My second home. This library is one of my favorite spots. It's so clean and orderly. The staff are available and welcoming. I am 98 years young and libraries have always been a wonderful place to visit. I enjoy watching children pick their books and then check them out. Keep up the good work. I give you a 5-star rating. Alma E. P read more

One of the most extensive resources in the district. compliment to all the staff. it would make good library sharing one too.

#1/ Best library in Chicago suburbs. Plenty of parking, even across the street. Calendar has a wide range of activities for all ages. I have borrowed countless books, videos, camera accessories and more. read more

It is undoubtedly the best library in the suburbs. Huge collection, friendly staff, and even a meeting room!

We've been coming here regularly and it's been such a reliable community resource. 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. read more

The Skokie Public Library is highly impressive both in terms of scope and beautiful, modern design. 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! read more

This is a review for the kids section. The library is very clean and new. It's kinda a long walk from the parking lot to the actual kids section. For some reason you have to walk all the way around the first floor. As you can see in the photos it's pretty expansive. The kids book section is massive and way bigger than I imagined. I was underwhelmed by the play space and actual toys. Also the seating was not that comfortable or inviting in terms of sitting and reading with kids. My kids said they were bored by the toys and preferred other libraries that had like a table to draw and more toys. I also felt it was almost too big of a space. It was hard to keep track of the little ones. I highly recommend in terms of the book selection but don't think I'd go back for playing. read more

The Skokie Public Library was my 2nd home growing up, and now as an adult it holds a bigger place in my heart. When I was younger, I used to sit in the chairs and spend endless hours read through all the books after school. And throughout high school I would meet up with friends after school so we could work on projects and homework together. During my undergrad it was the hub for research. But since graduation I haven't had the opportunity to visit often. So this week, in lieu of National Library week, my colleague and I decided to co work at the library! There are so many changes and upgrades since I've last been here. The library is more spacious and they now have break out rooms for different age groups so they have their own area to be in. The children's section of the library had small tables and chairs along with interactive games for them to learn to read. While the teens sections has study rooms for groups to work on projects together. The center of the main level has all of the media, from audio books, movies, cds, and more. Upstairs are most of the adult books, and various large tables where folks can work, along with different rooms for coworking and activities. The openness of the library has a bookstore feel, where it's all bright lights, highlighting books by genre just as you would find at a Barnes and Noble. There is a cafe area for those who want to eat and utilize the vending machines, and a few outdoor spaces with tables and chairs if you wanted to sit outside. All in all, we got so much work done, and the staff was incredibly nice. When they gave us a heads up that a large group of middle school students were about to come in and areas where we'd find more quiet spaces. With recourses like computers for folks to use, access to printers, local resources and more, there's so much to offer and do at the library! read more

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A mom-of-two's (a toddler and preschooler) straight-forward review - Pros: 1) The library is massive with books that cover lots of genres. We were very pleased to find a wide range of books emphasizing diversity. If your child loves to read, this will be the perfect place! 2) Space is very clean and the staff were very diligent in organizing the books. Cons: 1) There are several sections for young children to play, such as a table with magnetic building blocks, a table with a train set, a kitchen with two pizza ovens, a stove, etc. However, it looks like the play sets were incomplete. For instance, the stove did not have any toy foods or pots and pans. The pizza ovens only had one random slice of pizza. If you're here for play, it might be a bit of a challenge especially if there are a lot of young children. read more

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Popped in the Skokie Library to do some coworking. This was my first time here and it was a treat to visit. I like how the space was presented with a bookstore feel. The collections weren't cluttered and overwhelming but seemed more carefully curated to catch your eye. I initially found some tables by the Teen section since their study rooms were all booked up. I was able to work for a little bit but then school was letting out so I moved upstairs to the second floor. There was plenty of seating to plop down with your laptop. It was also nice to see that there was a community puzzle for people to do while they were there. I was surprised to find out that there were actually three levels considering it didn't look like it from the front of the library. It's a very beautiful library and would be back again when I'm in the area. read more

