You Get a Gold Star!: Illinois Libraries That That Go the Extra Mile for Services, Programs, and Quality Literature

Midwestern hospitality reigns at these bibliophile havens!
 Knowledgeable staff, clean, cheery surroundings, child-friendly attitudes, and super-star services get a blazing gold star from this storybook princess.
Dash to the following libraries to become reacquainted with the joys of reading, browsing, and checking out (pun totally intended) these media-bursting hot spots.
Who needs yoga, when you're in library bliss?
Downers Grove Public Library (Downers Grove, Illinois) 
  • Darling children's section includes a small mouse hole door for children to enter through
  • Hands-down best parent/teacher section out there. This library includes a parent/teacher nook full of up-to-date videos, DVDs, and magazines, which will contribute to the educational, as well as functional needs of busy parents and teachers.
  • Adult section has a wide variety of British and American T.V. shows and movies not typically found at most neighborhood libraries. 
  • Large, roomy study rooms. 
Elmhurst Public Library (Elmhurst, Illinois)
  • Incredible children's library! Did I say incredible? This is not a strong enough word for this library whose children's department is larger than most football fields. 
  • Stunning selection of puppets, games, and puzzles which you can check out for free!
  • One of the best arranged DVD and CD collections out there. 
  • They have their own cafe! The smells drift though the circulation area and make your taste buds dance with dreams of all the delicious foods available. 
Website: http://www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/index.php

 Green Hills Public Library (Palos Hills, Illinois) 
  • Sensational mosaics leading to the second floor which houses the children, teen, and adult sections of the library. 
  • Beautiful volunteer-run bookstore whose proceeds go to the library. 
  • The delightful location, housed within a residential neighborhood, makes you feel like a member of the community. 
  • Fantastic Seuss-inspired wall murals adorn the well-stocked and arranged Children's Department.
Website: http://www.greenhills.lib.il.us/index.htm 

Indian Prairie Public Library (Darien, Illinois) 
  • What's not to like about this immense library which serves several towns in Chicagoland?
  • The storytime room is decorated in a delightful nursery rhyme theme that will leave little ones bubbling over with joy. 
  • Spot-on cataloging in the children's department is arranged by themes such as animals and transportation. Sheer genius, I tell you, sheer genius. 
  • Maintains their very own recently returned items room where patrons can find the returned items they are looking for without asking a librarian to check in the back. 
  • The reference librarians are superb and make sure you leave with the information you are looking for. 
Oak Brook Public Library (Oak Brook, Illinois) 
  • Beautifully nestled in a woods-like setting 
  • Glorious light streams through the all-glass structure to provide ample lighting for studying and reading. 
  • High-quality, hands-on children's programming will provide enjoyment as well as entertainment for children of all ages. Their toddler programs even contain crafts (which is not typical of the majority of toddler storytimes). 
  • Music lovers can enjoy world-class musical performances through the Evergreen Concerts and guest musicians. 
  • A large computer room allows computer users privacy from the rest of the library. 
  • Vending machines provide snack foods when an attack of the munchies strikes. 
Thomas Ford Memorial Library (Western Springs, Illinois) 
  • One of the cutest libraries in the western suburbs of Chicago! They have a primary-colored train which young children can climb into as you make your way to the downstairs children's area!
  • Quaint surroundings which harken to a simpler time (such as a wonderful magazine room with a fireplace, warm, muted colors and dark-wood collegiate-style study tables). 
  • Unbelievably quiet. You can literally hear a pin drop in this library. 
  • I applaud the idea of developing the teen area on the adult floor instead of the children's floor. Teens want to feel like grown-ups not overgrown children. Way to go!
  • Nice program development which caters to a variety of tastes and attitudes. 
  • Good selection of books and a nice-floor plan which invites the patron to stay as long as they please. 
Website: http://fordlibrary.org/

 Westchester Public Library (Westchester, Illinois) 
  • Quaint downstairs Children's Department. 
  • Lovely and helpful staff.
  • A nice DVD collection that is easy to browse.
Website: http://www.westchesterpl.org/

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