Austin-Irving Library

This library is very clean and tidy all the times I have been there, usually quiet, and most of the staff are quite cordial and helpful. However, my experience today near closing time was a completely different experience. As usual, the older white lady security guard came through at 5:30 and 5:45 to announce closure at 6 pm. But this time she came through again at 5:50 to announce to me personally that I was the only patron left in the library, coupled with an accusatory tone and a nasty glare. When I asked her upon leaving the library that evening whether she thought shaming the patrons into leaving was a good idea, she talked over me and only said that it was her job. All other library personnel that could clearly hear this conversation just stood there and did not address the way I had been treated. I told her that her attitude was horrible, and left, wishing all standing around to have a great evening. So much for public «service.»

Great multicultural selection. Very helpful and friendly staff. Felt at home in the diverse environment. I will be coming back for sure.

Great library and staff. Anytime I have a question the staff can find me an answer. I stopped in to get a museum pass to the Art Institute, their pass was out but the librarian found passes at two nearby locations. We had a great time at the Art Institute!

Small library and selection is very limited for multicultural readers. Staff was unfriendly and off putting. I will not return.

I really this library. The kids’ section is decent and all the librarians are friendly and helpful. They take the time to help kids find books.

Great library and great employees. I don’t have a bad thing to say about this fine establishment.

I’m on a quest to visit every branch of the Chicago Public Library system.
I visited Austin-​Irving on a Saturday. It seems like this branch is actually pretty busy on Saturdays! On the ground floor, lots of kids were on computers and milling around being kind of noisy. There’s a reading room upstairs, though, and it’s PHENOMENAL. I’ve been to a few libraries with an upstairs reading, but this one seems like the quietest, most spacious and work-​conducive one! Maybe I’m imagining it and they (so far, this one and Bucktown-​Wicker Park, Rogers Park) are really all the same… this one just seems way quieter and closed off so it’s easier to be busy in there. There are also some desks, benches and chairs outside of the reading room where you can sit in the sunlight that comes through the window and read. I liked this library a lot! I would go back to study there.

Don’t fret, this library is still open! It is a really great branch. Pretty new, clean facility with lots of new books and great variety. Even the security guard is super nice!