Skokie Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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BEST LIBRARY BY FAR... love it. My kid love going there. Miss Katty, Miss Mary, Miss Gudrunpr and PJ are our favorites storytime!!! Staff was very nice and welcoming. This library welcome for everyone :) read more

This place is beautiful. Feels more like a bookstore than a library. However! They organize their books in categories outside of the Dewey Decimal system. I was looking for books on InDesign. Thought I found the correct area of 686.22544. Nothing but art books. No computer books in sight. Look all over. Can't find what I'm looking for IN NUMERICAL ORDER. Asked a librarian and she told me how they set things up and showed me where the computer books were. She mentioned there were maps but I did not see them. I guess having a numerical system wasn't good enough. So, if you're having a hard time finding something, ask a librarian. read more

It's a great place to meet up friends. Also the librarian are nice. Has so much books and dvd that you'll probably find what you want. And it's always clean and I never seen it dirty. Plus I came here when I was a little child. read more

Skokie Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

The harassing staff in the makers room sucks. Dont plan on getting any help only arbitrary rule enforcement in between phone texts. Rest of the library gets an A double plus. read more

Great resource and beautiful setting -staff is always helpful. It's easy to make a request for a book or movie and when available the pick up is really easy. I wish parents with little children would take the opportunity to teach them that the library is a quiet place and good behavior is needed. Many times parents allow the children to continue screaming or running and it is not fair to everyone else. read more

The library is one of my favorite parts about living in Skokie. Extremely kind and knowledgeable staff, amazing resources and events, and of course, all the books anyone could hope for. They have wonderful programming for kids and adults, and a space that is as functional as it is beautiful. With courtyard spaces, study/meeting rooms, comfortable chairs, and quiet reading spaces, there's ample spaces for all kinds of needs. Skokie has really invested in the library and it shows! read more

You have to beg these people upstairs in a second floor to give you more time to use the computer they are always too busy talking between themselves and stuff Major changes need to be done in this library up on a second floor The guy with glasses likes to talk a lot but not help out people He's only interested working and talking with his own people what a shame I'm not going back read more

Beautiful library. Especially love the craft room; many options include machine embroidery, 3D printing, laser printing, sewing machine, etc for free use! Always staff available to help as well as instruction books for machines you are not familiar with. Lots of quiet seating and study rooms. Most of the seating outside of the children area is for very quiet study, so if you need to work with or chat with others, then I recommend reserving a room using your library card. read more

This library is gorgeous, BUT EVERY time I come here to edit sessions, there are staff members giggling and talking the WHOLE TIME. Kids running around and screaming. I purposefully go upstairs to avoid that, since they have designated areas for kids and teens. Except that some robot parents don't care about that and drag their very loud kids up to each floor. Last time I checked libraries were there for people to study in silence. read more

This has got to be one of the best libraries around. I've been to many libraries, and live nearby one of the library districts in the country, but Skokie Public library is just outstanding. I hope they keep it up and it gets the funding to keep the high quality atmosphere, books, and digital equipment. It's crazy how good it is. read more

They are very friendly here and help me print my things out. I like to rent books and they have a good selection or I can come and pick it up when it is ready read more

This library is way more than a library it is HUGE and has a section for Teens,kids,adults and to study and if you are into tech they have 2 tech rooms you can go to and if you just Want to chill they have some sections for that or if you want a party there they have a room for that so i would recommend this place read more

We attended a youth concert in their 200 person Petty auditorium. It was a comfortable and delightful smaller sized venue for such. Their parking lot is quite large for a library and thankfully this is the case. There were a ton of people here on a Sunday afternoon and I had no idea this library was so popular! read more

