Library: a place you went to get information before the Internet existed…read more The Walker Branch, built in 1890, is the oldest structure owned by Chicago Public Library. I'm so glad a previous reviewer posted a photo of the exterior, thank you. This was the library I used when I was in high school. There are so many stately old homes & buildings in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhoods that, at the time, I didn't appreciate the historic significance of my library. To me, it was just one more building like all the others I was accustomed to seeing. One of my close friends lived in an 1800's Victorian in Morgan Park. To us, it was just a nice big house. Big enough so that a bunch of girls could hang out there, in an upstairs parlor, without Penny's parents bugging us.....because, looking back, I doubt they were even aware of our presence. I recall being in a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Beverly. Being unfamiliar with the architect, I remember thinking how unusual the place appeared, with all the built-ins. Sounds like I shoulda spent more time at the library. But I actually did spend a lot of time at this library, doing research for school papers. Remember, there was no way to look up anything online. You had to find it in books. First you had to find the books. If somebody got to the library ahead of you & checked out the books you needed, you were S.O.L. (poop outta luck). Up the creek without a paddle. Scared you gonna flunk. I remember the library closed early in the evenings, like maybe 8pm. It was closed on Sundays & holidays. Problem. Because in order to get to the books you had to get to the library. Walker was the closest library to my house at the time but still kinda far to walk, impossible in frigid winters/snowstorms. I graduated high school when I was 16 so had no driver's license during most of my H.S. years. So I had to find a ride to get to the books. Or "borrow" my mother's car, which I did once when I was 15. I drove to the library in a '59 Impala convertible....with the top down. I remember wearing sunglasses to disguise my age. But I had the damn top down & even drove around the neighborhood a bit, like a hot-shot, hair blowing in the wind.....on my way to the library. I didn't get caught. I only did it once. I did know how to drive, btw. Most kids did know how before they were legal. And not many cars on the road back then, not anything like now. I didn't even see another car that day I drove to the library, a disappointment because I'd hoped a friend might notice me. So yeah, although I didn't appreciate architecture, I sure did appreciate a massive white convertible with big fins & a turquoise interior. Kudos to Mom. These days, I appreciate the Internet. I still love books and libraries but more for pleasure than for research. At Walker Library one time I had to do research for a paper on Marshal Ferdinand Foch. I was selected to read my paper to the class. Had the teacher not introduced me with the pronunciation of "Foch" as fosh with a long O (although I've since heard it pronounced fawsh)......well, that woulda been embarrassing cuz I thought it was fahk. If I'd gotten caught in that convertible I woulda been foched, per my incorrect pronunciation. Walker Branch Library, creator of stories & source of good times, I'm glad your historic, 128-year-old walls can't talk.

I'm on a quest to visit every branch of the Chicago Public Library…read more The Walker branch of the library is such a unique building! Inside, there is a nice little reading room referred to as the "ethnic room." I think I would spend a lot of time in that room if I lived near this branch. This branch has separate floors for children and adults which is really nice. It seems like they have a pretty nice assortment of materials for teens and for adults in general. But what I really like is the building; the setup of this library is just so unique and so different from most libraries. From what I understand, Walker donated the building to the library system. The front door is wooden! A nice, quiet space where it seems one could get a lot of work done.

I went to the library for an interview I had. I was told I couldn't be there doing the interview,…read moreeven tho you have people there watching videos on their laptops and making unnecessary noise. They told me my noise wasn't allowed. Julie, the lady that told me said she was in charge and I had to leave. I asked why others can but I can't, and she refused to answer the question. I had everything in my headphones, so nothing could be heard by anyone there. She was nothing but rude and when asked who her boss was she wouldn't tell me. I had to call into the library and ask someone else to find out. She gave me a dirty look as I was walking out. Definitely don't feel welcome here as a Chicago ridge resident.

The library is very nice and the youth section is amazing. Unfortunately the librarians were not…read morevery nice nor welcoming. We've been to lots of libraries and a make a break for a good library is the librarians.

This library was okay. It wan't bad but it also wasn't the best I've ever seen. The staff was nice…read moreand everything but I think they should really update their books and get some new ones.

Recent renovations have updated this library's layout to be so user friendly and comfortable…read more Separating the adult and youth computer sections really helps and its so easy to sign in to computers and check out books. Very well-thought out upgrades. Thank you for providing such a beautiful, helpful resource to Oak Forest residents. Much appreciated.

I drove the Chicago Heights Bookmobile for 1 year from October 1974 to October 1975. It was a great…read morejob. When not driving our route I did odd jobs around the library.

I love Chicago Heights Public Library. I have been a patron there for 70 years. I have found the…read moreemployees to be knowledgeable and helpful, especially Sheila she goes out of the way to be helpful. If they don't have the book they get it for me from another library in the system. Thanks to all of you. Jan Szpejnowski

Patti is the best. Her programs are amazing and the room is small but always very packed so that…read moresays something about her. Over 25 years and so many families that have been touched by her kindness and generosity. Thank you for always supporting the community.

I attend to story time for first time with my kids my 1 year old and 6 years old educated kids…read more I was welcomed in the most rude way also my 1 year old was called out for grabbing a small toy class hasn't even started Yet. Women shouldn't be working with kids if you don't have patients or education to be around kids.

Nice local library. Give families a place to go and read and learn independently. Also provides…read moreprograms for all ages to expand their horizons.

Libraries don't get enough credit. They provide so many services and have resources. It's free to…read moreget a library card, they have access to computers, you can print, etc. it's always clean. I've early voted with ease here as well. My book returns have never been late because they look out without even having to ask. Library staff are nice and professional; truly the unsung heroes. This location also has free parking!!! I'm proud to keep choosing this great location directly in my neighborhood!

I'm on a quest to visit every branch of the Chicago Public Library system…read more This branch is pretty basic. There is a lot of natural light, which is really nice, and a lot of workspace. They have an extensive "Irish Collection." This shouldn't come as any surprise, but I did find it funny that it would be larger than the Chicago collection. The librarians seem okay, though not super friendly. The bathroom is kind of gross. Overall, an okay library.

Good library. Well organized. Clean. AC works very well too. It seems like they have a huge…read moreselection for the kids. They also have tickets for museums and other chicago venues.

The staff here were friendly and helpful. We enrolled in a free Spanish language class on Saturday…read moreand enjoyed it. The rooms and bathrooms are well kept. The library has positive energy too.

It's small and the selection isn't that great. It was fantastic to get some studying done early on…read morea Saturday. I returned the same day in the afternoon with my daughter who enjoyed all the books in the children's section. The entire staff was kind and encouraging to see someone so young in the library "reading." We will definitely return!