A beautiful library in a lovely park (though the park had several "residentially challenged" folks)…read moreand it was pretty awesome because the library's free wifi extended to the street. This meant that I could do my phone calls on high speed internet and still eat lunch out of the Sprinter van's fridge! It's an extremely impressive structure, inside and out. Don't miss the rotunda and the vaulted ceiling! [Review 20647 overall - 220 in Wisconsin - 1628 of 2023.]

The Simmons library tour exemplifies the overused term "hidden gem."…read more Kenosha is a nice town and all, but there isn't much to "do" there. My wife and I execute occasional border raids to pillage goodies that we can't get in Chicago (such as New Glarus beer and Jelly Bellys straight from the teat). I like to find other things to do to justify the trip, and on this occasion my wife sniffed out the Simmons tour. What a find for this bibliophile, history buff, and architecture enthusiast. This event surprised me three times: 1. This place exists? In Kenosha?? It's so cool! 2. We will be lonely on this tour, right? How awkward. Nope! There were thirty other guests. 3. There can't possibly be enough to say about this place to fill a 90-minute tour. Wrong! The tour guide (Bob?) was great. He taught us plenty about the town itself and the SImmons family before getting into the library itself. I won't go into the details--just take the tour and hear it all straight from the source. He did a great job. You will learn about architecture, turn-of-the-century midwestern industry, numerous other aspects of history, and even a little library science. You will also see every single room in the building (except perhaps for the restrooms--visit on your own time), even offices and storage spaces. Be prepared to climb some cramped spiral staircases. The last segment takes place in the modest board room where you can pore over several artefacts and documents. Very interesting stuff. Second Saturday of every month, 2:30pm. Check it out!

My kids ages 5 and 4, love it! Great play area and cozy spots to read. Kids always have a blast.read more

Unfortunately, internet and technology have made public libraries virtually obsolete. However, they…read morestill serve an important public service. It's stocked with books, magazines, and newspapers on virtually any subject. Best of all, they are completely free, which is all too often forgot. Internet access is also available for free in timed increments. An important note: They do carry some text books, so check here first before paying an absurd amount for a book that you'll only use for a few weeks and save some cash at the same time. Maybe then you can get that pizza instead of Ramen Noodles again.

It may not compare in size or architectural design to the Seattle library, but the Lake Forest…read morelibrary offers the traditional library experience: cushy leather couches, high arched ceilings, hushed studies, and dense shelves of endless tomes. Let not the stately, historical exterior fool you; this facility is all sorts of state-of-the-art from the materials they carry (e.g., current DVDs) to the technologies they employ (downloadable e-books). I can't help but always be impressed and pleased at having access to this library as a local resource through the parental units. Walking through the doors here inevitably leads to happy feelings!

One year later and it's time to update my review. This library continues to prove why it's such a…read moregreat destination. Besides the wonderful children's section that continues to be a highlight of our week, I've been borrowing books on CD. They have a decent selection and the front librarians can point you to the ones worthwhile to check out. I spend a lot of time in the car and these have been a lifesaver. I've also gotten addicted to checking out books online. Yes! This library lets you borrow E-books from the comfort of your own home. Perfect for us parents who are on the go and don't have the ability to pursue the stacks on our own time. The library offers multiple study areas and free wi-fi. Yeah baby! So you can set up for the day if you need to get some work done ... But quiet library etiquette is still the rule so put away that annoying cell phone! Also, if you need a book and the library doesn't carry it, the reference desk is extremely helpful in getting an inter library loan for you. I can't tell you how many crabby librarians I've had to work with at other libraries. But not here! They're all helpful and approachable. Oh. And they're on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. However you need to reach them, they're there. One minor thing -- I do think it's time for them to update the adult media stacks from a decor standpoint. But really, I'm so please to call the Lake Forest library my home library.

I noticed that many of these reviews were for their old location in Chicago and not the new place…read morein Kenosha. The building is quite striking from the outside. Unfortunately for me that was the best part of the experience. We happened to arrive on memorial day weekend when they were having a special ceremony. Despite looking at their website it was unclear that their hours were different. They didn't open at 10am but at noon when their special program began. We killed 40 mins thinking that at noon we could get into the building but no we had to wait through the fortunately short ceremony (which was hard to hear due to a poor PA setup). It was free on this day so not sure the regular price but thank goodness because this place was not what we expected. It wasn't really war memorabilia but some exhibits telling stories of some soldiers. Don't get me wrong the exhibit about the chaplain and his collection of glass from damaged European churches during WWII was well done but that was most of what was on display. We spent maybe 30 minutes or so here. I do support the founder Jennifer Pritzker in her stance that she isn't going to let any government officials dictate the stories being told. A benefit of this being a privately funded museum. Nonetheless very underwhelming.

