On my last visit here, I learned about GPL's used book store. Thanks to my two grand-darlings who are somewhat regular visitors, they told me about it. I never even noticed it before, but it's located right by the main entrance, in a somewhat easy to miss nook (that's my official excuse anyway lol). All of the materials are donated, and they are organized and priced by volunteer staffers. All of the proceeds go to the library. I picked up a fun hard cover book on baseball humor for $4. They also had a March 1/2 price sale going on landscaping, gardening, and cookbooks. One of the grand-darlings picked up a cookbook and I paid $1 for it, and then she gifted it to grandma, duh! They also have music CD's and even some vinyl records and I'll check out the music selections on my next visit. Thumbs up! read more

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I was very impressed with the kids section. It was large, well organized and had lots of toys and things to play with. -There is a cute playhouse that is made out of books. -Lots of seating for kids and parents. I also loved the parenting book section and found some great books that are hard to find. All of the staff I interacted with were super friendly. I would definitely be here all the time if it was not so far away. read more

While the study rooms are a nice touch, the overall the experience left a bad taste. Far too many users of these rooms simply are possessive and rude. Booking a room results in a confirmation email, but when you show up it turns out someone has jumped your reservation demanding the room for themselves and you are bumped to another room without notification. How does this happen? Seems too weird for a software glitch. Instead human intervention is more likely... read more

I always liked coming here to do some work. It's quiet and clean for the most part, and I like coming here to have some silence to do my work. The employees I've encountered were always kind read more

This is a beautiful new(ish) library. Prairie architecture and lots of seating. There are four-top tables (most or all with lamps on the table); two-top study tables; individual chairs that are cushioned and comfortable but not soo cushy you'll sink down to the floor. Some of those chairs even have a little desk attachment. There are some small end tables scattered here and there amongst the chairs, too. One side of the building has a wall that has floor to ceiling windows, along the entire length of the wall, so there's lots of light (the wall itself isn't just a glass wall, but there are about 20 windows along it). I love how libraries are shedding the dungeon-like feel! There's a vending area and multipurpose room near the entrance. Overall, the library is quiet and peaceful. They appear to have lots of nice programming. There's lots of parking. There's parking in the west side of the building, and then there's underground parking. And across the street there's a Glenview Public Library sign as well, so I think that must also be library parking. This library is across from the Metra/Amtrak station so if I come back I may use Metra, since it's the same line that has a stop a block from my house. Be mindful of where you park. According to the message on the PA system shortly before closing, the underground garage closes at 5 so if you're still parked there then, you won't be able to get out. read more

I have been using the library for 20+ years and it is a fantastic community resource. The facility is beautiful, the staff super helpful and the offerings are more than books! They have really cool items - Internet of Things and helpful items for the house you can check out. A Genealogy resource, a books store with great books for a great price. A maker space where you can create really cool things for free or hardly any money. And there are plans to enhance the library. It's a great place to stop by and see what you're missing! read more

I normally dont leave these, but i go to a lot of libraries, and the makers space at this one is the cream man. They have this guy andy working there that does the best job i have ever seen. Hes patient, thoughtful, helpful, and absurdly knowledgeable. He even learns patrons names without exception. Do yourself a favor and go in and meet this dude. read more

Big beautiful public library, it's amazing the amenities suburban property taxes will get you. Good Wi-Fi. Very impressive collection and an excellent place to get some work done or read a book. Some of you may not know what I mean when I say, "read a book," and that fills me with an overwhelming sadness. Across from the Amtrak station. Look both ways before you cross the road. read more

Glenview Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

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Some days the WiFi is unbeatable and some rare days it is weaker and cuts out every hour. Study rooms are great if you need a room to yourself (ie. take conference calls), but they kick you out after a while if a lot of other people want a room. Drinks are allowed on the first floor (maybe more?) as long as the cup has a lid. The outer lobby has a few tables and chairs where you can eat food. read more

Very nice library. The person we spoke with was very nice and courteous. The library itself was very nice and kept clean.

