The open mezzanine is a nice feature of the building design. They have dvds for browsing here. read more

Chicago Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice folks work here. They've always been kind and helpful to me. Clean and nice environment, too.

I had to repeatedly get in line for help and asked one of the ladies to help out since I had to keep waiting in line and it was just a simple task and she had a meltdown and shook her head and claimed I was being impatient when I told them I would come back. I was being so understanding and nice. read more

For quite some time, I dodged this library and only went to Edgewater. I had a couple of incidents in the past three to four years related to a librarian and a reference desk person (read older reviews) that made me grumpy about going here. But over the past three months especially, I have needed a LOT of books on one specific topic and didn't want to walk all the way to Edgewater. I didn't just need them, but I needed them fast! This location is far more convenient to get to and the hold time was surprisingly quick. All of my books came at once. And then I bought a new printer that eats up ink so much that I've bought four ink cartridges THIS MONTH. Once I found out CPL gives out 10 free copies per day, it was a given. I've spent more time in here in the past two weeks than I ever have in the past few YEARS total. I even needed to waste time until a family member was near and spent an hour or two in here just reading and hanging out. I love it! Again. I used to be in here all the time in years prior but was holding a grudge that I really should've gotten over by now. I even really like that same librarian right now. Smiled at her. Cracked a couple jokes. And chit-chatted. (I don't know any of their names, but I have always been fond of the brunette lady with the heavy accent.) Anyway, I'm oddly glad that my printer is so awful. If it wasn't, I would've gotten those books and zoomed outta there. The printer made me hang out more and remember why I used to like this library so much before. read more

All Chicago public libraries are great and libraries in general are a necessity. This is my favorite library because the librarians and staff here are always helpful and resources are abundant. There are after school programs, events and play area for children. There is also an IT person for computer assistance if it is needed and a lot of computers to access internet. This is a great library! read more

I'm on a quest to visit every branch of the Chicago Public Library system. The Rogers Park library has a reading room on the second floor, similar to the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch. I didn't spend too much time in here. Upon entering, all I could hear was the four or so security guards talking to each other. They have a LOT of computer stations here, but they were all being used. The children's area was very busy too. The upstairs reading room was a bit quieter and seems like the better work environment, but there was still some chatter. I was going to pay a fine here, but the line was long and just kept getting longer! read more

Chicago Public Library - I'm on a quest to visit every branch of the CPL. Here I am at Rogers Park. - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My child and I always are warmly welcomed by the library staff. We go about once a week to check out books, participate in Lego night, attend children's music concerts. It feels like home. read more

Super clean. THe librararian with the mustache is not the best librarian, kindve scares me. (maybe because I havent payed off my Late fees! :) I personally dont suggest that library read more

Chicago Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I read these poor reviews and 'i just don't get it. I've been going here everyday for years and I've never had a problem, any issues or questions I have regarding finding a book or help with a stubborn computer and they're always happy to help, I've never encountered a employee who was inattentive, lazy, or showed they had no interest in solving whatever problem that was presented to them, by either me or someone else. The bathrooms are clean, they have very friendly security so you feel safe, not that you'd feel otherwise as the majority of people who go here are adults just looking for a book, or students looking for a quiet place to study. Heck, you even get 10 FREE copies daily! Support your local public library and those who work there. read more

Don't get me wrong by all outward appearances it is a nice library. New, clean and free wi-fi. As an added plus it is only steps away from where I live. But it seems that is really it all has going for it at the moment. As mentioned by other yelpers the staff tends to be rude and service slow. I've waited 20 minutes to check out a book with only 2 people ahead of me in line. What concerns me most is personal safety. I recently saw a man mugged in the parking lot. He was coming out with his bag and some young punk must have thought he had a laptop in the bag and held him up. The guy luckily didn't have a computer in the bag and once the kid glanced inside dropped the bag and ran. I saw the whole thing go down. After speaking to the man to make sure he was ok he said he saw the kid wandering around the library. It seems the kid was casing the joint seeing who may have had bags or laptops with them and waited for the intended victim to go out in the parking lot where he could mug them. I don't want the one incident I'm aware of to give the library a bad rap, but for anyone who intends on visiting just keep an eye out and make sure when you leave to watch if anyone tries to follow you. read more