Very disappointing. The Kenosha location is very nice, but there's basically nothing to see inside…read more There is a lot of empty wasted space in the building. Definitely would not go again.

Beautiful setting overlooking Lake Michigan, huge library, friendly staff from counter assistant…read moreall the way up to Director. Seed catalog for gardeners. 3D printers... all kinds of useful stuff. All free. Can't beat it.

1) The library has respectable hours. I live in an area where every time I want to go to the…read morelibrary it happens to be closed! Kudos to however this library is being funded. 2) The books are taken care of. They don't look like they've been sitting untouched for decades. They look clean and in good condition. 3) Checkout is a breeze. You can be checked out or you can enjoy self checkout by scanning your card at a separate kiosk type deal near the counter. 4) You don't have to visit the library to checkout books! The Racine Public Library has an online checkout process that allows us to checkout electronic copies of popular books and read them on our devices. 5) You don't have to visit the library to return books you checked out at the library. There are drop boxes around the city where you can return books although it seems like they move from time to time. I thought there used to be one by Kohl's Food. I also thought there used to be one near Starbuck by the post office. Recently though, I found it at Lockwood Park on Ohio. All more convenient than going downtown to return books. 6) This library partners with other area libraries so you aren't limited to what is in the Racine location. 7) Location, location, location! It's so nice to have that whole wall of sunshine while shopping for books. This library is a very welcoming environment where you want to sit and read or research for a while. If you sit near the lake, it's a beautiful view you simply cannot beat.

What a beautiful new library! Stunning green space surrounding the library. This was my first time…read morevisiting the new location. Many years ago, I was a regular attender of the old location. I was so pleasantly surprised to see such a remarkable upgrade. We met friends here for a playdate and just so happened to come on family bingo day. Our kids had a blast playing. The facility was very clean, the staff was helpful in directing me and very welcoming and overall, we had a great experience.

Beautiful, clean library with tons of parking and lots of great materials to check out. Nice…read moremeeting room spaces. I like the variety of library programs they offer here, too.

The cutest library! Every time we come by we always have a great time, the staff is always so…read morehelpful and so kind to my family and always greet my son with a smile. We've come by to visit their book sale, stroll around the library, and they have tons of great resources in both Spanish and English to support the community. They have great tech resources that you can book time to use too, I have yet to use them yet but so cool to know it's available. They also have a silent working room if you ever just need a change in scenery but need the silence to work. They're under renovations for the kids area, but can't wait to see how it all comes together this summer!

This library has something for everyone and that makes all the difference. I enjoy how organized…read morethey are. They have great programs for kids. Went to two different story times for babies and then one for three year olds. My daycare children were engaged with the different songs and activities the librarians provided. The library has a wide selection of books, dvds, and cds. They pretty much have everything you are looking for and if not they are always willing to help you find it or do an interlibrary loan. The library has different sections one for little kids, elementary ages, teens, young adults and adults. Love the distinction between the areas. The librarians are all friendly and helpful. You could spend a lot of time in there.

Stunning architectural details at this library - transports you to Hogwarts but much brighter and…read moreless crowded. Went on a weekday, ample (free) street parking. The library is on the 3rd floor and you just have to go through a few doors and make a left turn. Added bonus? Books in this particular library are free! Left the place a happy camper.

If you want to be transported to Platform 9 and 3/4 and take an adventure to Hogwarts, then you…read morewant to visit Harper Library Reading Room. Ample amount of table space along with reading chairs if you don't need a table. It is generally very quiet. In other words, you will hear your water bottle echo loudly if you accidentally drop it (true story).

We've been coming here regularly and it's been such a reliable community resource…read more The space is clean, organized, and easy to navigate with kids. The children's section is especially well laid out, with a good mix of books, toys for the kids to play with, and places to sit and watch them enjoy! The staff has always been kind and helpful when we've needed assistance. It's the kind of place that makes everyday outings easier and more enjoyable. And it's free! I'm so grateful to have it nearby, especially during the long, cold Chicago winters.

The Skokie Public Library is highly impressive both in terms of scope and beautiful, modern design…read more I went recently on a busy weekend, and I was still able to land a convenient free spot in their parking lot. The turn in gets a bit busy, but just be careful of vehicles turning out as you turn in. Once entering, you are greeted by a veritable alcove of beautiful books laid out in gorgeous, grand, minimal aisles. As you walk in, they have outdoor sculptures viewable from windows encased around them like a glass column. I went upstairs to explore after viewing their enormous children's collection from a distance, mainly to find a quiet place to write. Along the way, I passed some individual study rooms, a huge makerspace, and a variety of seating: some super comfy to cozy up with a book or some at wide or tall tables to get your productivity on. I would say this library was bustling but still quiet. It led to a very productive writing session for me. I didn't have any questions to pose to the librarians, but upon brief observation of other encounters, they seemed kind and knowledgeable. Check it out if you're ever in the area!