The people here do NOT treat you well. I stood at one of the reference desks for a solid 7 minutes with a person passing me no less than 3 times making direct eye contact. I did not know if he worked there, and since he clearly saw me waiting for service and questions I assumed he did not. A couple minutes later I see him pushing a cart. That dude DOES work here. He just blatantly ignored me. When I asked if he worked here in front of a group of people at the computers he finally admitted "yes". And I said I was stood at the desk for over 5 minutes with him deliberately passing me, he just shrugs and says nothing. What a hole. It doesn't dawn on me that I'm the only black person I see in this library every time I come here. It could be racially motivated. read more

The library is great ! I have been coming here for many years. Great library! It has many books and a great kids section. Also, great staff! I was there yesterday and I didn't have my library card and the lady still let us checkout. All though she said that we would typically need a library card to checkout but since it was just one book she let us checkout. I definitely recommend this library! It also has an underground parking space ( good for tornadoes. Also , they have a summer reading program for grades K to 8th grade . (It is for people who want to log reading and earn prizes over the summer.) I definitely recommend this place 10 /10! read more

Absolutely a great amenity for our community. Lots of good stuff to entertain and educate.

Went to the Glenview Public Library today to the children's library. I was disappointed to see that two ADULTS were chatting loudly without consideration to others including young children playing quietly. read more

We just moved to Glenview. The US post office says it's Glenview. The police say it's Glenview. The male masked man at the desk said we live in incorporated Glenview (the first time anyone has told us that) and said we have to pay 15% of our rent for a library card. Thought it was the PUBLIC library, a free social service to residents. He wanted $360 to give me a library card. It would be over a $1,000 for my household to get cards. We will keep using our old library cards until they expire. So much for the donations we gave our previous library. What do they charge low income families? The Glenview Public Library is like an exclusive country club. Appalling! read more

I spent several hours in the library today, and felt as if I had travelled back in time: partially because I saw a girl who was the spitting-image 12-year-old version of my ex-girlfriend, who happened to grow up in Glenview, and partially because the library reminded me strongly of my hometown public library. In size, selection, and amenities, it seems to compare to a medium-sized CPL branch. It doesn't hold a candle to the Evanston Public Library, but they're constructing a new building next year, so one can hope. I fled my office in search of a quiet place to concentrate on some project documents, and the library filled that need nicely. They have study tables on both floors, but I found the second-story tables more to my liking, as they were off the beaten path of most library patrons. There is a large central skylight which gives a lot of great natural light to the entire space. The second floor is open in the middle so that it essentially forms a thick square balcony above the main floor. I like the design. During breaks in my work, I perused the stacks out of curiosity, since my usual library needs are strictly books, and found the selection expectedly sparse; they have a LOT of crappy recent fiction and pop non-fiction. However, they also sport a large collection of foreign-language volumes, especially Korean. Downstairs is the A/V room, and they offer quite a large number of CDs, audiobooks, and DVDs. I saw a lot of recent, popular stuff, so this must be a real convenience for the people of Glenview. The library runs a small book-sale area on the second floor, and if you can happen to dig up a gem in here, you will pay next to nothing: most paperbacks fifty cents and hardbacks one dollar. There are four free internet computers on the ground floor, and the place was swarming with staff, so you ought never fail to find someone to answer your questions. read more

Great public library. I reserve the quiet rooms for 2 hours at a time and can get a longer stay if nobody requests it after me. Upscale and updated library. Librarians are friendly. read more

I am very impressed with the Glenview Public Library. They have a historical room that has all the suburban city directories so nicely organized. The reference desk was very helpful assisting me with everything that I needed. Beautiful library. Thank you. read more

Great place to get your study on (not sure on the book/dvd selection, though). This library is gorgeous! -many open windows - so you don't feel like you're in prison when it's your 20th day straight studying -new clean dark wood tables and chairs with tabletop outlets and lamps -free wifi -clean bathrooms -quiet study space on the 2nd floor with individual cubicles, a couple of couches, and a large table tucked away behind a glass encasement for silence -5-6 group study rooms on the 2nd floor - can be booked in 2 hour increments -abundant parking Beware, they are very, and I mean VERY, crazy strict about their no food policy. I was treated as though I had committed a crime against humanity for eating my dinner while studying. So eat your snacks/dinner/food at the hallway tables inside before entering the actual library. They are fine so far with coffee and bottled water. I wish they had longer hours, but, I guess it just pushes me to be extra productive! read more