I hate to diss a library because ANY library is a good library- but I have to concur with other reviewers: 1) TERRIBLE layout and organization. NO signage. 2) Really bad customer service (with exception of a very nice, chatty lady at checkout- but uh, maybe not so much chatting when the line is 10 long??) 3) Off the hook, unsupervised kid action. I really wish libraries were as well funded as the military. Free printing, lunchrooms, massages and gold plated fixtures. Sigh. read more

I give three stars for this distant branch of the Chicago Public Library because it has a really very small selection of books actually there, so you'll need to do a lot of requesting. But for locals, it IS the library, so *Clean Bathrooms *Free WiFi (a bit slow) *Upstairs reading room with abundance of outlets *Bright and Cheerful Interior. (New facility circa 1999.) Average Wait for a Hold Request: Three Days. read more

2 stars is like, I've experienced better, which I have. I'm talking to you, Blackstone! 4 stars would make me a fan, which sadly, I am not. It's an a-okay ass library. Blah. ....and that's the part that pains me. Because it could be so much better and a much more effective tool in the Rogers Park community. I do not understand whyyyyy it sucks so bad. Here's the thing: I have never had a horrid experience there. I definitely think the workers are of a sour nature, and if I weren't saved I would have put my hands on them several moons ago amen amen. (KIDDING...kidding.) It's more so one lady that spoils it for everyone. Total B. I've worked jobs that focus on customer service, so whether you work at McDonald's or the Marriott, take pride in your job and pretend to love every face that enters the doors. More computers are needed. I bring my own laptop, but on any given day there is like a 3 hours wait for folks who need to really use them! Not social activities or face-booking, but I have personally spoken with someone that needed to certify for their online unemployment. That's importante yo! The kids...oh those precious kids. I AM a mother of an 8 year old, but he understands library etiquette to a T. We go to the library all the time, so when I see kids, wait, parents that wish to treat this building like a daycare center, I become frustrated. It should be separated from the rest of the library-it's all too close. Wait. Time out. They WERE one of the [few] open during the CPS strike for children in the neighborhood. They DO have wonderful Saturday morning science experiment sessions for children at no cost to me. There seems to be adult classes (possible GED?) that always looks promising. Restrooms are reasonably clean and have as many books as they possibly can... We have to take what we can get right? read more

Public libraries are vital and so important. Great staff, teachers on site for afterschool programs, conference rooms for library and neighborhood programs. Great technology/computers! read more

Chicago Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I wouldn't say this library is the worst, but it's a shame cause it could do some much better. I've been coming here since high school and the problems have rolled over into each year. For example, the biggest problem that this library deals with is the noise. There are two floors, and the first floor is dedicated to children, and has a plethora of computers to use for both adults and children. On the second floor its a place to study with sufficient tables. However, the noise from the first floor still reaches the second floor and can be very distracting. Not to mention if there are people talking on the second floor it makes the problem worse. I'm biased when it comes to a library and their enforcement of a quiet place; if a place to read and study in near silence doesn't define a library then I don't know what will aside from the love of books. I personally don't like to study with headphones and music playing but it seems that its your best bet. To be fair though, I think it depends on what time you come into the library. There is an elementary school right next to the library so you could assume that's the majority of children. I'm relatively young and I wouldn't say that I'm legalistic when it comes to enforcement of silence. No library is perfectly silent -- that be a lie -- but I think that they could just remind everyone to whisper or be a little more conscientious of those reading or studying. Thanks for your time, and this was a review based on the level of noise, other qualities of the library I barely know. As a student I think I've come to cherish relatively quiet places and not be bothered by children playing tag in doors, or playing computer games to the point of talking loudly to is friend across the screen. Roblox has become my bane of study. read more

I love my little local branch--it's just a few blocks from my house and is a nice, warm place to study. And, it makes me feel just a little less hermit-like than studying at home. It also helps that I have a little crush on one of the librarians...he's so cute! ;) Sure, it doesn't have a huge selection, but it's easy enough to request things for pick up. Love, love, love this library! read more

