It's a wonderland of books, crafts and activities. The staff is top notch! Love this library!!! read more

Evanston Public Library - Coloring station at the Evanston Library. - Libraries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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This is a great library. Their online presence is outstanding. You know when the books arrive. The self checkout makes is super quick to pick up the hold and check out. I don't even have to pay the meter since it's so fast. You can renew the books online. I love it. read more

Walking distance from home.... Full of books.... Nice and quiet.... Librarians!. What more is there to say? One thing lacking-- comfy reading chairs. read more

1. You have to pay for parking. 2. Many of the books in the stack are old and worn. 3. The staff has never been all that friendly. read more

I would put this as a five but the same issue that stems in Chicago is the lack of hygiene from any characteristic of people, the visible discomfort of people leaving their hygiene on the computers and other places. Reading a book doesn't feel really satisfying when there's odor and potential residue of someone else. Smokers, trash, bugs, and occasionally a weird noise, loud old people and general stink that happens very often. The labyrinth of people that hide in sections dedicated to things that require studying. read more

How many libraries can boast of PEREGRINE FALCONS nesting there? It's true. The EPL (more on that in a minute) has hosted a pair of peregrines for years, and you can see them when you go to the third floor. Sometimes, you can watch the chicks as they eat just outside the window. Anyway, the library itself is wonderful - huge without feeling hollow or overwhelming, full of diverse books and other resources, and the librarians themselves are incredibly well-versed and helpful. It's a wonderful place to spend a few hours collecting books. Back to the EPL - I love the fact that this American town's library has first dibs on the acronym over the English Premier League, arguably the world's biggest football (soccer) league. read more

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I would rate this business higher, but when I called the library and accidentally got connected to the teen loft, I asked politely if I could be transferred to the children's department and they transferred me to 311 the non emergency number. I am so frustrated that they didn't listen to me and take the time to fully comprehend my request. read more

Libraries are awesome in general, but I find EPL especially architecturally and artistically beautiful, socially aware, and full of helpful staff. I feel happy every time I go. read more

Libraries are amazing. I've been able to find a lot of new or bestselling media without any trouble. I've been here for books, dvds, comics and manga. They also have cds! Sometimes What I'm looking for may not be available because someone else is borrowing it but no problem! A bit of patience and I can eventually get what I'm looking for. There are also a lot of great "e-books" and movies to view online. You can also "recommend" e-books or audiobooks to add to their collection if not available. I've been able to read some books that way. I highly encourage you to check out your local library. read more

Very friendly staff but make sure to bring a bag for books because the city council devoted to ban plastic bags that they used to hand out.

I am grateful for all libraries, everywhere, and EPL is no exception. They have a great selection and I love going here to study because it is quiet. My complaint is with the employees. I have yet to have a friendly exchange with someone who works here. "Hello, how are you doing today?" deserves a response besides a grunt. Especially during Covid times! I reserved a DVD online and came to pick it up. The woman at the front desk told me there were two people ahead of me on the waiting list. Maybe I made a mistake-it has happened before and will happen again! I was about to leave and remembered there were two copies available according to what I saw online. She then said, "oh yes, there are two, go ahead upstairs and check if the second one is available." I wish sometimes people would really want to tell you "yes" or "let me help you with that!" instead of a nearly immediate "no" without investigating further. read more

Getting a library card was pretty easy, but unfortunately I discovered that this library didn't have many mystery novels.

This is what a large library should be like! Evanston Public Library kind of looks like an overfed Frank Lloyd Wright knockoff, but the space is gorgeous and welcoming on the inside. Once inside, there are three levels of books, movies, computers, periodicals, and a kids section. The signage is clear everywhere, so it's easy to find what you're looking for. The kids' section is great, with whimsical decorating and a nice waterfall sound machine, inspiring peaceful librarying from the kids. Take note Harold Washington librarians: the librarians here are very nice and helpful. It's possible! The sweeping third floor is a nice space to get your Microfiche on. Yes, they still have microfiche for reading past newspapers with the ability to print. Well, the computer lab is up there too, and the Frank Lloyd Wright touches continue here, with long lights hanging down from the high ceiling. The DVD and VHS (no Beta, sorry!) collections are vast. Whether it's a historical documentary on each decade of the 1900's or your favorite movie, Evanston has it! I liked the small section of Hot Books right as you walk into the library, and they had several copies of some of the hottest titles! I also admired the art touches around this newer library. There was a temporary exhibit of German book covers and the original art prints that went into making them. Nice touch! Or, Wunderbar! All in all Evaston Public Library is truly what a public library should be! read more