Compared to any other library in the suburbs, Glenview Library has always lacked in the area of treating patrons nicely. Even though it's my home library, I usually go to Niles, Northbrook, Deerfield, Skokie, Mount Prospect, even Vernon Hills, rather than this one. All the other suburban libraries have adopted "over-the top customer service" years ago. Not Glenview. From a security guard who angrily yells at the entering patrons "The library closes in 20 minutes!" to passive-aggressive Circulation staff (not all, of course), to a creepy-looking male shelver who falls asleep in the stacks with his pants down (yes, we did complain, but he still works there). And now, in the midst of this pandemic, the rudeness factor has only increased. Believe me, I didn't want to go there to begin with, but they had a book no other library owned, so I went. The greeter is seated in the lobby, and she was chatting with someone that wasn't library-related. I walked past them thinking that I didn't need help with finding anything. Suddenly she started yelling at my back in the tone a security guard might yell at a shoplifter: "Mam! Mam! Come back here! Wait your turn! Please!" All I did was walk into the library. I didn't steal anything, didn't do anything obnoxious. When she was done chitchatting with that person, she asked if I had an appointment. There were literally 3 cars in the parking lot, there were barely any patrons inside. But all right, it was probably the Library Board who came up with those ridiculous rules that you need to make an appointment even though the library is virtually empty. She didn't come up with the rules, I know. However, the very fact that the greeter finds it acceptable to yell at you upon your coming in, shows that things at Glenview Library have not changed and being rude to patrons is still an option. It's only if you haven't been to other local libraries where Customer Service is top notch that you could think Glenview was a good library. It's not. read more

As a person who might as well pitch a tent in the library parking lot (because i am at one 95% of the time) this place is the mecca of libraries in my opinion. Two floors of library goodness and the study space is amazing. Lots of open tables with outlets attached to them, a handful of private rooms( you really have to get lucky to snag those), and a quiet study area that has 4 desks and a few chairs. I love coming here for that reason. There are so many spaces to read/study and it's always dead quiet. Plus! amazing wi-fi, drink and snack machines, and there are a few restaurants right across the street in case you need some munchies. Love. read more

This place gets four stars for the children's section alone. It is the only library I know of that lets you take out toys and games. They have quite a selection too. A large wall filled with bags of toys to borrow. It's a great idea. I don't know why no other libraries have picked up on this. read more

a few words to describe this library: warm inviting polished beautiful bright open techy i love the dark wood everywhere. there's also a double-sided fireplace near the entrance, which i've never seen before and i imagine is pretty cool when it's got a fire in it. self check out is a plus. beautiful art in the entryway. the teen room was very impressive--comfy booths, appealing book displays, and even a flat screen with video game systems at the ready. i would totally hang out in there after school. i just don't quite understand the logistics of how they can restrict access to only hs students, but have parts of the collection housed in there. what if i'm in 7th grade and i want a copy of the hunger games? can i go in and get it? a couple of other, what i might call "missed opportunities" in this building were the "green" terrace and the youth space. don't get me wrong- both are beautiful. just, perhaps underutilized. they have this gorgeous terrace, but there are no chairs out there. there's nothing to indicate that you are even allowed to go out there. it seems a shame to me that the space is not being constantly experienced, enjoyed, and loved. and the youth department seemed kind of small for how big the library (and i assume the community) is. where do the little buggers hang out? it seemed a little sparce in the preschool area. they did have a ginormous collection of toys and games available for checkout, though! overall this is a lovely building, with lovely, dedicated staff, and many modern library conveniences, like a media lab and self checkout stations. the kind of library that makes me a little jealous, but also reminds me of what i love about my own library. read more

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I have been coming to the Glenview Public Library since literally birth. It is the library that I compare all others to. I have seen the building grow and change over the years. Their A/V selection is very good. I use it as an alternate to Redbox. For $1, you get either a 7-day rental of a movie (out sooner than Redbox/Netflix) or a 2-week loan of a TV series. The staff has gotten way friendlier over the years as well. You can tell you loves their job. My biggest complaint involves their parking lot. Their parking lot has improved greatly with the new building, but it is still too small. Also, it feel like I am playing "dodgecar" all of the time in the lot. read more

I live in Chicago, but I was in the area and had 2 hours that I needed to kill somewhere, so I decided to head to this library for some free WiFi. Wow, I was very impressed! It puts my neighborhood Chicago library to shame. A drive-up window to check our books and a huge bright modern building. I ended up upstairs because I was looking for some place quiet to work and it was perfect. There was a quiet study room and numerous rooms that can be used for small groups. read more