The rating for me boils down to two things; a lack of customer service and basic organization. The librarians I've interacted with have been horrible. Every answer to every question comes with a look of a person who was just eaten lemon. The librarians are accusatory over disputes related to fines on ones account, which in many cases comes as a result of their poor organization. If you've been there you know what I'm talking about, the stacks upon stacks upon random piles of books behind the circulation desk is just immense. They have no idea whats actually in the library versus whats been checked out. There is not regular system by which they check books in, for all I can tell its the nearest book to body that gets checked in first. I've garnered so many fines for books we've returned on time, that now we just refuse to go back. And yes, the bathrooms are disgusting, and locked, and you have to ask the librarian to open the door for you, which of course comes at the price of one snaggle-toothed librarian sneer and sigh. The best and only thing this place has going for it is their story-time session for kids. Aside from that I recommend you go to another location. read more

Good for: free Wi-fi, studying, picking up light reading material. Bad for: service, which is slow and often borders on rude. Note: Many children here on Saturdays, mostly doing their own thing (looking up books, using computers, being kids), but not always conducive for studying. read more

The Rogers Park Public Library is host to a weekly Scrabble event (every Wednesday at 5:30 pm). Each week you will find 6 - 12 people playing Scrabble here. This is one of the premiere Scrabble venues on the North Side. read more

It's a public library, so I appreciate what they're doing...but there is one woman in particular that works there that just makes the whole experience painful. You'll know her if you talk to her... Of all the times I've been in there, I don't think she's ever said one polite word to anyone and she's always so painfully condescending. Even if I try my best to be cheery and sweet, I think that only fuels her fire... The selection could definitely be better, but it's a nice little place to go read a book on your lunch break. read more

I love libraries! I love books! I love to read! I HATE waiting in line while the ONE checkout lady talks on the phone while we all sit and stare waiting for her to hang up. Whatever happened to dealing w. customers that are right in front of you instead of ones that call? PLUS the call was someone that lived in Evanston and couldn't use our library anyway. This isn't new either. It's every time, every day, no matter what. Poor customer service, attitudes from every worker, other than the security guard maybe. read more

It is a good library. They seem to keep it nice and clean inside. One of the major problems with this location is that when the single elevator is being repaired, they tend to close the library. This usually happens when I'm planning on meeting a friend there, or doing some important research. read more

Came here just to give a much deserved shoot out to miss Jessie's story time on Tuesday & Thursday at 10:30am. My sanity has been saved so many times and keeps my 2 year old entertained! There's a free parking lot (which does fill up) and street parking is almost always easy to find. I've taken wiggle worms at old town and taken classes at bubbles with my baby for a hefty amount but this FREE story time is by far the most enjoyable for both little man and myself. Definitely worth checking out read more

SPACE: A bit smaller of a library, but there is ample space to study, read, etc. COMPUTERS: The computers are a teensy bit slower, but if you need free internet, boom. There you are. EMPLOYEES: The man behind the desk was very helpful in explaining the CPL system to me, as well as getting me signed up for a library card and showing me some of the library-specific deals you can get to tourist attractions around the city with a library card. They have a great selection of free publications in the front as well. read more

I really like the fact that this branch has a large, mostly unused (from what I have seen) parking lot. They also have lots of audio books upstairs, but other than that, nothing really stands out about the portions of their collection that I have used. The staff is friendly and efficient. I don't like how their children's section is mixed right in with the rest of the library because it takes some of the fun out of getting excited over selecting books. read more

Ok ....This is the most useless library ever!!!! I am really disappointed in this place. I got a book here that was completely damaged and unreadable and was missing the dvd so I took it back. The lady appologized and I thought that was the end of it. I go online and tried to take out another book but my card said it was restricted. So when I checked it, I noticed they charged ME $40 damage on the book I did not damaged. I talked to them over the phone and they said nothing was ever written down regarding damage to the book but they would look into it. They didn't and kept me on hold for 15 minutes UNTIL I hung up and called back three times! And then they said the dvd was missing and I said 'yeah that's why it was bought back! Don't you write anything down!!'. Now they have left me with having to contact the original library it come from to have the fee removed. I don't know what type of scam they'll trying to pull, but they messed with the wrong girl! Another downside: The ghetto bathrooms. read more