A beautiful library! I came here for to get out of the house and get some quiet work done (after spending a few hours at Brothers K, of course!) A great alternative to spending $$$, which happens when I hole myself up in a coffee shop all day. I was nervous about the WiFi, since previous users had complained about it, but I had no problems. My computer displayed four of the five bars throughout my visit, and I was able to access and answer emails, visit websites and download small files with no problem. (I didn't try to stream anything, though.) I was super excited to see all the outlets on the third floor! Since I was just here to get some work done on my own computer, I technically didn't need to get a library card, but I went ahead and signed up anyway. Why not? The information desk attendants were super helpful and excited to introduce me to all the library has to offer. I was a little surprised to learn that "most wanted" books are only available for a week at a time. I'm a pretty quick reader, but depending on my schedule/other activities, I'm not sure I would be able to finish some books in a week. Still, I'm sure this policy helps to keep books in stock, so I could get used to it (with a little planning!) Maybe I just haven't found it yet, but the only thing that would make this library better is finding a cozy nook to read in (instead of the wooden tables/chairs)! read more

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Big beautiful library! I am in love with this space. The wide staircase just invites you in and up to explore the racks and racks of knowledge and imagination! I also noticed lots of public computers available which is a really great resource. I don't live in Evanston though so I wasn't there to check out but for a lecture. They lost a star because the room they put us in was very noisy. The door clicked and squeaked every time someone came in or out. It was very distracting and made it difficult to hear the speaker. Maybe he didn't speak loud enough or acoustics were terrible. Either way I wish I could have heard better. read more

I've been coming to this library for more than 20 years since it was built. I have always loved this library and the staff. However the employees at the check-out counter are usually the most annoying. They are rude at times and act like doing their job is the furthest thing from their minds. I have definitely had a few encounters where they refused to look up my library number because I forgot my card at home and even had the nerve to write a note stating that they couldn't help me anymore. Then I recently had an encounter where I owed a fine and was literally .41 short, after I dug around in my purse for all the money I could find and they wouldn't let me check out my books until I asked for my money back and said I would leave and come back another time. The women had an attitude with me like I stole money. It was absurd! read more

I'm surprised I have not posted a review for the Evanston Public Library years ago. Centrally located in Evanston, EPL has a Frank Lloyd Wright-ish design to it. Before a vacation, I like to look for travel books within the Chicago Public Library system, but if I can't find what I'm looking for then I'll visit Evanston. There is a small section of travel books on the second floor (the selection seemed to be larger in the past, but oh well). If you have a Chicago Public Library card, you can take out books at EPL. Also you can take out books for four weeks (in Chicago it's only three weeks) so the bonus week is appreciated if I am carrying a book during a trip. read more

I love hanging out in libraries and taking my little ones to libraries for open play and story times. EPL has a lot of potential - it has a huge, beautiful building and an extensive collection of books, DVDs, etc. However, I have to take off several stars for the children's area, which is a little dirty and does not have a lot of quality toys for open play. Overall, a great library for adults, but not for little ones. read more

I wonder how they justify who they let use their technology. The people who use their technology should be trained. They should not be allowed to annoy other users of their computers. There should be clear policies about keeping headphone use quiet at a volume that does not disturb other patrons. People should not be allowed to act with impunity and disturb other patrons, tapping keys incessantly, mumbling to themselves, or eating while at the computer workstations. read more

The staff is always kind and the shelves are clean and organized. My issue is that I can never find anything I'm looking for. For being such a large building their selection is terrible. I was looking for a copy of Pride and Prejudice only to find out they only owned 2 copies and of course both were checked out. Every time I go looking for something specific it's a little disappointing but I recommend it as a place to study. It's a good environment. read more

This library is so cool! I am so glad that they have 3 or more floors! There is so many books and stuff to do. This is also not just a library they show movies such as Wonder Woman, Beauty And The Beast , and so mush more. They also host book readings, programs for kids, reading clubs for adults (and kids) , and helpful advice on what to read from awesome staff. I absolutely love the EPL. I will definitely come here at least once a month! read more

Evanston Public Library - This is the outside of the amazing EPL! - Libraries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I love libraries. They make me happy with their endless options of books to browse through. Usually too many options make me insane, but not when it comes to a library. Learn to cook, bake, build and how about take a special class, which is why we ended up here over the weekend. Steve and Kate's Camp offered a free stop animation class for kids, so we had the opportunity to spend an hour in the kids area. Three words. Oh my gawd! I can't believe how gorgeous the section is. Play areas for wee ones and toddlers. Bathroom keys that were hanging from giant Legos. An amazing selection of picture books and so much to see and areas to check out. Check out we did not, as we were in a bit of a rush after our class, but the class was top notch and it was nice to see families enjoying time together in the various seating areas - I even ran into someone I know! Aside from the not so great customer service at the customer service desk upon entering, this place is so wonderful it could make me move to Evanston! read more