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Check-ins here? - at least 1,000 times, I'm el presidente supreme if there's such a Yelp designation for this place. In reading the reviews, I have to concur with all of the other raters, yes, it is a special place in my heart, yes, I like the book selection, DVDs and music, the ample parking, drop off boxes (for cars even), the self service check out, the art work, Mrs. Bush's award for one of the best libraries in the nation (2009?), and of course - all of their employees (especially Sharon - she kicks arse in customer service). Their website for reserving and managing your checkout items is great (especially the iPhone app). So superlatives all around!!! They even have a library RV that goes around town - that's really funny. Now, how can we improve? 1) I recommended this in 2007? Have a Starbucks coffee shop. 2) build another floor or two. 3) after adding a floor or two, create a bigger lobby area (think about the t-Rex replica at the Cerritos, Ca library. Like I said, this is my favorite place in town, this is without question - money (taxes) well spent. read more

Skokie Public Library - Chess anyone? My favorite place in Skokie. - Libraries Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

I love them. I probably abuse my privileges a bit (I feel like I have like 14329048 things checked out right now). The physical library itself is great, and the staff is friendly. It's easy to find things, and they have performance opportunities from local dance groups, musicians, theater companies, and bring in folks from elsewhere too, all for free. It's pretty spectacular. But mostly, I love the bookmobile. I don't know how they know the names of everyone who comes by, but every time I pick up my books on hold they already have them pulled and ready by the time I get to the front of the line. All four of the staff members I've met on the bookmobile have been fantastic. It's also super convenient to avoid having to go all the way to the library when the bookmobile stops right on my way home from work. They also have a solid selection of e-books and audiobooks, and they've been great about getting things through the interlibrary loan program, or buying just-published books I've recommended. If you're in their jurisdiction, or in one of the partner library systems (e.g., Evanston), totally check them out. read more

Nerd that I am, the library is one of my favorite places. This library in particular is where I learned to love the library. I've been to a few of the other suburban libraries and I have to say the Skokie Public Library is still my favorite (alright, I may be a bit biased coming from Skokie, but really, it is great). They have free weekly movie showings, free concerts and performances in the auditorium, they usually have art displayed throughout sections of the library, and I love how they have a little room tucked away where they have used books, DVDs, and CDs for sale. They also have some free basic computer classes from time to time. You can find DVDs, Blu-Rays, CDs, video games, comic books, eBooks, magazines, newspapers and of course your regular old books. They also have free wifi and computers to use if you need them. This is one of my favorite places to go in Skokie! read more

Skokie Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

So I just stop by to drop off movies for a friend. Can I just say this is one of the most beautiful libraries I have seen in my life! I only got as far as checking in the movies and walked in a few feet and it was full of people using computers, checking out books and hanging out. I so wish my library was like this I would be here all the time. read more

This is thee absolute BEST library ever!! Clean, staff very friendly and willing to help, wide selection of books, can cater to all age ranges. I noticed like a teen area, an adult area, even a recreational area and a kid area. Never thought a library can actually be a hang out spot and productive at the same time! I'm originally from Chicago born n raised and lived in Skokie for a couple years. While in Skokie my daughter and I would often go there. I'm now in the south suburbs and STILL travel over 25 miles to come to this library! I've went to others and not one of them can compare! I'm currently waiting for 12 to get here when they open so that I can go lol last but definitely not least THEY ARE OPEN ON SUNDAYS!!!!!! read more

The library is large and has lots of resources, materials, study rooms and items to borrow. There is an amazing the Holocaust sculpture that the building is structured around. Librarians and staff are welcoming as it even states on the doorways as you walk in through the main entrance. It is a lovely library. read more

First time coming to a library in Skokie & this is the most pristine library I've ever been to, the sculpture is so beautiful & the open to anyone chess tables look like a fun time. Will definitely be coming to this library more often!! Such peaceful & relaxed study vibes in this place! read more

Skokie Public Library - Chess table - Libraries Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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That's amazing library! I can't see nothing like that before. I'm recommending that library read more