It's a five star library. No doubt. Great selections in all categories, plus they have an arrangement with other local libraries to share inventory if they don't have what you want. Sections are separated well to keep kids separate from serious readers and small group studies. The app works really well and it's easy to find what you want and renew your checked out items with a few clicks. Anyone complaining about this library should build their own. read more

After all that work Glenview....and here's your new library. Fresh digs, nicer building, bathrooms on the second floor, study rooms, more nooks and crannies for bookworms, students, and nappers. While I had practically lived in the library as a child (nerd i am, i am), and would at this age most likely be jubilant that we have a new library... I do miss the fact that this new building isn't as well arranged, inside and out. The map can suffice for the indoor confusion, but outdoors...the drop off box is on the side of the building in a dead end driveway, and parking is (at this time), sparse and hard to find. Hope it gets better before Dairy Bar opens and we lose the parking across the street. A few nice additions: there are open community movie nights, children activities, a nice warm fireplace in the front, computer lab and a complete separate area for the used bookstore. (Worth a trip if you want a good deal) read more

Who writes a bad review for a library? Who write a review for a library at all? Place is brand new and thus clean. Could use a larger area for quiet study, plenty of private rooms tho. Since everything is so scattered, if its busy, I have to walk around the whole place looking for an open table. Make it simple, designate an area. Otherwise I've spent the last year here studying for my LSATs. Got a lot done. Keep it up. read more

Really great facility. Free parking. Clean building. Very nice children's area. Plenty of educational toys to play with. Lots of board books for young children to look through. Only downside is the place is so nice it is packed with kids. read more

Glenview Library...why do I hate you so much? For it to be such a nice looking library, the staff here is terrible!!! I get better customer service at McDonalds in the City. In the 5+ years of coming here, not once have I seen one staff person with a small on their face. Not once, has the person sitting in the Audio-Visual department looked up from what she was doing to greet me which is really sad since they have it on locked down. The staff in the children's department are surprised when asked a question or when asking for help looking for a book. Really what gives? I so much prefer the Skokie library. Their staff is way more friendlier and their Audiobook and Video selection way outnumbered the limited selection in Glenview. I'll drive the 20 minutes versus the 5 minutes to feel welcomed. read more

The Glenview Public Library might be a big new shinny building...but not all residents- to their surprise- may have a VALID library card. My family has lived in Glenview for 30+ years and pay property taxes that specifically pay or are direct to the "Glenview Library Fund". Each member of my family has a legal and rightfully issued Glenview Library card without an expiration date printed anywhere on the cards. However, upon attempting to use her library card my daughter was told she was not "in the system" and was required to "prove she was entitled to the privilege to use the library". I called the library thinking of course, there must be some hiccup in the system. No hiccup, here is the Library "policy" although not posted anywhere on the library site. "If you do not use your library card in three (3) years, a Tax Payer is purged from the system then a tax payer can get their "privilege" back if they come in and prove they are entitled to the privilege of using the Glenview Library. Here are my issues: I was told the library "always emails before they purge you". They do not have my email and frankly, 30 years ago I do not believe I had an email. Therefore, if I used my card up until the time an email was part of the "application" the Library process is flawed with a faulty assumption that all valid library card would have an email attached to the account. I was then advised their second step was to telephone the resident and advise them the must come to the library to renew their card. WHY? I am a resident and I pay my taxes to support the library so why do I have to spend my time to renew my card? I have not changed and I still pay those taxes. The reason: The library generates a report of library users to the state. To generate this report, the library terminates cards after three (3) years. That is how they get the data to send to the state. Frankly, do not waste my time due to the library system limitations. It is akin to paying my gas bill and the gas company requiring me to prove I am still a valid customer. The Glenview Library process places the onus in the Glenview Tax Payer rather than obtaining a functional system for their state report. Here is my question: If the library purged me, continued to take my tax dollars, but refused services rightfully paid for, then where do I get my refund? Put it on a ballot. I will work to adjust the system. If you take my money then the services are mine. Period. No new application. No poor use of my valuable time. read more

