public Libraries, will also be closed on Monday, as will banks and other offices.  

Openings

Retailers and grocery stores, however, may remain open.

History of Presidents Day

Presidents Day began as an unofficial holiday to celebrate George Washington after his death in 1799. Americans would celebrate their first president on his birthday, Feb. 22.  

The tradition grew in stature in 1832, which would have been Washington's 100th birthday. The event was a major national celebration that included the reading of Washington's farewell address in the Senate. In 1879, Congress officially made Washington's birthday a national holiday, but it was only observed in Washington D.C. By 1885, the day was observed nationally.