Oh the potential of this library. Every time I come here to study, I leave disappointed. Not a quiet or peaceful place to study given its dual use as a teenage hangout. Most of the time, they're gossiping, playing video games, or yelling across the room. It's a sight to be seen. Bathrooms are locked up, probably due to previous vandalism. My most recent experience - I found a decent spot to study at and was shortly after surrounded by a couple teenage boys who were hiding from the police. I wouldn't have known. Only these kids were talking so loud I overheard them. I packed up my things and left the library, on my way out passing through five cop cars looking for these kids. Doesn't make me want to go back. Wish the staff or someone would come in and regulate the situation. Or build some type of recreation center so these kids don't have to kick it here while I'm studying. read more

I am here fairly often. The employees at checkout have always been pleasant enough to me. They don't stand out in either a positive or negative way. The blond lady usually smiles and says hello. The place is quiet enough for study. Wi-fi network is always up, and doesn't require a password. When I've needed to use the computers there's rarely a wait. I've booked community rooms for a series of photography seminars--the woman who handles this was responsive and polite. The selection of books is alright, though if I didn't stop at the downtown library every so often I wouldn't be as happy a reader. (Interlibrary loan is good too, but I'd rather just go there!). The DVDs include some marvelous classics and foreign films that either Netflix doesn't have or only offers by mail order. I like that this library as well as other branches have improved their signage. It is definitely easier to know what programs are offered. Two small things the nearby Northtown branch does slightly better: they have a really nice 'featured books' display. They also have a couple of single chairs tucked into a corner rather than all placed at 'study' tables. (If you have the time to sit and read for a bit for pleasure, that just feels more inviting.) I wish folks at this library would read the reviews and maybe make some small changes, because it's :( to see this great branch get a bad rap (and I'd like everyone to enjoy the place as much as I do)! read more

I was so happy when I moved here and discovered this library was only a walk away. Unfortunatley, you will get nothing done if you're looking for a place to study. Patrons are rude and talk very loudly the entire day. If you look at them, even briefly, they get super aggressive and tell you to mind your own business. This has happened twice now. The library staff couldn't care less and even if you being the concern to their attention, they turn a blind eye and continue with their non-busy "work" duties. I'd rate a zero if I could. This place is a joke. read more

Growing up, I loved to go the library! I could spend hours walking through the stacks and I would always leave with at least five books in hand. Now, however, I absolutely hate going to the library. While the Rogers Park branch is fairly new, the limited parking is often full and there is almost always a line at the circulation desk. And, to top it off, the women working circulation are often very brusque and will spend way too much time telling people they are wrong to then just give in and write off their late charges. If you were going to do that anyways, why'd you make me wait so long while you argued with the patron? Frustrating! read more

Until the Edgewater branch re-opens, this is my library! It's definitely not a modern library, but they have a pretty good selection of books, audiobooks, and magazines. The lines can randomly be "long" when a librarian is dealing with any complicated situation. I don't at all blame them for not moving quickly, but I kept hearing the guy behind me sighing and saying "this is ridiculous" because it was taking longer than anyone would expect to take out some books. I digress, it's a nice library and they have a big selection for kids and teens, too, which I thought was very cool. I hope the Edgewater Library opens soon, but until then, I'll enjoy the Rogers Park location. read more

A good neighborhood library with a small selection of books. I love getting titles from the main branch sent here for pickup. The staff is very nice but can be slow. I like how much light the 2nd floor has for reading and working. read more

Clean, modern, new! Nice employees. Free wifi with no password necessary. All the patrons were quiet and no one stank! Amazing. Love this place. read more