Skokie Public Library - Second floor. Reading zone - Libraries Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

I love that this library is always changing and evolving, especially in the children's section. There is always something fun to do and discover. My daughter recently discovered the red busy boxes, and loves the activities inside. The letter of the week board is great for teaching reading skills. We've been loving the preschool story times at 1:30. The instructors are lively and the activities are so engaging! I hope they continue the preschool storyline in November/December! read more

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Very limited extra features compared to other libraries (limited options in the maker space, limited print options, limited "things library") so overall just kinda a disappointment. read more

Clean, well serviced, well stocked, and well curated! Love this place. It feels like the den/living room of a modern, wealthy family. The things this library offers are amazing. I just sewed a gift for my daughter in their "lab" after picking out a new release movie for the evening. The children section is massive and offers a variety of materials for kids of all ages. The adult section above has books on literally any subject and even let you take out magazines. The library is definitely one of the Crown Jewels of Skokie. read more

This is one of the most beautifully designed libraries that I have had the please to be in. Very spacious, clean, and amenities for anyone.

This place is a great public library. I keep forgetting that I don't need to buy a book, comics, or DVDs. They have a great service behind this place. I literally looked through their search engine for anything I need and either they have it at this location or online. . Recent I figure out they have most of the Marvels superhero movies. I was going to get a Netflix account but this place can give everything you need. Honestly browsing the comic book section I saw they had physical copies of Rick Remney book, and Rick and Morty comics. I actually try to browse because it's is more than old books. They even put out the popular book on display like the many ones about Trump. I think the best part is that they have a lot of events here. Well, categorize too. Sometimes there is a wait list if you don't reserve early enough. This such a underutilize resource that people need to recognize that there is so much offer here. read more

I love coming to this library! Their selection of items is so broad and they usually have the obscure classic films that I seek out. More often than not, when I place an inter-library loan, the DVD comes from here. Major props to their team for securing some awesome Warner Archive releases for patrons to enjoy. read more

This is my FAVORITE place in Skokie. Period. As good as it gets. I love the book sale room. I love the selection and service. The only thing is maybe the kid's area should have an employee who walks around picking toys up so the adults don't trip on them. LOVE this place for my grandchild.......but most of all, ME! read more

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I've been going to this library ever since I was a kid, so it has a special place in my heart. From participating in the Book Clubs to volunteering for Book Buddies, and even holding a high school job as a page, I enjoyed each aspect of the different activities and events (performances, cultural events, films, literary events, presentations, exhibits, and even computer classes) that his library has to offer. Definitely much more grander after the renovation years ago, it's quiet (strictly enforced) and maintained quite well. They have an extensive collection of books, audios (CDs), and movies that are free (no fee at all!) for residents. They have both a normal digital check-out line as well as a self-service, whatever you prefer. Finding a parking spot can be quite a pain, as it does get filled up quite quickly! Definitely a great place to get some studying done and/or check out from a great selection of books! +parking in front and back read more

150th Review. When I want to feel motivated to work out- I attend the gym. When I want to feel motivated to study- I go to the library. Skokie Public Library- to be exact. (Evanston library is okay but Skokie has better parking options and WAY more books). There are so many great features the SPL. They have really cool computer rooms and free programs that I would love to explore. I love their quiet room and that they have ample tables and outlets to study. DISLIKES: They have DRACONIAN policies on renting group study rooms as well as with eating and drinking and cell phone use. I'm well aware that there has to be a certain modicum of cleanliness with books. However, IMO dry foods should be allowed as one can get hungry well studying. For group study rooms, I understand that there are booking (pun intended) policies to keep things in order. However, I really think a first come-first serve policy would be conducive to everyone. There's something relaxing about getting a private room to study in. In general, it's a great place with helpful librarians and wonderful options (thankful this place exists). However, the policies and procedures regarding booking rooms can be revisited. read more