The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is one of the largest in the state of Illinois and also one of the best. There is lots of room in the underground parking garage. Throughout the library there is art on the wall to go along with its clean and organized facilities. You can do so much more that just borrow books here. There are technology classes, English as a Second Language materials, and a huge children's area just to name a few of the services they offer. I highly recommend the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. read more

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This library is one of the nicest I've seen in the area, with plenty of underground parking, large and clean facilities, art throughout the building, and plenty of well designed displays throughout. This library has everything from movies, magazines, newspapers, and books to a makerplace and conference rooms. Services such as printing, copying, and faxing are also available at a low cost here as well. read more

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I have used the library for over 40 years, and I still am amazed at all you continue to offer us. Today I went in to get my license plate sticker (they do that there also). My case was a little different, as I get a benefit access on it. Mary was absolutely wonderful!!! They had just taken classes, on the license plate stickers as many things have changed. Mary would not give up, and yes, she got it for me!!! Mary as well as all the staff are absolutely kind and wonderful. I feel so lucky to have such a great l library, filled with wonderful people in my town!!! read more

Horrible experience here. Tons of homeless people and entitled library staff. So many staff for a huge library but no one wants to help. Many disheveled people loitering and soliciting. Library staff wasn't much better. The staff are very condescending and rude when you ask for help. Thank god I don't pay taxes here or else I'd be pissed. read more

Very Slow! I tried to use the inter library loan program but waited over a week to get an item from another LOCAL library. (still waiting) Since there are no fines you will wait a very long time for an item before its returned. No reasonable options, wait for patron to return it on the no fines system (haha will not happen) or order from interlibrary loan and wait forever! read more

What a great spot. First, there are lots of spaces to study and do work. They have outlets for every study space. Second, they have ALL THE BOOKS! It's pretty nice, they have a diverse selection and am grateful to be able to find the books I want. Third, THEY HAVE A DRIVE THROUGH WHICH IS AMAZING! Want a book? Call them, and they will put it on hold in the drive through for you to pick it up! It's pretty awesome. The staff is friendly and always willing to help. I love the selection and it is always clean. I love this. Please visit your local library! read more

This is one of the fanciest library in the Chicago suburban area. There's underground parking lot, with drive through for you to pick up your books. In the library, there's also a food area for you to get coffee, drinks, salad, and simple snacks. They also have a teen section where they can play wii, guitar, ukulele, etc. A kids section, a technology room, also plenty of conference rooms for reservation on the second floor. A visit to this library makes me want to become a resident in this area. read more

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Very nice Library! Since you can only go to the library in the town on your driver's license, I've only been to a few. I can say that the Arlington Heights Library is one of the nicest I've ever been to. It's a library with books, so I'll try to tell you something you may not know. This library is pretty big, and very clean. Throughout the library they have art and even some sculptures. I took a picture of what looks like a metal / silver mountain goat. Besides books, they have a big technology section that has your standard computers, but also a 3D printer, and a NASA section. The NASA section not only has a telescope you can rent and take out of the library, it also has some cool NASA apps for viewing the galaxies and our world. Definitely worth checking out! read more

Arlington Heights Memorial Library - Metal / silver mountain goat - Libraries Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

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I just had to write an update after visiting today and seeing the renovations. First of all, when did these renovations happen!? When I lived in Arlington Heights less than two years ago and frequented this place, I saw no signs of any upcoming construction. Nor did I think the library needed any sort of upgrade. But then today, BAM, everything is completely different and sparkling new! Second of all, WHOA. Sleek, modern designs, clearly labeled sections, super-colorful kids section, a very cool area for teenagers (called the Hub), a couple (beautiful) computer labs, a tech bar (use Kindles!), a cute cafe area, touch-screen search kiosks, so many smiling employees, and more. I was kind of blown away by all the color and technology packed into this library, along with the huge media collections. I admit that I do feel like the technology was kind of over-the-top, but at the same time, they're just keeping up with the times. Another twenty years or so, and paper books might disappear. Yikes. I don't know of any other library in the area that can top what they have here, though. Wow. read more

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Love the conference rooms. Just wish they had a place I could warm up my food if I'm going to be studying for hours there.