In full disclosure, I have a deep, sentimental attachment to this library. I have been coming here for 27 years and reading is one of my most treasured hobbies. Nowadays, I primarily rely on the GPL for their excellent selection of books. They almost always carry what I'm looking for. I find the environment cozy and nice for a good wander. They maintain a good Facebook page, oddly enough. The real gem here is the Used Bookstore. They have an amazing selection at amazing prices. I almost always find what I'm looking for if it's a common title and have even found some incredible rare books here! Please check it out if you haven't already. I never buy a new book anymore without first going to this used bookstore. I've worked at a public library before and people get extra sensitive about policies and customer service. It was not as easy of a job as I thought it would be. As a patron, I keep to myself, so can't really comment on the staff. Everyone I've ever interacted with here has been nice and helpful. I know there are a lot of people who care about this place as much as I do. read more

Many a brainstorming and planning went into the building of the new library. Not to mention, $28 million dollars. The plans changed from moving the new library to the Glen, renovating the old digs, and plans changed architects hands before the unveiling back in October/2010. I am happy that the library did not move out of downtown Glenview but I have not been able to fully embrace the changes. I have come into the library for quick run through and quicker pick ups and drop offs. The parking lot when finished will stand where the old library was torn down. Street parking directly across the street on Harlem is 30 minutes or else the 5-0 will ticket your car. The old parking lot still curves along Glenview road and Lincoln. Book and AV material drop off bins line Prairie street. The library now houses proper seated areas for movies, a used book store, and a fireplace for lounging the day away. The staff at the front check out are patient dealing with my over due fines. read more

Nicest library I've ever been to. I mean I gotta admit that I grew up in a semi-ghetto in Phila(Shout out to my beloved hometown) and live in NYC where everything is expensive but old and small (I heart you NYC). But seriously this library is bigger than some schools. Quite places to work on the second floor. I can't speak for the books this lib has but as far as work space, amazeball! Gotta add that some desks are kinda oddly shaped to work on laptops. read more

I love this library- the kids section is huge! There is also an abundance of toys and games that kids can check out, and a play section with puzzles and legos which is perfect for my 2.5 year old. When my kids are both older they can take advantage of the media room where they show movies on random nights. I like the fact that they serve coffee too. The parking lot situation sucks, but it's one of the nicest libraries I've been to- I wish I came here when I was still in school! read more

This is one of the best libraries in the Northshore. I have very fond memories here and remember what it used to look like. There were major changes done to this library. The library is large. It's also aesthetically better-looking. There's nice new wood panels, large windows, automatic doors. There's also a lot of areas for sitting and reading or studying. The parking has also gotten better. There's underground garage parking, and so far I haven't had to go searching for a spot. There's always a spot open. The library is also near the NW- Metra line, off the Glenview stop. I've ran into a few people who come from Chicago in order to use this library. I'm glad the library is being used by more people. I think it's a great place for the community. read more

I'm not going to repeat all the accolades for the new Glenview Public Library others have already listed, except to say that I, too, am a user who travels from a nearby community to use this well-designed, attractive, comfortable, well-lighted space for serious work. Why? All the foregoing, of course, but most of all because the designers and staff of this new library had the foresight to create a large, open, attractive room--the entire second floor, in fact--for QUIET work. I so, so appreciate this! Short of heading off to a college or university library--which are not always open to general users--it is becoming increasingly difficult to find quiet library space within which to read, write, research, study, whatever...The reasons for this I'll not go into. Suffice to say, it's a distressing, puzzling phenomenon, and for someone who does the work I do, very problematic. Three cheers for Glenview and the Glenview Public Library! I do wish other local libraries would take a few cues from you! read more

I can't wait until they tear down the old building so that we can finally park next to the new building. I recently moved to Glenview so I didn't experience the old library. My fiance worked there when he was younger and said it was very small and "not much to think about." Now, I believe it is one of the best libraries in the Chicagoland area! I study here frequently and the amenities are always accommodating. Plenty of desk/outlet space, which is key for me and the ambiance and decor is homey and welcoming. There are a lot of programs that run through the library and the Multimedia/Meeting Rooms look amazing. I haven't attended a Book Club meeting or lecture yet, but Glenview did a really great job revamping their library. I feel lucky to have this library close by! read more

It's a beautiful space but the management is terrible. The policies to obtain a library card are beyond absurd. After bringing in a drivers license and a bank statement, I was asked for a copy of my property tax bill so they could see how much I was paying in property taxes in order to allow me to pay for a library card. Umm this is a library card people...just go to another library without all these obnoxious barriers. read more

Overrated library. Books/media old and outdated. Parking always a hassle as well as getting in or out. Place is more like Chucky-Cheese with squealing kids running around. Waste of tax-payers money. read more