Did you know your library card can take you far? My favorite libraries in the northern Chicago area. I have some strict criteria...I like libraries where you can't lose a child, where it's fun and inspiring for a child to visit AND the selection of children's books is very good and easy for a parent to collect.
1. DuPage Library www.dppl.org/home/index.shtml visit the original Choo Choo restaurant which is near by for a fun lunch www.thechoochoo.com New-ish library. Great children's library large play boat, treat area for story telling, crafts room, huge fish tank and river themed decorations. Great art throughout the entire library. Great selection of books!
2. Lake Forest Library www.lakeforestlibrary.org this is a historic building and what I deem a library should look like. The renovated kids library is modern and fun and their collection of books is wonderful. One note, you can't really rent videos because you need to return them back to the library. Visit lakeforestillinois.net/leftbankpizza.html for pizza or yummy hot dogs. This place is a classic and favorite for anyone who grew up in Lake Forest as it's been around for year. Note: the book banks/shelves are high so you need to watch your kids. The area is compact and in the basement so losing a child to the entire library won't happen unless they climb the stairs.
3. Highland Park Library www.hplibrary.org another great library in a classic historical structure. Great children's library worth checking out nice selection of books. Visit Walker Brothers for a bite to eat. There's many great restaurants and shopping in Highland Park too.
4. Northbrook Library www.northbrook.info another great library - great book selection. They have an extensive collection of books. Whenever I'm looking for books related to special needs I find most of them here. They have a great children's library and a nice selection of videos for kids.
5. Wilmette Library www.wilmette.lib.il.us my home library. A nice children's and teen area with extensive selection of materials and helpful staff. Visit many great restaurants like Walker Brothers, Panera, Gilsons, Fuel and Hot Cakes for lunch.
6. Great NEW library Glenview www.glenviewpl.org this library is HUGE and lovely however I will state I had better hopes for a warmer children's area. They have a wonderful selection of children's books AND a toy/learning library. Not to mention a great video library. If anyone has a favorite place to grab a bite to eat in the area drop a note. Haven't eaten in the downtown area. You really need to watch your kids as they could run off and get lost in a book banks somewhere.
7. Park Ridge Library www.parkridgelibrary.org has a GREAT children's section. Nice arrangement of book suggestions, easy to reach and lots of reading nooks. Downtown Park Ridge is so fun and worth checking out. Contained area so this makes going there a little easier on the parent.
8. Evanston Library www.epl.org this is a library where you really need to watch your kids!! The kids library is not enclosed and near the front entrance worth mentioning. The books are a bit crammed in therefore a little tricky for viewing. They have a great selection of books but this is important to mention. I love the Arts and Crafts structure and interior. Our favorite family haunt is Uber Burger across the street. Yummy hot dogs, hamburgers and milk shakes!!
9. Skokie Library www.skokie.lib.il.us my 7 year olds personal favorite. Nice play area, decent book selection and HUGE video library hmmm maybe this is why my daughter likes it. My only concern is the kids area is spread out a so you need to watch your kids carefully.
10. Glencoe Library www.glencoepubliclibrary.org This classic structure library has an adorable children's section on the 2nd floor. The collection is smallish but there is a nice selection of books in an enjoyable setting. The kids area is a little more contained. I love quotes and there are some great ones mural-ed on the ceiling. Awesome town to visit and stop at a Starbucks for a treat.
11. Northfield/Winnetka Library www.winnetkalibrary.org/about-us/NorthfieldBranch There are two branches. Northfield is really small but has a cute kids section with I'm told helpful librarians and great story times. Winnetka is small too and the library is dated but...the children's area is enclosed so no sneaking out. There is a nice selection of books too. Downtown Winnetka has many great shops and restaurants to visit. My daughters love visiting this library too.
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