I have never seen such a full comprehensive library! I am thoroughly impressed with the selection of books and media, the activities for kids and the genuine helpfulness of the staff. There is even a bookmobile!!! read more

Arlington Heights Memorial Library - Reading nook - Libraries Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

Outstanding! This library is first-class. They are on the cutting edge as far as tech goes, and they have spared no dime to make this a state-of-the-art facility. This isn't your mom's library : ) read more

This is my all time favorite library! They have the newest movies, electronics that you can check out and try (like digital cameras, go pros, DSLRs, readers, etc.), classes where you can learn how to use different computer programs and technology. They have really interesting programs for people with sorts of interests such as books, food, movies, gardening, etc. They have 3D printers, meeting rooms that you can use, studios to record music, videos, and update photos and VHS. They also help with ESL, jobs, and entrepreneurs starting their own businesses. Basically, they have everything! The only exception is that some of the older, classic books are not in the library anymore. You can usually find them on the online database or you can order them through the Interlibrary Loan at a neighboring library. The only negative thing is that sometimes items are not checked in properly when you return them. They are usually really good about it once you contact them and let them know. They have to find it in the library though which sometimes makes me nervous because what if someone who works there has taken it? I'm sure that is very unlikely though. I think this issue of not checking items in properly usually happens with the drop box in the basement. It hasn't happened to me with the other drop boxes, only the one in the basement. So I try not to use that one. And it also usually only happens when I am returning a lot of materials at once. They have an app which is helpful. You can check out items from your phone. It stores your library card number which can be scanned. You can also make holds from your phone and look up information. The library has self-check out which is really convenient. You can also put holds on items so they are ready when you get to the library. It is really a timesaver. Also, there is a 3 day grace period on returns. read more

We love AHML. They are awesome with activities and classes for kids. We've been coming to Baby Time and Toddler time since my daughter was 6m (she's now 2). All of the teachers are great...we especially love Ms. Christina! read more

Arlington Heights Memorial Library - Libraries Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

Saw Jen Weigel speak here. You can drive under this library (nice snow feature) ;-) Seems like a very nice place, have not explored beyond the speaking engagement. read more

I absolutely love this library. Everything I've looked for, I was able to find here. They have a large selection of the latest DVDs, audiobooks, ebooks, and plain old books. A shout out to the friendliest staff who are always patient with customers. Love the drive through for quick pickups. You get email alerts when items are due or when your requested materials are ready for pickup. I've never tried the book mobile but it sounds like a great service. I have tried their online chat help tool as well and have received prompt and helpful advice. Their new and improved website and apps makes browsing and searching even easier. They also have great classes and activities you can sign up for. All in all, I feel lucky to have this incredible facility so close to me. read more

This is by far the BEST public library in the Chicagoland area and believe me I have been to most of them (BTW - Northbrook Public Library comes at a distant second). Almost every table in the library has electrical and USB outlets, they have a genealogy room, business room, media production rooms. You can even takeout umbrellas if you are a member. They think of virtually everything. Also, four times a year they have a great sale on books, CDs, DVDs, etc ... now I have too many items at home ... will need to donate some back. The is the gold standard of public libraries and that's saying a lot! read more

Arlington Heights Memorial Library is "by far" the best library in the Chicago land area. I have compared sites as I work at many libraries. Computer help-especially Chris-is outstanding. Research and resource service are remarkable. The best! Thanks...S read more

I would give this five stars except for a very unsettling experience I just had. I was threatened by one of their security guards who does not treat everyone equally. Practically shaking as I write this. Hope to not see this man again. read more

