One of the first things I do when I move somewhere is go to their local library and see what it's…read morelike. Coming from an actual city, and being in Janesville, I was prepared to see a few copies of a phone book, someone's yearbook from the '70s, and maybe a few old Dean Koontz novels with the jacket cover taped back on, and some pages missing. I was definitely in for a pleasant surprise. While they don't always have all of the latest books you'll have on your GoodsRead list, and they aren't open on Sundays, this is a very nice little library, and definitely the best community asset to Janesville. When you get a library card you get to choose between white or teal cards. The ground floor is a cafe, with seating where people are sometimes seen playing chess with strangers, or enjoying books that they've purchased, or picked up for free, as you can just drop off books there for people to grab, and also the "community room" which can be reserved for large meetings/gatherings. Other, smaller rooms are available on the second floor for anyone to reserve or request, as well. The second floor has a hold shelf for reserved books (you can put a hold on books online or at the library), self check out stations, an employee recommends section that lists what genres those employees are into so you know if their likes are a good fit for you to choose from, and all the the books. There's also a bulletin board with a listing of all sorts of local events going on in Janesville, and some going on in the library. There's a table with hand sanitizer and lotion. The real thing here is the events. This library hosts so many events and does so much for the community. It's truly impressive. The only thing I dislike about this library is that the return slot inside the library is not clearly labeled at all, and I wandered around like a fool until I saw other people slowly putting their items one at a time into a small, unlabeled, conveyor belt hole in the wall one at a time, and asked them if that was it. Haha. All the employees are hella nice. According to the website, there are other return sites for the books, including Woodman's, which I've also done a review on. Woodman's is open 24 hours a day, so if you're out getting your groceries in the middle of the night and need to return your library book, you can kill two birds with one stone, theoretically. I've yet to do so. I have attended a writing workshop here, an open mic event, a support group, and picked up a free craft project. I've only lived here a couple months.

This place was fantastic. Not only was the building architecture lovely you can really tell that…read morethe community cares and puts money into this place. The self service kiosks were awesome, we'd never seen those before. There were loads of tables, computers, and seats to sit in where you could read. All of the windows are fantastic and the view overlooking the river makes those reading places super idealic. Outside there are places to sit and sculptures to enjoy as well as read again over looking the river. Also the book clubs in a bag are also a fantastic idea. This place made us really jealous of the people in Janesville, we wished our local library was even half as nice.

This library is just a amazing it's Jane Normas and all the people are nice and it was a good…read moreexperience and have every single book you can think of and if they don't you can order in there it'll be there soon!

This library is the best and only one in Oregon. Although it doesn't have some books that I'm…read morelooking for, you can always place holds. I love how there's a place in Oregon where you can sit back and chill.

A great small town library. All the staff are very helpful. A nice selection of books. They could…read moreuse more books on tape/CD, but with the Dane County system they are easy to get.

absolutely beautiful large modern library!! that actually has space for all ages!! they even have a…read morelittle store on the second? floor with very affordable books. it was actually so pretty, id def go here to do work or study

Excellent public library, a great place to find reading, listening material. Friendly helpful…read morelibrarians, there's a printing station if you're staying a downtown hotel for business or a scientific seminar. If you forgot your book at home there's a small but pleasant used bookstore here with a great selection of used classical CDs. Lots of interesting events. Comfortable and peaceful seating. Because democracy requires an informed and literate citizenry I consider this library to be part of the bulwark of American freedom.

I've used this library during my 3 month stay in the area. I have enjoyed using the facilities, as…read moreI prepared for an additional teacher certification. It is a big space that is full of activity. I've used their scanner/copier, quiet study room, cafe, research books, and the ongoing book/dvd/cd sale. I've donated blood and taken in a concert too. The staff takes great pride in this gem of a library. Their attention to detail make this a very enjoyable place to spend your time.

