This library is really quite beautiful. It's large and grand, reminiscent of the Carnegie libraries, though this is not one of them--the building at their current location is actually only about 45 years old. When you walk in, one of the first things you'll see is the independently operated cafe. Really handy to have at the library, but just check their hours as they don't run concurrently with the library itself. We headed down to the children's section which is on the lower level. It is a really comfortable space for kids and parents; they a rather large toy section with a play flower shop, kitchen, and lots of bins full of toys. The tables had some other activities like little puzzle books or coloring stations. They had bins of books that weren't shelved with the rest of them, but rather organized in the bins by alphabet blocks for easy access to look at with the kids. And there was lots of seating for parents to relax and watch their children. I don't check on the Batavia library since I don't live in the area, but when we were at the cafe waiting I saw on their media screen some of the events they host flash by and they looked interesting. They have in person and virtual events, it seems, which I love for its convenience, accessibility, and inclusiveness. The outside of the library has over a dozen outdoor tables, so grab something at the cafe and enjoy! read more

See all

I've been visiting this library since 2008 when my husband and I first met. We were living with a friend in Batavia for a short time, and we would come here to get some space. One of my favorite features of this library is the fireplace and the windows surrounding it. It's my favorite place to chill, read, crochet/knit, just feel like I'm in another place. Since I've been married and had kids, we've taken our kids here multiple times too. They really enjoy the downstairs children's area. There's a lot of activities to do down there and things to play with. They also have a good selection of children's books, DVDs, children's programs during the day, and lots of places to sit. Most of the people working here are very kind and helpful. There is one woman who works at the information desk in the back of the adult section between the main part of the library and the fireplace room I was talking about earlier. She has a strange attitude. I was sitting by the fireplace and it wasn't on and the room was very cold. I went and asked if they could turn it on. She says to me, "Well, we only turn it on when it's cold outside." But then she reluctantly got up and went to turn it on. It was blazing for a second, then went out. She was already back in her seat at her desk ignoring everyone. I didn't understand why she was working here because she seemed so bitter about helping the community at the info desk. ‍ other than that, it's a great place to hang out! read more

The Batavia library is the best in the Kane, hands down. I work out of my home and to dodge cabin fever I come over here from time to time to give myself some surroundings. They have plenty of areas to set up, plug in, and enjoy a quiet setting. They also have personal rooms where you can conduct a conference call. Aside from stopping in here to work, their catalog of books and media is second to none. Their dvd section is easily 2-3 times the size of North Aurora's. Being that I'm from North Aurora they offer a reciprocal card here so I can check out materials. They also have a great children's library in their lower level. Another cool thing about this library is their in-house cafe. It's nice to grab a sandwich and a drink while you're here. Very few libraries have that feature. Cheers read more

My favorite spot in the universe to think. To breathe. To work. And to be. Before covid, I'd hang by the fireplace for hours. They're the best there. Such kind women directing me to every book I need. Great energy and selection of books + media! read more

Since working remotely, the Batavia Library has been my number one escape from my home office. They have beautiful, picture windows, a fireplace and plenty of seating. It's always quite and peaceful and have all the resources you need to get your job done whether that be school or work. read more

I love the library. Even better, I love *this* library. Batavia doesn't have a lot of nice things, but we have this library. And it's gorgeous and full of lots of books and DVDs and other nifty things to look through. The periodicals room, however, is my absolute favorite. Especially in the winter when there's snow on the ground. You can see a good portion of downtown Batavia and they usually have a fire going in the fireplace. That's right, we have a fireplace. There's nothing I love more than curling up with the latest Utne in front of the fireplace and losing myself for awhile. It's the perfect ending to several hours of studying or what-have-you. I even stop by specifically to hang out in there. There's a good number of places to study off to the right, as well as downstairs. You can group study or solo-it pretty easily. Though during the school year it can get a bit crowded. That's when you gotta go downstairs since people forget about those tables a lot. Pretty much every table has several electrical outlets, too. Score! The librarians are very nice and helpful. Don't be shy! read more