I don't know what it is, but this library has the worst employees ever. No, let me clarify. ONE of the worst employees ever. There is a older woman with fair blond hair who wears a wrist splint/brace. She is probably the rudest person I have ever dealt with at ANY CPL. I've been to this library twenty or thirty times, and the majority of times I have been checked out by her and I dread it. She usually waits to call up a patron to be checked out until there are five or more people in line, which is frustrating as it is. Usually, she is just standing there, watching the line or talking to a coworker; nothing that couldn't wait for her to check people out. Furthermore, she has never one said hello to me, nor greeted me in any way, shape, or form. Nor has she ever said thank you, have a nice day, or any sort of vaguely polite greeting or closing. When she gives your card back to you, she holds it in the palm of her hand requiring you to take it from her, rather than handing it to you even when your hand is out to receive it. To be smart a few times, I have even said 'thank you, have a nice day' as though I was the one serving her and she has barely deigned to say you're welcome. Never mind the fact that as a customer, she should be thanking me. Long story short: don't interact with her in any way during your visit to this library unless you want to be treated as less than human and ruin your whole experience. read more

I love libraries and books. I'm a college humanities teacher. But tihs branch of the public library has got to be the worst! The service is appalling, with the exception of one librarian who is nice (though, as others pointed out, too chatty given that lines are usually at least 5-6 people long). The other people just ignore you. They could have more than one person at the check-out counter, they just don't. The staff is grumpy and generally unhelpful and inefficient. It's like they make a point of taking as long as possible with each patron. And you can never get a museum kids pass here either. read more

I visited this library twice today being the second day, the service is awful and really terrible. People leave their respective homes with the hope to go to a quiet place to study but this library is the opposite of quiet. It's ridiculously noisy and i hardly got any reading done, the kids made so much noise at some point i thought i was in a park. Terrible, just terrible. read more

I love this library and go a few times a week. I mostly reserve my books online and wait for them to be put on the pickup shelf for me. It's so nice to just walk in and grab my books that are ready for me. The library is a bit small, but it has everything I need. Its also very modern and clean. All of the staff is so nice, except for one woman, but besides her I love them. They always speak and make me feel welcome. It will be so sad when I finally move from Chicago because they have a great public library system. Oh! I completely agree with what a reviewer below said. Do not come here for studying. The people are loud and there are kids everywhere. read more

The Rogers Park library doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but the staff is polite, the location is convenient, and the hours are pretty good too. The selection of adult fiction is pretty small, so I mostly pick up books I've reserved through inter-library loan. I do agree with other reviewers that it is not a quiet library. So you won't get a lot of studying done, but it seems great for kids and there's an area for teens as well. read more

I have read through the reviews and saw that my experience with this library has been similar to those who are disgusted with it. 1) Most of the workers are soooooo rude with the exception of about 2 of them. (I have to laugh as one of them described as "chatty" in other reviews is one of the ones who is nice but hey I would much rather a chatty competent nice worker than the other rude, bitter, unorganized, workers that are there. There is an especially real bitter woman with short black hair who really must hate her life, and want others to hate theirs. Truly unfortunate. I'm also pretty sure she is a manager (or at least thinks she's the manager) 2) It's more of a dirty daycare & Adult Store like atmosphere than a library. I have no problem with kids in a library, and expect it. I don't expect a ton of kids running around like it's a playground, fighting and not even utilizing any books or story time, etc. NOW for the adult store atmosphere... that's right...people sitting on the library computers looking at porn right in the open, some while their kids are running around, yelling and screaming. 3) I did take a lot of time out of my day (just like this post) to fill out their online surveys, but I guess it was a waste of time and just a formality on their end as nothing seemed to change. Bottom line. In regard to this library I would rather get my tax dollars back and go to a bookstore. read more

I love that this library has a lot of things going on for the community. Wednesday night scrabble is the best! Its also conveniently located and easy to find. They aren't sticklers about having coffee and they have a relatively large assortment of books. The librarians are kind and helpful. The seating is adequate and the bathrooms are updated and stay clean. That being said, this has got to be the noisiest library I have ever been in. There are children constantly screaming, which is bad enough, but there are also adults keeping up with the noise. Also, they're running the loudest vacuum known to man, during peak hours. This is not a good library to come to if you are a person who needs it to be mostly quiet. The hours are bad. I know it's a public library and the state is broke, but consistency would be great. Ultimately, I'll come back tomorrow, but it would be nice if they had some ear plugs, or would tell people to quiet down. read more