For a small library in a small town I was pleasantly surprised by everything they had to offer…read morehere. I mean I come from a big city and some of our smaller libraries seemed lacking compared to BPL. I mean damn they even have a newsletter that goes out like clock work every month (which I still receive). The building it beautiful and there are benches outside in which you can take your latest read (once you check it out of course). The staff is friendly and if you couldn't find what you wanted there they had a great lending system with other libraries. Their selection of books was current and up to date, and loved loved loved their selection of movies. As a college student on a budget borrowing movies from the library was a great way to conserve cash.

This library has nice building, good selection of tapes and DVDs, and internet connection is a…read moreplus. The people there are a bit of a pain though. There is a tight patrol on who is using the internet and for how long. Library fines are a dollar a day for tapes and DVDs, with no grace period. Not very understanding, is what I say.

The Sun Prairie Public Library is such a beautiful place and has activities for people of all ages…read more The summer reading challenge for children (beginning at 6 months all the way high school) is amazing. They have so many cool prizes like free passes to the Milwaukee Public Museum, the state fair, a mallard's game, etc. They also have an adult summer reading challenge as well as a fall one. I participate in both each year and they have gift card raffles & small prizes for adults too which is awesome! The library also hosts lots of cool events like author events, puzzle competitions, historical events, etc. There are SO many things to do and get involved with and opportunities to learn. They also have an incredible collection of books and "book club bags" complete with multiple copies of popular books and a question guide for book clubs! They're currently doing an expansion and amphitheater as well. So grateful to have such an amazing library. Check it out if you haven't!

I love this library. Love it. It is beautiful and quite large with a quiet room full of magazines…read more(you can check out the ones from the previous months), piles of documentary DVDs, quiet corners to sit/hide in, screened porches that are open during the non-winter months, four self-check stations, an open area where you can fetch your own holds (and thanks to the wonders of technology you don't have to worry about somebody snaking your long-awaited stuff away from you), bunches of computers with access to the internet (even if you had to bring your impatient 3-year-old who thinks the word 'quiet' means 'be louder'), and a great used-book store run by some very sweet retirees. And that's just the stuff I've used. There are two different graphic novel sections: one for adults and one for kids. Finally, maybe my *most* favorite thing, is the Staff Picks section. It's mostly books but with a few DVDs too; I've found some worthy stuff there. There are dedicated children's librarians, friendly people at the information/reference desk (with little plaques that say please interrupt us), and book returns both inside and out. I've always been pro-library, but this place is just unbelievable. I feel so lucky to live near it.

The Lake Geneva Public Library offers some truly wonderful programming for families, especially for…read moreyoung kids. Their summer reading program is a big hit in our household--engaging, well-organized, and complete with great prizes. We also really appreciate the Pasie's Preschool Play program, which provides fun, thoughtful activities for toddlers every week. The children's section has a unique and well-curated selection of books, including titles from local authors, which is a nice touch. And the library pop-up at the YMCA is super convenient--we're big fans of that outreach effort! That said, parking is a real drawback. On most visits, we end up walking 4-5 blocks just to get there. On rainy days, its impossible to arrive dry with a stroller and two kids. The building itself is historic and charming, but the space is cramped, especially when kids' programs are in full swing. Still, despite the logistical challenges, the quality of the programming and staff makes this a great community resource--especially for families with young readers.

What a stunning library!…read more Our beach trip to Lake Geneva was mostly rainy. We walked around downtown area to eat lunch. On the way back to our hotel, we popped in here just to dry off and look at the beautiful building. The building is stunning, and the landscaping is lovely. Inside is great as well. The staff were friendly and helpful. The kids section is great. We were lucky and there was a reptile presentation while we were there, which was awesome. They clearly put on good programming.

I love the Verona Library. Excellent space for the community with many fun and engaging events…read more Beautiful, bright space. Helpful staff and of course a great selection of books, puzzles, movies, etc...

This place is so fun for babies! My son loved the outside story hour…read more In the children's section of the library there is a play area with a toy kitchen and activity tables. You can sit in a castle and read to your baby. My son was fascinated with the display of origami cranes hanging from the ceiling. What I think is really interesting about this library is that you can check out activity boxes full of supplies to do crafts or teach hands-on lessons to your kids. You can also check out other cool stuff such as American girl dolls.