This is a really great public library. A few people have asked me if I'm a Northwestern student. It's hilarious because I actually went to the "rival school" where people in the area will only approach you if they have a gun and need a few more quarters to buy chapstick. It's tempting to lie to the Evanstonians just so I can pretend to be a Northwestern student, but that might be taking a step backwards. I'll give up my obsession with being a secret agent and move on to the review... The library reminds me of the Harvard campus buildings I'd see in 2005. Parts of downtown Evanston actually remind me of Cambridge. There weren't too many hardcore bikers running behind me to get to the door or 60-and-still-single chain smokers puffing at my face as I climbed the steps. The inside of the library was clean. It's pretty organized, the staff is always willing to help you out, and there is almost always space for you to park yourself and focus. If there isn't a title/item at the library, you have access to a nifty inter-library system. For being a suburban library, I'm surprised that this is rarely an issue. There are lots of Cd's at this branch as well. The only slight negative would be the annoying soccer moms who feel that they own the library. Stop talking on your cell phones and discipline your annoying little brats. I don't blame the library for hesitating to confront these egomaniacs. Some of them are quite scary... read more

This is my favorite library ever and I have some really great memories from going there. From spending hours reading RL Stine's awful Fear Street books on Saturday excursions with my dad, to making out in the cutout window areas my freshman year in high school (so scandalous I know), to getting enough peace and quiet to write my college application essays, I really love the Evanston Public Library. It's large, the librarians at the question desks are very helpful, and it's usually got the book (whether in print or on tape/CD), movies, etc. you're looking for. In fact EPL has saved me from spending a ridiculous amount of money on many college textbooks. I wish all libraries were like this. read more

I love this library. Especially because it is right in the heart of Downtown Evanston and easily accessible if you are a resident. There are 4 floors, but I mainly go to the second to browse adult fiction and non-fiction books. There are also a lot of desk spaces to study and an outlet plug to go with each! I have taken 4 hour long practice tests here and was able to focus even without headphones. The 3rd floor also has more desks and more books to browse. The best part of the third floor is the teenage "loft" area where a room was sectioned off to contain only Young Adult books, audiobooks, with computers and extra study rooms. EPL also has a huge inventory and with their library card you can also check out E-books and Audiobooks on your phone. read more

The Evanston Public Library is decent, but somewhat of a dissappointment after being a member of the Palatine Public Library. The book selection is adequate and the building is nice and conveniently located, but their audio/visual materials leave something to be desired. They have very little music (almost nothing new or interesting, in my opinion) and I didn't notice any DVDS (many libraries carry nice collections of DVDs now). In all fairness, I may have been spoiled by Palatine Public Library, which is ranked 7th in the nation. Still, I would expect a bit more from a library in a progressive city like Evantson. read more

Okay, so, I had to be prompted by Kyle to write a review of my own neighborhood libary. I did say libary- it's a habit I can't break. I started coming here this summer after I had to cut back on my spending, and figured that I didn't necessarily need to buy every book I wanted to read. I was so impressed by the size, the selection of books, and the helpful nature of the staff. I always stop in the Most Wanted section first to see what's on my list of books (I keep a running list on my phone), and usually have to decide between a few since these can only be checked out for a week. Eventually I meander up to the 2nd level to start my search, and, get lost wandering from row to row. I have never had a problem finding anything I want here and if it's not available it can be reserved. I put 2 books on hold last week and yesterday I got a lovely note informing me they arrived. I so enjoy spending my free days here, and, am glad I rediscovered the libary :) read more

This is my public library so I have to love it. Minus 1/2 star because invariably when I go to check out there is always an issue and it falls into two categories: the person at the desk is either having a power trip or simply doesn't want to work or I have done something wrong and it's a big deal, like walking up to the wrong counter or walking up too soon. I come to the library as a way of getting away from it all. Please don't hassle. Besides this slight gaffe, they're always helpful at the service desk and have even taken off a mishap with a late fee. The selection for the size is considerable. They actually can be reliable for carrying a lot of titles. This, to me, is the main necessity of a library, right? read more

great place to internet they allow you to plug in ! it is quiet as a library here ! read more

Evanston Public Library - Outside - Libraries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

This is one of the best libraries that I have ever seen and been in. It's so well organized and the librarians and staff here are very friendly and helpful I love the cd/dvd section where you can rent them out for $1/week which is really a steal. They even have a section where you can purchase donated books for only $1 - every time I need to go on a trip and need some reading material, I hit up the Evanston Public Library. read more

I don't check out as many books as I used to, but I still visit once every couple of months and they still have more titles on my list than any CPL branch. However, until this weekend it had been several years since my last visit to the annual book sale. I had forgotten or never noticed how generously priced the books are. The sale room isn't enormous, but even on Saturday afternoon (after one and a half days of Evanston bibliophile bum-rush, which is is highly spirited, believe me) there was a lot of good stuff in there. The books are all in very good shape or better, and stunningly cheap at $2 or $3 for most volumes. It's also great people-watching/listening. read more

