This library is absolutely so cute for little ones in the children's area. It is very clean, and the staff is nice! Inside the children's section offers baby station area, laundry and washer area, and dinosaurs & educational toys. I will come again since I live 15 minutes away I don't mind the drive. read more

The building isn't particularly warm or inviting, but it is clean, accessible, and easy to navigate, as it's quite a small space. I was welcomed by staff and greeted as I went to the desk to purchase a used hardcover for $1, a good deal. I appreciate the phone chargers and all-gender restrooms. There are a lot of community education materials displayed, and free publications. Lilacia Park surrounds the library and is lovely to stroll around after a visit to the library. read more

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Walk into what smells like a really old basement. Definitely an older library. Kids area is limited and there is not much to do but good amount of books and puzzles. Overall clean but there are better libraries close by. read more

Helen Plum Library - The playroom for kids - 2 small cars, some kitchen toys, a box of dinosaurs and wooden blocks to build - Libraries Near Me - Lombard, Illinois

Nice, clean library. Drop boxes are out in front but parking is across the street.

Didnt think I would have to write a negative review for a library But the staff here are truly obnoxious. If you havent had a bad experience yet, well its just a matter of time read more

This is a good library with a lot of activities for all ages. A word of warning, however. Please return music CDs inside the library, not in the drop boxes. I put a music CD in the drop box and it was never checked in (got lost somehow between the box and making its' way inside the library). I complained and they removed the item from my account but I'll never use the drop box for CDs again. read more

As a citizen of Lombard who PAYS TAXES FOR THIS LIBRARY, I love the thought that my money also funds a homeless shelter where individuals sleep in, and occupy almost every seat and computer in the place along with their rancid-smelling luggage. I typically come here to study but once winter comes, I can't even find a seat. Looking to invest in an illness this winter?! Look no further! You can surround yourself with homeless individuals who would love to cough and sneeze all over every inch of the place. Want to view individuals clipping their toenails and blaring music on their phone? Then visit The Helen Plum Library, where the clients smell like a dumpster fire and the staff is too 'nice' to do anything about it. All joking aside, it infuriates me that my wife and I do pay taxes and these are the conditions I/we have to deal with. As a parent, I would NEVER feel safe bringing my child here. In addition, I work at a local ER where I see some of this 'clientele' and have witnessed how unsanitary (bed bugs, scabies, etc) and violent some of these individuals can be. Very disappointing. read more

4 stars. I popped in today for the first time in years. I was in search of LSAT prep stuff on the FREE, so I thought I would see if my tax-dollars had been put to good use. Well, they were. The nicest librarian ever helped me out. In 5 minutes I had more than enough study material. And, another book on reserve. Plus, I learned that I can get books downloaded to my Kindle! Cha-ching! I'm lovin my library now, for real! Funny thing is, apparently, I had a library card waaaaay back in '07. Totally slipped my mind. But, the lady at the desk was more than happy to refresh my memory and politely ask me to pay the $12 fine I had racked up almost 5 years ago! I borrowed the DVD 'Mean Girls' and returned it a few days late. But, get this... I've still never seen the movie! I guess I didn't get a chance to watch it! LOL - $12 still beats going to B&N or ordering test prep stuff from Amazon! Anyday! Thanks Helen Plum! read more

My personal favorite part of the Lombard library is that I think they have a great selection of travel books. Every time I am going on vacation I head to the library and they always have recent and helpful books for wherever I am going. The library is always busy- it is very popular. They seem to have great and creative events for the community. Over the years I have had some negative experiences with a few of the women working the checkout desk- they aren't always friendly and it seems extremely important to them that even if no one else is in line that you go all the way over to the right of the desk and wait under the sign until they call you. My most recent experience was very positive- the young woman was very pleasant and warm. read more

I can read people with bad attitudes like a book. And when I want to read a book about people with bad attitudes, I come here, where I've had a library card since 1987. I am pleased to report that the Helen M. Plum LIbrary has done an admirable job keeping up with the times, despite not having been blessed with great architecture. It was a freaking estate, for crying out loud! Thankfully, they have a pretty good selection of new and classic popular music and historical DVD's. When I got into the old soul sound of acts like Ray Charles, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, and the like, "The Plum" was there like a cool older uncle, letting me borrow some of his old record and CD greatest hits collection. I appreciate the online reservation and requests, and the self-checkout, especially when I pop in quickly after a workout, and I don't want to subject anyone to my grossness. The Plum is about two blocks away from the Lombard Metra stop, and the rest of "scenic downtown Lombard" (gag). If I was a commuter, I'd stop in after work and grab something to bring with for the ride in and out. Also, the Lombard Historical Museum is right across the street, which is right next to the Maple Street Chapel. A lot of history, all on the same block! read more

