Evanston Public Library

Good place for kids and nice for a quick reading. All employees are friendly and willing to help.

A beautiful library!
I came here for to get out of the house and get some quiet work done (after spending a few hours at Brothers K, of course!) A great alternative to spending $$$, which happens when I hole myself up in a coffee shop all day.
I was nervous about the WiFi, since previous users had complained about it, but I had no problems. My computer displayed four of the five bars throughout my visit, and I was able to access and answer emails, visit websites and download small files with no problem. (I didn’t try to stream anything, though.) I was super excited to see all the outlets on the third floor!
Since I was just here to get some work done on my own computer, I technically didn’t need to get a library card, but I went ahead and signed up anyway. Why not? The information desk attendants were super helpful and excited to introduce me to all the library has to offer.
I was a little surprised to learn that «most wanted» books are only available for a week at a time. I’m a pretty quick reader, but depending on my schedule/​other activities, I’m not sure I would be able to finish some books in a week. Still, I’m sure this policy helps to keep books in stock, so I could get used to it (with a little planning!)
Maybe I just haven’t found it yet, but the only thing that would make this library better is finding a cozy nook to read in (instead of the wooden tables/​chairs)!

I absolutely love the Evanston Library.
Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but they really work hard to stay relevant and engaged in the community. From classes, book clubs, and discussion circles, it seems like there’s always something going on here. I particularly love their big seasonal book sale which has actual nice quality books that don’t look like someone dropped them in the bathtub or they were published exclusively for grocery store waiting lines!
My favorite part of this library, however, is how convenient it is. They have a satellite branch at the corner of Chicago and Main, and you can request any book be shipped over to that branch for pick-​up. Makes it sooo much easier to incorporate the library into your daily life. :) I also love that they have a very robust and easy eBook checkout app, so I can read bestsellers on my iPad for free (although they do have some long waitlists, but that’s to be expected).
Evanston is a very intellectual city overall, and it’s awesome that they have such a healthy and active library program to support the community!

This is an extremely fine public library, not simply the glorious Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, but the professional staff, the array of services and the commitment to the community for various activities from infants to adults. Long may it live!

I love this library. Especially because it is right in the heart of Downtown Evanston and easily accessible if you are a resident. There are 4 floors, but I mainly go to the second to browse adult fiction and non-​fiction books. There are also a lot of desk spaces to study and an outlet plug to go with each! I have taken 4 hour long practice tests here and was able to focus even without headphones.
The 3^rd floor also has more desks and more books to browse. The best part of the third floor is the teenage «loft» area where a room was sectioned off to contain only Young Adult books, audiobooks, with computers and extra study rooms.
EPL also has a huge inventory and with their library card you can also check out E-​books and Audiobooks on your phone.

This is a fantastic library. It’s well-​funded, the staff goes above and beyond, and the facility is beautiful. Heck, they even have a peregrine falcon nest on the outside of the building:

Libraries are beautiful places to get lost in
If you’re an NU student or anybody at that who wants to get away from the hustle bustle of college/​outside life and get yo studying/​reading on, the evanston public library is the best place to get that done. The people who work there are very helpful and the library itself is HUGE. Each floor has roomy table space and windows that look outside, perfect environment to get work done. They’ve got wifi, clean bathrooms and water fountains with actual cold water. Yes!
All sorts of people from all walks of life are bound to enjoy EPL

The Evanston library has a lot to recommend. I was there last weekend for the quarterly book sale and was so successful at locating books that I very nearly left with more than I could carry. The volunteers were helpful and very nice. I just wish the little book sale downstairs was a little less pathetic. Wilmette’s library has a great bookstore that’s open every day!
I also really love hearing the updates about the peregrine falcon couple nesting on one of the pillars. You can watch the nest live on the falcon cam! However, the names they have given these magnificent birds are horrible. Squawker (He is a proud apex predator who has sired half the falcons in the area. Wouldn’t Zeus be more appropriate?) and Nona (short for no name. That’s plain rude)! But I digress…
In conclusion, great library, lousy at naming birds.

I love libraries. They make me happy with their endless options of books to browse through. Usually too many options make me insane, but not when it comes to a library. Learn to cook, bake, build and how about take a special class, which is why we ended up here over the weekend. Steve and Kate’s Camp offered a free stop animation class for kids, so we had the opportunity to spend an hour in the kids area. Three words. Oh my gawd! I can’t believe how gorgeous the section is. Play areas for wee ones and toddlers. Bathroom keys that were hanging from giant Legos. An amazing selection of picture books and so much to see and areas to check out.
Check out we did not, as we were in a bit of a rush after our class, but the class was top notch and it was nice to see families enjoying time together in the various seating areas — I even ran into someone I know!
Aside from the not so great customer service at the customer service desk upon entering, this place is so wonderful it could make me move to Evanston!

I grew up between these shelves, but my four star rating is more than sentimental. Not only does EPL have a fantastic building, book selection, supplemental program for kid and adults, but it also has a fantastic new teen loft with extremely engaged staff. That said non-​fiction section can be slightly difficult to navigate — like anywhere.

Nice library. My only qualm is that you can only look at the most recent issue of a magazine, otherwise you have to request a back issue from the desk. Great selection of fiction, non-​fiction, films, YA, and children’s books.

This library is fantastic. All the right books, publications, magazines, internet and surrounded by art! Go and see for your self and use this place it is great!

I don’t check out as many books as I used to, but I still visit once every couple of months and they still have more titles on my list than any CPL branch. However, until this weekend it had been several years since my last visit to the annual book sale. I had forgotten or never noticed how generously priced the books are. The sale room isn’t enormous, but even on Saturday afternoon (after one and a half days of Evanston bibliophile bum-​rush, which is is highly spirited, believe me) there was a lot of good stuff in there. The books are all in very good shape or better, and stunningly cheap at $ 2 or $ 3 for most volumes. It’s also great people-​watching/​listening.