Batavia has a public library that bests the others in neighboring towns (Geneva, St. Charles, Aurora, etc.) in being a sunny, open space with helpful staff and plenty of desks for studying. Geneva is cramped; St. Charles and Aurora are old, loud, and unappealingly full of noisy people. Batavia has a nice tidy parking lot, is walking distance from McDonalds and Panera and Daddy-Os Diner for a quick bite to eat, it has it's own coffee shop in the lobby with small sandwiches, and has a massive ground floor dedicated to children. The windows are huge in all parts of the library, and it is clean and new. The temperature is right, and the noise is minimal. There is a reading room for magazines that has a fireplace. As far as resources, Batavia has many volumes itself, and it's part of the system so that you can order anything your heart desires. There are CDs, DVDs, etc. If one were to try and find fault, it would be that there are not as many study rooms as there are at some other libraries, especially for a library this new. For instance, the 95th Street Library in Naperville has a few dozen different study rooms on various levels of the library, and they are frequently used. Batavia has fewer. However, Batavia Public Library is more comfortable, the layout and the chairs, than the open and sterile 95th Street Library. The 95Th Street Library (Naperville) has as much charm as a tax office, while Batavia feels like a library---grand, and quiet, and comfortable and it even smells good. A huge and growing problem: the homeless people in the library. Other local libraries absolutely forbid people from sleeping in the library. Common sense is used to know if someone is reading a book or doing research, fine. But Batavia Library is the only one that I know that permits obvious homeless bums, who populate not only the area directly outside the main doors (smoking cigarettes all day long), but actually camp out on the padded reading chairs, particularly by the front window, sleeping, all day long! Hours and hours and hours of sleeping. Sometimes in groups of four or more. Director, get a policy! Google gives over 50 places for these people in the Fox Valley, move them along. There's a shelter two blocks away, for God's sakes. The current situation is not appropriate for kids and adults (i.e. the taxpayers) enjoying the library services. This is a DAILY problem. When you use the bathroom, be ready: there is likely to be a homeless gentleman taking his daily constitutional and paper-towel shower in the stall next to you. Half and hour or more at times. Yes, it's that bad. It's not seen at the other libraries in the Fox Valley. It's a disgrace and it's the fault of the library administration, tucked into their giant offices in the front of the building, never setting foot in the place where we all spend time. Overall, despite those huge shortcomings, Batavia Library is the best library in the Fox Valley. It is open to all to use, but one can only check out material with a library card. As Batavia Library is lovely, and only modestly used at any point in time (25 people or so in a large building), I would advocate that local communities, such as Geneva and St. Charles and North Aurora, not build a new library at tax-payer expense. Batavia, 3 miles down the road, has already accomplished what is necessary for the entire Fox Valley. If anyone needs to check out resource material from Batavia Library, it is part of the Geneva and St Charles system; one can order anything and pick it up at their local library even if it is "housed" in Batavia. Update 2016: shamefully, the homeless issue has only grown in the past year, with the indigent sleepers now commandeering the chairs in the center of the library, en masse, and hauling with them, literally, all of their worldly belongings in wagons of garbage bags. Don't believe me? I'll post a photo--it's in the photos section next to the business name (top of this page). Batavia library ought to be ashamed to allow anyone...anyone...to haul in such a huge, filthy mess into any public building. It's as attractive as an open sore. A policy must be adopted and enforced before an annoyance becomes a health issue (bedbugs) or worse. read more

Even though I don't live in Batavia, this is my favorite library. They have a great reading room (with working fireplace!) that is a peaceful, clean, well-lighted place to while away a rainy autumn afternoon. I'm particularly impressed by the ability of the shelvers to find any book based on the smallest clue ("Hi, I'm looking for a book by this guy? I think it has a blue cover?"). I've witnessed this and it is amazing to behold. Also, make sure to stop in at Chapters Coffee Shop and talk specialty coffees with Steve! read more

If I were to die and come back as anything, I would come back as this library. That's how much I love it. It has all the modern amenities a library should have - computers, coffee shop, and a self-check out! The children's section is fun and very entertaining for children of all ages. I personally love walking through their fiction section and getting a basket full of books to nerd out on. Make sure you come here when they have their annual book sale! They have two rooms full of books (and dvds, and cds) - both new and collectible. read more

