Kenosha Gilbert Simmons Library

I’m in love! Two of my favorite things — old buildings and books all together. Others have mentioned the lack of selection but I would argue that the selection allows you to actually browse books without being overwhelmed. I selected two I never would have pulled from an overcrowd shelf and have expanded my perspective on these issues.
AND the upper level is amazing to just sit at a table, read, work on an iPad or anything else. Even a beautiful chess set waiting to be played.

The Simmons library tour exemplifies the overused term «hidden gem.»
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 favorite library I have ever belonged to. A small selection, but a gorgeous building set in the middle of a beautiful park steps from Lake Michigan and downtown Kenosha. I have a library card, which means I can order materials from anywhere in the system. I always pick them up here, as I never want to miss an opportunity to visit. This is an amazing community resource.

I love this library, such a great looking building with a great sense of history. I used to spend many afternoons just reading here. It doesnt seem to have some of the selection of the newer libraries here in Kenosha, but it is still a great place to visit!

Gorgeous Monumental, Neoclassical revival-​style building by D.H. Burnham dating back to 1900. It’s located inside a circular park with other monuments in Library Park and more churches than you want to count. Check it out inside too, learn a bit of architectural history, all while renting a book or movie!