What is open, closed on Presidents Day? – NBC Chicago

Presidents Day, which falls on Feb. 16 this year, is celebrated annually in commemoration of George Washington, the first president of the United States.

Although Washington’s actual birthday is Feb. 22, the holiday always falls somewhere between Feb. 15 and 21 to create a three-day weekend.

Following the first president’s death in 1799, his birthday was celebrated across the nation, according to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the historic site where he once resided.

It would take decades to become an official holiday.

Washington’s birthday was declared a federally recognized holiday on Jan. 31, 1879.

As is the case with other federal holidays, you’ll likely encounter changes to what’s open for the day.

If you need to run errands or have business to take care of on Monday, here’s a breakdown of what’s open and closed to help make things easier.

Will banks be open?

Banks will be closed, as Monday is a federal holiday.

Public libraries

Branches of the Chicago Public Library, along with many other public libraries across the state, will not open their doors on Monday.

Mail and packages

U.S. post offices will be closed on Monday, and as a result, mail won’t be delivered.

FedEx said its stores will remain open, but some operations may have “modified service.”

According to the UPS website, pickup and delivery services will be available. UPS Store locations will also be open.

Will schools be closed on Presidents Day?

Chicago Public Schools will be closed in observance of Presidents Day, according to the district website.

According to the Illinois Board of Education, the state’s School Code, which defines holidays, specifies that Lincoln’s birthday is the official holiday. Lincoln’s birthday is Feb. 12.

However, school districts can choose to take Presidents Day off.

If so, the district can label it a “Not in Attendance” day, which means “no students are engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.”

Stock market

NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange are closed on Monday, Feb. 16. Regular trading hours will resume on Tuesday.

Illinois state government

Presidents Day is also state holiday, meaning state government offices will be closed, including driver services facilities operated by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

Museums

Many museums will be open, including the Field Museum and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

At least two museums are offering free admission.

Entry at the Art Institute of Chicago will be free on Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Illinois resident as part of “Free Winter Weekdays.”

The Chicago History Museum is also granting Illinois residents free entry.

What about the city Chicago?

City of Chicago offices will be closed, according to the city’s website.

Restaurants and retail stores

Despite closures at banks and government buildings, most supermarkets and retail stores will remain open.

Major chain stores such as Target, Costco, Walmart, The Home Depot, Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s will be operating on regular hours.