What a great asset for Evanston. Place is centrally located in the city. Below ground parking (the sign says it costs one dollar an hour but the machine was out of order to pay and it looked like it could have been put of order for quite some time.) Facility is clean. Staff is nice. Lots of programs for kids. Many different "play" areas for kids to move around in. Not sure why you would ever pay for a playroom when you could just bring your child here. read more

Observant yelpers might be thinking, "Hey! Crazy Bird Lady doesn't live in Evanston! What the hell does she know about the library?" Well, I have regular appointments across the street at the lovely Carlson building, and sometimes, I'm early for those appointments because the traffic gods have smiled upon me, lunch with a friend wrapped up early, or for some other reason. At those times, I wander over to the library and stick my nose in a book until it's time to go. I like the building itself, I like the friendly staff, and I like the clean bathrooms (I have a bladder the size of a hazelnut, what can I say). I really, really like books, so of course libraries are always close to my heart. The reason this place really deserves 5 stars, however, has nothing to do with books and everything to do with PEREGRINE FALCONS! They nest on the ledge on the front of the building, and because the library folks are awesome, there is a camera that allows you to spy on the babies. At the right time of year, you can hear the young birds screeching blocks away or see the parents picking off pigeons mere inches from where you parked, sending a burst of feathers across your windshield. It would be easy for the library people to hate the falcon nestlings, but they don't. They love them just like I do (though to be fair, they probably don't block off chunks of their schedules to spy on them, like I do). read more

The Evanston library has a lot to recommend. I was there last weekend for the quarterly book sale and was so successful at locating books that I very nearly left with more than I could carry. The volunteers were helpful and very nice. I just wish the little book sale downstairs was a little less pathetic. Wilmette's library has a great bookstore that's open every day! I also really love hearing the updates about the peregrine falcon couple nesting on one of the pillars. You can watch the nest live on the falcon cam! However, the names they have given these magnificent birds are horrible. Squawker (He is a proud apex predator who has sired half the falcons in the area. Wouldn't Zeus be more appropriate?) and Nona (short for no name. That's plain rude)! But I digress... In conclusion, great library, lousy at naming birds. read more

Great place. You can tell that once upon a time it was the best of the best of new libraries and now that its getting older it just keeps soaking up character, making it the best of the best of old libraries. I love libraries. This one has a really good CD collection too. read more

Libraries are beautiful places to get lost in If you're an NU student or anybody at that who wants to get away from the hustle bustle of college/outside life and get yo studying/reading on, the evanston public library is the best place to get that done. The people who work there are very helpful and the library itself is HUGE. Each floor has roomy table space and windows that look outside, perfect environment to get work done. They've got wifi, clean bathrooms and water fountains with actual cold water. Yes! All sorts of people from all walks of life are bound to enjoy EPL read more

I love love love this library. I could go to the NU library, and I do sometimes, but it's like the public library's emo, ugly cousin. The public library, on the other hand, is a gorgeous, art deco structure, with a lot of natural light. There are a ton of great places to work and lots of room to spread out. There are also many outlets and pretty good wireless. I would recommend studying here. Coffee shops are great, but if you want NO distractions but not to feel like you're in an institution of some sort (NU library!), come here and feel good about studying. :) read more

I did not know suburbs could afford such beautiful public libraries. EPL is big and modern-looking with nice decor/art throughout. I love the huge mobile hanging from the foyer area's ceiling. The people at the front desk may not be the most efficient, but they're very friendly. Borrowing DVD's will cost you $1 but their selection is lacking. The "book sale" area has some amusing old items. I once immediately needed a book that was unavailable at the Northwestern library, Barnes & Noble, and Borders (and in any of the latter two chains within a 30-mile radius). But EPL miraculously had it and saved me! A good tip: Though their GRE books are always checked out, EPL subscribes to online test review resources that you have access to with your library card. The wireless is TERRIBLE, patchy and slow. The very friendly and helpful librarians had a terrible time dealing with their catalog, which took forever to load on all three of their computers. I mentioned that wireless has been absolutely horrible in my experience, and they nodded knowingly and confirmed that it, officially, sucks. (Apparently they keep calling the higher-ups to get someone to fix it, but no one ever responds.) EPL is a great resource when you need it, and a nice, peaceful place to study. read more

This is a magical library with a magical card that allows you to learn about anything you could possibly want. The book selection is extensive. The hold system is quick for books that aren't currently in stock. The vibe is peaceful. And, the children's floor is wonderful. There are several areas for kids to play. It's the perfect place for children to develop of a love of learning. read more

I've never been much of a library girl, but with the economy in its current state, the library has become my best friend. EPL is awesome. Great selection, welcoming interior, good location, generally nice staff. Only thing that bugs me is that they charge 50 cents to place a book on hold if you do it online, but if you just pick up the phone and call them and ask them to hold it it's free! read more