In a few weeks I'll be moving to Schaumburg and there are many things I'll miss about Arlington Heights, and the library is definitely one of them. Good thing Schaumpton has a sweet 'brary too. Call me old school, but even though I have a Kindle, I love to peruse the shelves and read actual, physical books. This is especially important to me as I fly pretty often and on short, regional flights you barely have any time to actual use said electronic reader. Thus, the importance of paperbacks! AHML has a plethora of very recent titles available for your literary consumption (in addition to the possibility of renting out titles to your e-reader). Beyond the steady selection of best sellers, I'm impressed by their magazine collection and pretty sweet DVD options. I've been known to phone it in and buy the $5-$6 on demand movies only to find out that the library rents those bad boys for free. They even have Blu Ray. Yesssssss. Other nice points? New addition, story time for the little ones, self-check out, plentiful parking and friendly employees. Schaumburg library has a lot to live up to... read more

AHML is an amazing library with tons of great (free) services that make utilizing the library a breeze! * They have an incredibly large collection of books, periodicals, DVDs, and CDs. If they don't have the item you are looking for, you can request they purchase it and (from my experience) they always will. * They are one of the many libraries in the Illinois Intersystem Reciprocal Borrowing Covenant. So if you have a have a library card from a reciprocal library, you only need to show that card and one piece of identification (with name and address) in order to get a library card from AHML. * AHML's bookmobile is great a resource for residents of Arlington Heights. It's free to use and it has many convenient stops. You can find a list of stops and the schedule of when they'll be there on the website. Also, since a much fewer number of people use the bookmobile compared to the library, you can usually get a hold of new items much easier on the bookmobile. * The library has a drive-thru window in their parking garage, so if you're picking up a hold item or are just returning books, it's very convenient to not have to park and go into the library. * Parking is available along the street and under the library which extends into an uncovered lot. Downtown Arlington Heights and the Metra stop are within walking distance. * The area around the library is very safe. The security guards at the library are nice, but keep loud patrons in check. They're very strict about cell phone usage in the library. * The children's section is awesome. It's a large space, with an extensive collection of children's books, games, periodicals, and computers strictly for their use. They also have great summer reading programs. * There are many PCs and Macs available for patrons use for 90 minutes at a time. You get printouts from a print release station which you pay for with a card you've deposited money onto. * All the librarians are super knowledgeable, helpful, and nice. * Large collection of foreign language (books, magazines, and newspapers) and ELL materials. * The physical space is new, clean, and well-maintained. You can tell they've put a lot of thought and money into continually updating the resources and technology for patrons. There is a silent study room and conference rooms on the 2nd floor. * The library's seasonal book sales are a great time to stock up on books, especially if you're a teacher. There are many donated books in nearly new condition for dirt cheap. Usually on the last day of the sale, you can get a grocery bag full of books for a few bucks. read more

Great Suburban Library. Actually one of the best that I have ever been to whether living here in the Chicago area (Different Suburbs) or when I lived in Oregon. They always have the most current Books, Video Games, and DVD's and usually have several copies. They have kindles you can rent, and nice computers to use on-site if you don't have one. They even loan out laptops for use on-site as well. The online book reserve works great. Hold a book for reserve and select where you want to pick it up. They even have a drive though so you actually never have to go inside if you do not want. The only issue I have with this place is there are usually a large amount of homeless people sleeping in the chairs, or looking at porn on the computers. They usually don't bother you too much though, so no worries. read more

Old on the outside - toasty and getting newer on the inside. I'm the parent of a continually-learning toddler. What better place to take him than the library? There is a HUGE area for kids. The books are at their level, there are a dozen of a computers they can bang away at, along with a myriad of other nooks and crannies for them to explore. I'd bank that this place will become a 5-star location once all of the interior construction is completed. For now - it's a wonderful place to spend some time as a kid or a grownup. Everything is clean, everyone has been very friendly and the amount you can borrow at one time is a lot, a lot! read more