This is a really great public library. A few people have asked me if I’m a Northwestern student. It’s hilarious because I actually went to the «rival school» where people in the area will only approach you if they have a gun and need a few more quarters to buy chapstick. It’s tempting to lie to the Evanstonians just so I can pretend to be a Northwestern student, but that might be taking a step backwards. I’ll give up my obsession with being a secret agent and move on to the review…
The library reminds me of the Harvard campus buildings I’d see in 2005. Parts of downtown Evanston actually remind me of Cambridge. There weren’t too many hardcore bikers running behind me to get to the door or 60-​and-​still-​single chain smokers puffing at my face as I climbed the steps. The inside of the library was clean. It’s pretty organized, the staff is always willing to help you out, and there is almost always space for you to park yourself and focus. If there isn’t a title/​item at the library, you have access to a nifty inter-​library system. For being a suburban library, I’m surprised that this is rarely an issue. There are lots of Cd’s at this branch as well.
The only slight negative would be the annoying soccer moms who feel that they own the library. Stop talking on your cell phones and discipline your annoying little brats. I don’t blame the library for hesitating to confront these egomaniacs. Some of them are quite scary…

This is my public library so I have to love it. Minus ½ star because invariably when I go to check out there is always an issue and it falls into two categories: the person at the desk is either having a power trip or simply doesn’t want to work or I have done something wrong and it’s a big deal, like walking up to the wrong counter or walking up too soon. I come to the library as a way of getting away from it all. Please don’t hassle.
Besides this slight gaffe, they’re always helpful at the service desk and have even taken off a mishap with a late fee.
The selection for the size is considerable. They actually can be reliable for carrying a lot of titles. This, to me, is the main necessity of a library, right?

This library looks great! It is a welcome study location change from Northwestern’s libraries. It is close to campus, clean and quiet. The staff is also fantastic!
The children’s room is BEAUTIFUL. If I were a kid, I would be begging my mom to bring me to the library more often so that I could read on the poofy cushions or under the tree, or take part in their large variety of programs including Book Buddies!
The Book Sale funds all go back to benefit the library so everytime I go in, I take a look at what new items they have to offer.
Evanston is fortunate to have such a great library.

great place to internet they allow you to plug in !
it is quiet as a library here !

This is what a large library should be like! Evanston Public Library kind of looks like an overfed Frank Lloyd Wright knockoff, but the space is gorgeous and welcoming on the inside.
Once inside, there are three levels of books, movies, computers, periodicals, and a kids section. The signage is clear everywhere, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. The kids’ section is great, with whimsical decorating and a nice waterfall sound machine, inspiring peaceful librarying from the kids.
Take note Harold Washington librarians: the librarians here are very nice and helpful. It’s possible! The sweeping third floor is a nice space to get your Microfiche on. Yes, they still have microfiche for reading past newspapers with the ability to print. Well, the computer lab is up there too, and the Frank Lloyd Wright touches continue here, with long lights hanging down from the high ceiling.
The DVD and VHS (no Beta, sorry!) collections are vast. Whether it’s a historical documentary on each decade of the 1900’s or your favorite movie, Evanston has it! I liked the small section of Hot Books right as you walk into the library, and they had several copies of some of the hottest titles!
I also admired the art touches around this newer library. There was a temporary exhibit of German book covers and the original art prints that went into making them. Nice touch! Or, Wunderbar! All in all Evaston Public Library is truly what a public library should be!

I did not know suburbs could afford such beautiful public libraries. EPL is big and modern-​looking with nice décor/​art throughout. I love the huge mobile hanging from the foyer area’s ceiling. The people at the front desk may not be the most efficient, but they’re very friendly.
Borrowing DVD’s will cost you $ 1 but their selection is lacking. The «book sale» area has some amusing old items. I once immediately needed a book that was unavailable at the Northwestern library, Barnes & Noble, and Borders (and in any of the latter two chains within a 30-​mile radius). But EPL miraculously had it and saved me!
A good tip: Though their GRE books are always checked out, EPL subscribes to online test review resources that you have access to with your library card.
The wireless is TERRIBLE, patchy and slow.
The very friendly and helpful librarians had a terrible time dealing with their catalog, which took forever to load on all three of their computers. I mentioned that wireless has been absolutely horrible in my experience, and they nodded knowingly and confirmed that it, officially, sucks. (Apparently they keep calling the higher-​ups to get someone to fix it, but no one ever responds.)
EPL is a great resource when you need it, and a nice, peaceful place to study.

One of the most user-​friendly libraries I’ve been to. The inside is bright with lots of windows, clean and highly organized. There’s none of that stuffy, musty smell that reminds you of old school libraries with little or no ventilation.
The building is split into three levels. The first floor has the checkout counter, children’s section and a large collection of audio visuals. The videos, CDs, DVDs are available for $ 1 per week. However, when the current restructuring is done (supposedly by the end of Jan 2007), the first floor will be entirely reserved for children and teens. Great news for both kids and adults, eh? Also on the first floor, you can purchase donated books of all kinds for $ 1 each. Most of them are in good conditions.
The second floor has general fiction and nonfiction books that you can rent for 4 weeks. The third floor has references, newspapers and magazines. Among them are different sub-​sections, all neatly organized based on items and topics. Not all, but most staff and volunteers are approachable and willing to help if you’re lost. I’ve once asked for travel guides, and the lady gave me a «cheat sheet» with a long list of destinations and their respective shelf/​call numbers. Now I know where to go before all my trips!
PARKING from Orrington Ave: there’s a small garage in the basement with 2-​hour meters (a quarter for each 30 mins). You need to drive up very close to get the door open.