5/9/24 @ 5 pm - This is probably one of my favorite libraries I've visited in the U.S. Not only…read moreis the architecture and decor strikingly beautiful and well-thought out, the activities, variety of leases, and engaging events are likely a catch for everyone (small kids to senior citizens)! They have kids' room, teens' room, so many different rooms, help desks, sitting areas, donation boxes, restrooms, art displays, games, etc. I could write about this library in numerous paragraphs and still not cover all it has to offer and see. I particularly loved the daily bake off (see photos), electronics charging station, baking dish rentals, self-defense classes, modern computer game for up to four kids to play at once. Visit if you're in the area or not too far. This would be a regular destination for me if I lived here. My camera was blurry on this rainy day, but hopefully pics help someone make an informed decision.

Restored and open as of September 18, 2010…read more What a beautiful old building, so lovingly restored. Walking around, exploring the space, one is struck by the joy the craftsmen builders must have felt as they built and restored this wonderful place. The staff could not be more helpful, the collection impressive. Welcome back! Such a delight! Enjoy!

We went to the genealogy department to get some inflammation on family history in Galena. The staff…read morewent above and beyond helping us for an hour and printing out articles and pulling up pictures on line and in databases. We were so thankful that they took the time to help us.

Who visits libraries when they are in a town for vacation or a short trip? Why, I do! If they are…read moresignificant, anyway. This one is a beautiful Carnegie library from the early 20th century (1908, I believe). Galena's public library is on Bench Street just above Main. It's a very small library but mighty for sure! They have an old fashioned system for their shelves that I wish I understood but it's in great condition. There's a small reading area on the north side of library and it looks very cozy. The fireplace is beautifully decorated as well. Downstairs is the children's library and the historical collection. I wandered into that room and one of the men working there was so helpful! There was one guy working with a couple who was trying to do some genealogical research, and the other man asked me if there was anything I was looking for. Not being from Illinois, there's no particular personal history of interest to me, but I did ask about Masonic lodges; he mentioned there was a lodge just down the street and showed me something in the old records that listed the Masonic organizations that exist(ed) in Galena. He showed me some of the newspapers they still have in their collection. These are the actual newspapers that were printed on the day in question, so he pulled out some that talked about the death of President Lincoln and the aftermath. He also showed me one from when Richmond fell during the war. It was really cool! I don't know if I realized that newspapers were once printed with more of a cloth-like blend as opposed to wood pulp, and these editions were in such good condition I at first thought they were copies of the originals, not the original printing themselves. He invited me to look around at things as well, and I found a notebook that talked to some extent about the history of enslaved people in the area. They're in the midst of a project where they're digitizing the records, so at some point you'll be able to view these items online. They'll retain the original items of course, but it will be a treasure trove that will be more easily accessible to people throughout the world doing research on their families, midwestern history, or this little town home to a few historically important people. The front entrance, as you may have guessed if you looked at the photos, is not accessible. But fear not; there's an accessible entrance in the back, where the parking lot is, and an elevator that can take you up to the main floor.

On the edge of downtown Lancaster, Schreiner Memorial is a great library. Recently expanded and…read moreupdated, it is as modern and attractive as any new library in much bigger communities. Great collection, nice staff, free wifi, comfortable seating. It is located in a small park, so there is also nice seating outdoors or just on the grass under the trees if you would like to check out a book and enjoy nature while reading. They also have a band shelter outside next to the library, and Fridays evening there is often music in the summer. The only thing missing is coffee (why don't more libraries sell coffee?).

Cousin got married in the Whipple auditorium of the library yesterday, and the reception was at one…read moreof the conference rooms close by. Initial plans were to hold the ceremony up on the roof, but outdoor temperature and humidity, coupled with daily forecasts of thunderstorms, necessitated the change in plans. No worries, as they were all still able to get photos of the wedding party up on the roof and at other library locations. Since we were all here for rehearsal and wedding the two days I visited the library, I was not able to explore much, except for the Greyhound Deli & Cafe on the first floor, which was right underneath the conference room where the reception took place and the nearby Whipple auditorium, which were on the second floor. The space outside the conference room had tables, chairs, and couches and was designed so that you may look into the cafe's "courtyard" below. Oh, and I really enjoyed checking out the "green" roof and the porcelain patio furniture! Nice views of Pepsi's delivery areas... Hehe! All three levels are easily accessed by stairs and elevators. Would like to explore more on a return visit sometime in the future.

What a great place is the CR library - I stopped in when I had a few unexpected hours to study and…read moreafter spending a few hours here, all I can say is "Wow"! The parking situation is a bit cramped as the lot only houses ~ 30ish cars, but if you find a spot, you're gold. Upon walking in, I was impressed with how modern and open the place is. There are tons of windows letting plenty of light in and lot of fun lighting throughout. Whilst walking up the stairs, I noted the random illumination of the wall next to me- it's the little things! I didn't explore tons of different areas, but did find the computers upstairs as I'd left mine at home. The computer section had around 50 machines and with a photo ID, I was able to log on for a couple hours. Tons of study space as well, including a bunch of private study rooms upstairs. The children's area was quite extensive and something our little dudes would enjoy. The furniture in the kids area had a healthy dose of modern art mixed in and made me want to sit/play on it. Café downstairs had plenty to drink/eat and made for some good caffeinating. Cool factor - They have a video game check out section for multiple different systems. Take home message - Great place to work, study, read or learn. If we lived up here, we'd be here A LOT!

Wow. What a fantastic library. We took a family roadtrip down to Cedar No Rapids, and the Marion…read morePublic Library was recommended to us as great for kids. Turns out it was great for adults as well. It's an oasis. They're doing sooooooo much more than typical. As much community center as library. Check out more at www.tundrabites.com

I liked the library in Marion before, but the new o e is awesome. The staff makes a library. I went…read morewith my grandsons and they were quickly signed up for the summer reading program. They were very helpful at finding some books the older boy wanted (inter library loan), and connecting the younger boy with books that fit his interests. The summer reading program has activities for kids - younger and tween/teen. They got a calendar positing them. The new (well a couple of years now) space is lovely as well. Lots of displays with enticing covers or titles in both adult and kid's sections. We all left with books to keep us busy.

Excellent staff offering extraordinary customer service. Always a willingness to help and find…read morethat wanted book, DVD, or audio book. Also, changing art displays add visual interest to the library while recognizing local artists and craftsmen.

From the owner: We are a public library serving all your informational, educational and entertainment needsread more

Its a lovely library with nice staff. Free wifi. Lots of books. The archives in the basement is be…read morebest. Mineral Point has done a great job preserving their history.

It says it's a "Free" library right on the front of it and I'm not sure exactly what that means,…read moreother than they don't have late fees of any kind. It's small, but there's always interlibrary loan!