AHML.info is undergoing a massive renovation/modernization. I love the new layout and interior design features. Every other week that I am in there I see something more impressive. The staff there does a great job and the place always looks so clean ! The resources here are enormous. Whenever I pass by, I stop in. There is always something I find of interest. Now all I have to do is engage in their educational programs more often. The Arlington Hts. Library is one component of my real estate tax bill that I do not complain about. Bill Howe read more

Best part about this library Miss Cristina Storytime. You have a gem in her! Kudos to having a great staff. Our youngest daughter frequents the library often and comes home with new knowledge after each visit. read more

As a mom of an two year old, this library is huuuuge and great for kids. I'm sitting here typing this review as my extremely energetic, always running toddler sits quietly at a light table playing with some magnetic shapes. Seems like a very new and clean building (or at least maintained very well), well lit, with a fun and colorful kids area. Lots for kids to do and play with (huge building foam blocks, magnetic shapes at a light table, a mini store kiosk with tiny shopping carts, toy food and a cash register, and more! Their toddler time used a bit more resources than some other story times we've been to with a parachute, bubble machine, flannel board, and stuffed animal mascot to keep the kids' attention. They also have a kids craft area during certain times (we painted fireworks today!)..they provided smocks and everything. Will definitely come back! read more

The concept of a library is a wonderful one. Free access to hundreds or thousands of books for residents. The book worm in me leaps for joy! This library consistently receives high marks and there is a reason for that. It is awesome. They recently completed a remodel and it looks great. There are plenty of tables for people to study or work at plus lots of chairs. I've never taken a class or program here but they offer quite a few. I like the online account too. You can put a hold on a book, review your current check-outs, and request renewals. It is a great tool. read more

Great place with a large hard copy and digital selection. Very considerate and helpful staff. Lots of services available for the community. Even a great place to hang out when it's snowing and your power is out for almost three days. Glad that AH has such a great place for the community to go to. Keep up the great work! read more

My initial experience with this library was to sign up for a program they offered. The going was rough and had I reviewed it at that time, they would not have done too well. But the experience ended up getting me a library card and the program was of good value. In recent weeks, I have gone there often to use their computers. The area is always busy, but they always have a desktop or two open because they have a plethora of them! One hour time limit, but will extend if not at capacity. Plenty of printers and peripherals. I like this place - it's clear that they provide a great service for the people of Arlington Heights. Friendly staff and ample parking. Thumbs up! read more

It looks like I have reached a point in my life, where libraries are "cool," and when I am actually taking the time, to write a review about them! As far as libraries go, this one totally rocks! It is very modern, and has just about any book, recent movie, magazine, and/or newspaper, one could hope for. There is a garage, which hosts a drive-thru, for those feeling less than thrilled with stepping out of their car to bring their items inside the building. You can also pick up books on reserve in the drive-thru. There is also a great genealogy area on the top floor, and a very extensive collection of magazines from all walks of life. I did not use these, but there appears to be a good number of computers available to the public. There are also very nice meeting/study rooms upstairs, as well as a number of classes, about a variety of topics held every month. They are open 7 days a week (Sundays, 12-4pm, until 10pm during the week). You will also receive an e-mail reminder, when your books, etc., are due. Have fun! read more

Let's begin with what's good about the children's section of the library -It's BRIGHT -It has a SPRAWLING layout -It inspires exploration and interaction with toys and computers and I-Pads OK - what's NOT good about the children's section -It's BRIGHT -It has a SPRAWLING layout -It inspires exploration and interaction with toys and computers and I-Pads If you have walking kids under the age of five, they'll love it, but you, the caregiver, will quickly get burned out. It's such an enormous place that there is no containing the kids for any amount of time. They can bounce all over the place from one thing to another, to another, to another - great for them, but tiresome for me. I wish they would use that big empty conference room or whatever it is for kids five and under. Throw a train table in there and some other "educational" toys and some seating for parents, and then the door can be shut and little ones can be contained. It is exhausting bringing my one and three year old to this library. And I'm not lazy, either. I have a gym membership and I work out every day. I'm just saying, I'll probably be back there more frequently when my kids are older. I hate going there. read more