You may not know that many of the resources provided by Plum Library are available from the comfort of your own home or wherever you have internet access. All you need is your name, library card number and PIN (which you may request online). * You can download ebooks for your Kindle, iPad, Nook, computer or other devices. It's magic! ;) * You can download audiobooks for your iPod or other portable device. * You can search a number of magazines & newspapers, education, general reference, business, health, and genealogy resources like World Book Encyclopedia, Britannica, ERIC, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, MEDLINE, HeritageQuest and many more. * You may search for items which Plum Library does not have via WorldCat ILL and request these items for Interlibrary Loan. * You can search the library's catalog. * You may manage your library account. All of the above are accessible via the library's website: http://helenplum.org If you don't have internet access at home, Helen Plum Library now provides extended internet use. HPL cardholders may use the internet up to four hours per day, unless others are waiting. There is designated library parking in the same lot as parking for the Elmhurst Memorial Lombard Health Center. The Helen Plum Memorial Library is on the same plot of land as Lilacia Park. read more

Explain this to me... - This library, like pretty much all libraries, has internet-access computers and free wifi for patron use. - They even offer charging cords for your cell phone. And yet! Explain this to me! a) There are no stations where you can sit, plug in your own laptop and do work (I was left perching it on my lap in a corner) and b) cell phone signals are totally blocked, or at least Verizon is. I totally understand not wanting to have people chattering away or loud ringtones going off. But staff should be willing to make and enforce rules just like they would any disruptive patron. I visited the library for an hour or so to get some work done while I was waiting to get my car fixed, so that I wouldn't have to buy more coffee/food from The Corner House, and I missed the call from the shop because of no service inside. And it wasn't comfortable or easy to do any work there regardless. I'd love for HP to be a comfortable place to spend a few hours reading and working on a computer, but until they make it more tech-friendly, it's really not worth it. read more

I agree, I was there to get a library card and they've told me since I rent and out of there limits, they've told me to pay 249.00 dollars just to get the card and they were rude and unpleasant. BEWARE, I wouldn't go back there if my life depended on it. Not worth it. read more

My prior review was written before I had a child. While I can't denounce what I had written before, my two-year-old has allowed me to appreciate the children's section of Helen Plum. We've visited other local libraries, and I'm pleasantly surprised to say that Plum does a good job with their children's section. The play area is of a very good size, the book-and-toy collections in tote bags ready for check-out and appealing, and the librarians that work in the section and mostly helpful and pleasant. I still wish that Lombard had a better building for their library, but the library itself is holding "community engagement meetings" to discuss their future. Perhaps better days are ahead, and I hope that my two-year-old will nap long enough to let me attend one of the meetings. read more

Just started coming to our local library. This is such an old facility. I was sort of shocked at the age/wear and tear of this place. This is nowhere near the community hub like they seem to advertise to new residents. Sure they have a few events, but this place is straight out of 1970. They are way behind compared to neighboring facilities. They do have a decent selection of books. Their DVDs and Blue Rays are okay and I feel like they have a few of the most popular dvds. Their children's section is okay -- it has potential. Lots of children play in their play section during the day. It becomes a nuthouse. So why the 1 star? Well, I've run into homeless people on multiple occasions here -- outside and inside the library. Not to mention the socially awkward people at the front desk that speak to me like I'm a child. That is something new and I haven't experienced this elsewhere. This is especially true about the older women I've encountered at the front desk. When going to check out, they act like I'm a giant inconvenience to them. They also don't have patience for little children trying to check out their own books. This is completely opposite of the great and friendly librarians in the children's area. We've experienced nothing but positivity from them. But I'd love to tell library higher ups that they need to put the right people in the right positions. It doesn't matter if I have a stellar visit in the children's area -- if the last person I speak to is rude and makes me feel like I'm a pain in the butt, I don't feel like returning. Every time I come here I leave in a bad mood because my interactions with the front checkout desk have been less than pleasant. I don't even think a library makeover (as proposed) would make me want to come back here. Too many homeless and rude people wandering this place. read more