My family and I are frequent library visitors and I must say, The BPL always has a fantastic selection of books, movies and activities for the whole family. read more

Batavia Public Library - New fun family treat brought to you by the BPL. A surprise pack of family friendly movies and popcorn! - Libraries Near Me - Batavia, Illinois

I recently took a class here and was very impressed! Aside from all the Library norms, they have a HUGE meeting space, very friendly and informative staff, and a really cool Cafe Coffee shop going on!!! I thought my hometown Library was cool and Architectural, but despite being it what looks to be an older building(might not be... it was kinda dark out) this is as modern and enjoyable as it gets! Now I just need to move to Batavia to properly enjoy it! read more

This library rocks! The staff is always helpful. The children's programing is diverse and very family friendly. The library has a great collection of books, DVDs and CDs. If they don't have what you are looking for they can always get it through interlibrary loan. read more

It's all been said by my fellow library go-ers. I think the only three things they left out are: great cafe on the library footprint, bike racks, hang out space in the garden below and patio with connecting door to the cafe. Only negative loud and disrespectful children in the adult computer room. Not the libraries fault. New more open rules among libraries and less *shushing* by the staff. Can't blame the staff. Who wants to teach courtesy when it isn't taught at home. So Come tutor in a large safe reservable room. Send your little ones down stairs to be surrounded by books in a safe environment. Sit by a large windows and read today's Trib by sun light. Use the complementary wifi to research school papers then 1,2,3 print wirelessly to a well maintained 10¢ a page printer. Oh let's not for get local artists displayed on the walls not forgetting to glance up to see two beautifully painted murals. The Batavia Public Library is that and a gathering place for our community. Like the Lyceum Lectures pursuit of knowledge in a hall of learning. read more

Absolutely love Batavia Public Library. It is new, clean, and spacious! Lots of parking spaces. Excellent staff and service. Free books to borrow. Bottom floor is a terrific place for kids. Top floor is good for adults. Tons of books if you have other LINC libraries ship them here. read more

I am from Aurora, yet the Batavia Public Library is my favorite library. Everything from the cafe to tables with easy access outlets reel me in all the time. Staff welcoming and helpful. Copier and computers are readily available. They are open until 9pm during the week and 5pm on Saturdays. Quiet library, which ironically, is trait hard to find in a library these days. read more

My daughter, a young woman with disabilities who utilizes a service dog, volunteers at Batavia Public Library for two hours every Friday and has done so for several years. She is treated with respect and dignity in the basement department in which she volunteers. There is excellent camaraderie and a good spirit of acceptance flowing in the sections of the library that regular patrons don't have a chance to see. This library is the real deal. read more

Batavia Public Library is amazing. The entire familiy enjoys it. We currently have over 7 books checked out. One for mom, 2 for 11 year old son, and 5 for 13 year old daughter. Full service family library. We have participated in the summer reading program for over 10 years and have our reading logs on the fridge....mom's included! read more

I was looking for two articles that the Batavia library did not have. I called the reference desk late on a Friday afternoon, and the librarian helped me request these articles from other libraries in the state. On the following Monday, I received a phone call that both articles were in. The kindness and quick, helpful service at the Batavia library was very much appreciated! read more

Their children's department looks very junky. They have these benches with ripped and stained upholstery. It's disgusting! I can't imagine wanting to sit there and read. They also have some VERY old books and it makes me wonder why they haven't thought to get rid of such grungy books from their collection! There is also no consistency in their pamphlets that they have available which recommend various books. Various fonts and formats exist. Some have the contact information of the library on them and others don't. Also I wish they would find a different font to use besides Comic Sans. Even their self check out machines use Comic Sans! Ew! Come on Batavia Public Library! Get with the times. It's such a large library and their children's department feels so neglected. The only thing I liked was that their computer lab was in a separate room. read more

This is one of the best libraries in the county. It's by far one of the largest with alot to choose from. They offer all sorts of children programs. The coffee house Is good but the staff Is always very slow.. read more

Love this place hard to beat. Nice people good selection. I've always been treated kindly by the staff. I really love the view you can see a good chunk of downtown. read more