As an Arlington Heights resident, this place is an absolute marvel if you take advantage of their resources. Yes, of course, there are books and computers. However, the eLearning classes are informative and helpful. The Tech Help desk and the rest of the staff are simply great people. For me, I'm trying to learn Photoshop and improve a lot of my computer skills which are sadly lacking. Reserving the studios for two hours at a time and working on my personal projects has helped enormously instead of buying the (very expensive) Adobe suite. On top of all this, as a resident of AH, you have access to Lynda.com and other online learning resources. It's an absolute fantastic resource for self-learners like myself. Since the remodeling and all the improvements, I come here quite often to read or work on my projects. It's truly a centerpiece of the community and this is an excellent example of your tax dollars at work. Come here and learn something. Turn off your television. read more

It's not the fanciest library I've ever been to, but I think it's pretty damn good! One thing I love most about AHML is the drive-through pick-up option - yes you read that right! If you put an item on hold for pick-up you have the option to use a drive-through, how cool is that!? I also like their periodic used book sales. There is a huge selection at great prices. The staff at AHML are friendly and very helpful. Things are organized in a good manner and are easy to find. read more

This is my favorite library! I have been coming here for twenty years and still love it. I'm not a huge fan of all the new changes but most of the updates are refreshing. I love that the library has an app as well! read more

Fantastic library and an excellent selection. Honestly. I don't care if this is even slightly nerdy, but the fact that you can check out a 100 DVDs or CDs at once is amazing. I've also attended a few of their Cooking Demonstrations, and even though the average age of attendees is roughly 70, I would definitely recommend it. read more

I've been going there since I moved to Arlington Hts and I must say it is truly the best library I could ask for. People that have gone there that aren't from the area agree - the library is really amazing. They have tons of books (well duh.. it is a library) but what makes me really fond of my library is everything else that they have to offer. They have a huge selection of movies on dvd and blu-ray, even the recent releases, which is awesome because now I don't have to spend money on On-Demand or renting movies. It's all free. Isn't that lovely? Also they have quite a few games on various consoles and windows. I'm not a huge gamer but my dad takes advantage of the option quite often. But who could blame him.. it's free! The place is very pretty and modern and has enough parking, outside and underground. It is truly a gorgeous library and I am happy that I am a member of it. That's all :) read more

I love this library. I can see why it wins awards year after year. The librarians are super friendly and helpful. They have a large collection of movies, music, and their media is up to date. They even have classes and a production center for making movies and music. Their book collection has dwindled a bit but the great thing is that you can always recommend they purchase books and/or request materials from other libraries through the interlibrary loan. They also have private rooms you can reserve to have group studies and a room for book clubs. They have added an area on the first floor with vending machines where you can eat. This is my favorite place in Arlington Heights. read more

The older study carrels were just fine. Too bad you didn't give them to the Elk Grove Library. Just need more access to outlets. Extended hours are nice. read more

This is a wonderful library. It's spacious and full of light. I love going here to study because of the atmosphere. I also like how there is book drop accessible by car since it saves time. The librarians are so welcoming and very friendly. They are willing to help you with smiles on their faces! For kids they have games such as puzzles that you can check out, and cool pop up books. They also have this huge chess set! read more

I really do love this library, especially after the remodel. There are tons of tables for quiet studying and lots of outlets to plug in your personal computer. Noise level is pretty quiet for the most part, unless there is an event going on in the center of the library then noise will carry around. However, there are a few homeless people who think they live here and can be disturbing and not very courteous of people around them. There is security that walks around every so often but they can't be everywhere at once. I've seen a couple of them argue pretty loudly 6 feet away from me with curse words flying around. If it wasn't for that, this place would be perfect...but what can you do? I hope the library gets this sorted out soon. read more