I used to live a block away from Helen Plum Library and would go multiple times a week. I loved visiting this library to study or read or rent a dvd. I re-read the entire Harry Potter series in this library and it was divine. The building held a special place in my heart because of the nostalgic "old library" feel, even though I know they are planning to renovate. An added bonus is that it backs up to Lilacia park which is a perfect outdoor reading spot. read more

I gave this library 3 stars because of the inconsistent customer service. Some of the people who work the desk are absolutely wonderful, and a couple of them are terrible. We moved here a year ago and when I applied for a library card I happened to get a very unfriendly woman who did nothing to make me feel welcome. The way she scrutinized my ID you would have thought I was applying for top secret security clearance at the White House. I've been impressed with the selection of materials and have attended a book discussion. Get your staff all on the same page regarding customer service expectations and I'll raise my review a star or two. read more

Not once was I greeted by any of the staff; and when I walked up to employees giving them a smile, they just stared at me. I do not want to bring the race card into the review.. but I feel like whoever is in charge of this library needs to retrain their employees to be kind to everyone who walks into their door. Because as I looked for books, I noticed that those same employees were extra friendly to ahem, all of the other visitors who walked in after us. I am a friendly person and honestly, I felt insulted and unwelcome. They walked up to these visitors and asked them if they needed help. Never did they walk towards us to ask my husband and I. So rude. I doubt I will walk into this place again. Libraries are supposed to feel safe, not uncomfortable. If I could give it zero star status, I would! read more

If I could give this Library ZERO stars I would. I am new to the Lombard area and this has to be the worst library I have ever been to. The building is old and not antique/historical old...run down, thread bare carpet. And it smells. There isn't any room or tables for anyone to sit down and do actual work, the floor plan is taken up by the world's oldest/cheapest bookcases. The ONLY reason I will go back there is to get a library card which I need to get access to the Elmhurst library, which is beyond beautiful. read more

Very good library. Registration was quick and efficient. Collection of children books and toys are great. I used online book search facility and its very useful. Staff is also very friendly and helpful. read more

Love this library and my 4 year daughter asks to visit at least once a week. We spend a lot of time in the children's area.

I did all of my genealogy research using the Plum Library databases. The librarians were especially helpful when needed. I also did all of the research needed for my property tax appeals. My successful appeals have saved me thousands of dollars. I could not have done this without the Plum Library. They even provided the necessary office supplies. I have used the Plum Library carrels for several years to teach literacy as a volunteer ESL instructor. The staff made a special order to get bilingual dictionaries that I requested. I have made numerous inter-library loans over the years. They do this very efficiently at the Plum Library. I regularly check out books, DVDs, and CDs. They have an excellent selection. They also have high-speed internet terminals. I even like the mid-century architecture and enjoy walking through the adjacent Lilacia Park. read more

Love my local library! It's so convenient to be able to look up books online, reserve them, and then go and pick them up right by the front door. Their staff is always helpful and friendly. Plus during the month of September, you can show your library card at places all over town for free stuff! (free dessert at Brick's Pizza!) read more

This is a nice neighborhood library. My little son loves coming here as they have a great kids section with lots of fun toys including Legos. We love the story times and other special events that happen regularly. My son really enjoys all the activities! I have not explored the adult section much but found some good cookbooks and so far have found whatever I have looked for. read more

Everyone is very nice at this library, so the low rating isn't due to the employees. This library is very outdated and needs to be expanded and brought up to date like the Wheaton and Elmhurst Public Libraries. I go here occasionally, but I prefer to take my son to the Elmhurst Public Library. Lombard please build a bigger library that has a bigger selection! read more

I recently moved to Lombard and walked in to this place for the first time to get a library card, I walked in and walked right out because this place is ghetto and sells like cat urine. I decided that I'd rather pay the $100 a month to still go to the Elmhurst Library. read more

Helen Plum Library has a fantastic kids section and lots of fun programs and craft days to take my kids to. The building is a little run down, but it seems like everyone is doing their best. I can usually find what I want to check out for the kids, adult books sometimes have a really long wait list. I love the new magazines on my Kindle! read more

THE LIBRARIANS themselves are kind and more than willing to help, and the building and layout has bettered over the last year. Many an essay was completed because of them. HOWEVER I understand when closing time comes,everyone wants to leave. Heaven knows I have stared longingly at a clock as the seconds passed. So I always hurry up when they're going to close soon. But when some tall, white-haired guy comes along 15 MINUTES before closing saying to hurry up they aren't going to wait for me and will kick me out I ATTAIN AND RESTRAIN THE FURY OF A THOUSAND PERIODS That is RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL behavior in the workplace, I don't care WHO you are. And it has happened multiple times over the years. Also, if I hurry down the street and get there 15 minutes before close, and tell them I know what book I need and EXACTLY where it is and would be out in less than a minute ( and they can time me even) I either get told I still can't come in cause they're closing, and if I do get let in I'm given snarls and glares from same man, and irritated sighs from the rest. I'm sorry you peg me for some uncaring adolescent who does things on purpose to irritate you. I'm just a 23 year old full time college student with a part-time job and people to care for... who has lived here all her life, come to you for research almost every week of her life and you still don't see me as the person trying to be considerate of your schedule after I've done so for years. It's almost the same people working there all this time too. *** As I said, the librarians know their stuff and are happy to help. And I guess that's the most important thing. The books aren't half bad either. Just watch out for the white-haired tall man with glasses who hates his job. The prick. read more

I really think this is another Lombard "fail". There is potential (square footage) to be a nice space, but it just feels dated (in a bad way) and like other city run services, the people in their employ are not friendly and often downright rude in how they treat their patrons. Maybe some of the senior staff need to retire and recognize that libraries have changed and are not the same rigid, silent, institutional-types of space they were 40 years ago! read more

Small library but not as small as Villa Park. They have books for sale! I know I shouldn't buy any though! I never re-read books.

We've lived in Lombard for 4 years now, and there isnt really anything good to say about this Library. The library itself is very small. The children's area is tiny, about the size of an average living room. Each area is poorly organized, and unless you know exactly what you are looking for (the author/title/subject) beforehand, its very difficult to find anything. There are a few programs run, which are good, but there are not very many (1 per age group per month). This library doesnt even begin to compare to Elmhurst or Schaumburg, let alone what I expect here with our taxes so high in this area. There is also no cap on late fees per account which is ridiculous, and they add service charges to most late fees unnecessarily. Also, if you are used to managing your account online, requesting books etc, you can forget it. You pretty much have to call and talk to someone there or go in person for anything. After we moved in and checked out the library for the first time, I cried. If I had seen it beforehand, we would have NEVER moved into this area. read more

I love the Helen Plum Library! The employees are always very friendly and helpful, and the few times that I would like to read a book that they don't have, they arrange for the book to be obtained from another suburban library. Every week they display a shelf of new books, CDs and DVDs that will be available for check out the following week, so you can keep current on what books are coming out. Their online system makes it extremely easy to see what books have come in for you, when your books are due, and so forth. If there is a new book out there that you want to read and you are a resident of the Village of Lombard, they will order the book that you want to read. read more

Sadly, it seems this library is all about the money. We live in an unincorporated area and therefore have to pay to buy a library card. We went to one of the closest libraries to us and paid for a card. As we occasionally vist the Lombard library when we are in the area, I tried to register the card with them to check out a book for my daughter. As libraries have reciprocal agreements, I didn't think this would be an issue. Boy was I wrong. I was told they wouldn't honor my library card as the woman felt I shouldn't have bought it where I did. She first said they should have gotten the money. Although, when realizing our high school is not even in Lombard, she told me basically (and rather rudely) told me I would have to try and get a refund from the first library and then buy the card from the either the Lombard library or the town our high school is in. And that she wouldn't honor the Recpricoal Library Agreement. I am clearly not an expert in Library laws but I think it is crazy to not honor library reciprocity and turn children away because of money. And then I sadly found out the cost of us joining the Lomard library is almost DOUBLE all the surrounding libraries. I left with my head spinning and sad kids :( read more

This was my home library from 2012-2015. I enjoyed the many resources it had to offer, although at first I was disappointed with their audiobook section (I used to drive a lot for my job, so audiobooks kept me sane during times of high traffic). I can't speak to the meeting rooms or the children's area, but I can say that during my 3 years using this library, I watched the audiobook section grow quite a bit. They also have playaways there, which I hadn't seen before. They are audiobooks loaded onto a midi player, so there's no having to change discs or anything, just plug in your earbuds/headphones and go! Also, when I was moving away, I donated many books to the library The staff were super helpful, even going so far as to help me unload my many donations from my car! Good library, helpful staff. read more