The CPL has some great events, which I knew before I had a baby, but I had obviously not investigated their kids programs at that time. Now my time is really her time and I have been checking out what the various CPL branches have to offer to get us out of the house, socializing, and learning. Our calendar is getting increasingly packed as we plan to visit several of the CPL's 81 branch libraries. This week we visited the Logan Square branch for both Tummy Time and Story Time with Ms. Erica in the community room and it was great. There were 10 or so other baby-parent pairs. At the tummy time program, most of the children were on the younger side since I don't think babies need tummy time once they can crawl (although there were a few walkers there), and story time was more older children though I still would take my seven week old so she could hear and learn. The librarian had some rhymes and songs ready for the kids, and read a few books as well. Some of the songs were in both English and Spanish. The tummy time program was scheduled for a half hour but she went another 20 minutes at least, which was great for us since I can't tell time. I definitely appreciate her being generous with her time! Story time must be popular because there were two back to back sessions scheduled and I noticed the first one was really packed. I'm not sure how proficient the libarian is with a guitar (she may be a virtuoso for all I know), but she had one there and Erica shares her talents with little ones by playing the guitar for them, using it to accompany the songs we sang along to. This morning she let children strum the guitar on their way out. As an added treat, there was a bubble machine that Erica turned on and the kids really loved it. I think mine is too little to yet understand what they were but she did seem intrigued. And I appreciate that Erica offered to take a photo of me and my bambina after the program was completed (thank you!). I don't live in Logan Square, and even though there are at least ten branches closer to us than this one I would love to visit and attend as long as my little one is not too crabby to get here (it's about 20 minutes away from us). Erica was very welcoming, as was another library employee who greeted us whilst we were waiting for the second story time to begin. This library is about the same size as most of the other branches and has parking for 15-20 cars which is certainly helpful. I almost missed it, honestly; maybe it was just me but it was kinda hidden. There's also street parking which appeared to be free as well. (As an aside, I recently realized that I've been mistaken in calling many of the libraries small; I've been thinking in terms of Sulzer Library, my neighborhood library, which is one of the three regional libraries; rather than compare them to Sulzer, the non-regional branches should be compared to one another and this one is reasonably sized from that perspective.) Across the street is a coffee shop called Sip of Hope, where all proceeds go to suicide prevention efforts, so if you need coffee before or after you will find no more convenient spot to satisfy that vice. Probably an unexpected FYI, but this branch has Narcan available for free. I took a box since I've been meaning for years to buy some and keep it with me in case I'm somewhere where someone appears to be overdosing. I know I've seen it at other branches but sometimes the dispenser boxes are empty and I'm not sure if this has been rolled out to every branch yet, but it's a great community service. read more

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Love this branch of the chicago public Libraries. Helpful staff, clean spaces, great kids section. read more

It's in a nice neighborhood and it looks nice from the outside and has its own parking. On the inside, it's kind of small and not nearly as nice looking, and there wasn't a ton of seating, and the wifi wasn't as consistent as I'd like. A lot of people seemed to need help with printing or other tech things, and the librarians were actually pretty engaged and helpful with those people, which seems odd in this day and age. The bathrooms were pretty dubious and a lot of things didn't work. I've seen better libraries. read more

I love this library. Using the app and placing holds is really easy. Then, I just come and grab my books when they are ready

The Logan Square Branch of CPL is small in size, but it's nice to have in the neighborhood. It's newer, clean, has nice ambient light and ample seating. The free Wi-Fi is a big draw here and the hours are ample. So skip spending money at Starbucks just to grab some WiFi. The books section is adequate for a rainy day or a Sick Day that you just want to read a book now. The Logan Square Branch has the Museum Passports which allow users to check out a week-long pass for up to 4 people for FREE access to museums such as the Shedd Aquarium, The Dusable Museum of African American History, The Chicago History Museum, The Museum of Science and Industry, etc. I grabbed the Passport for the Chicago Children's Museum and it saved me $20 (enough for ONE hot dog at Navy Pier!)! This is totally cool for us parents, and all of us IN THIS ECONOMY! (There, I said it). This Branch also checks out fishing rods and reels for the stocked Humboldt Park fish pond nearby! Now, isn't that the coolest, Huck Finn? Library, library, more than a book, to liven up learning come take a new look! read more

A long time ago, I started to develop a mental list of jobs I wouldn't want because they seemed too dangerous. And not the obvious ones like taxi driver or fireman. No, the ones I put on the list were the ones that I feared due to the possibility of random people walking in off the street and shooting up the place - with me as the first line of defense. A good example from my list is hotel front desk clerk. After frequenting the Logan Square branch of the CPL for internet services recently, I have added librarian to that list. There are some regulars at this location with the crazy eyes! There are at least a couple of people who scream at the computer they're using. And a few others who wander around like creepy zombies looking for open computers to steal some time on. To use a library computer, you have to have a library card. To have a library card, you have to have an address. This means, in theory, you can't be homeless and use a library computer. And yet still, a couple of times, I have whiffed the unmistakable scent of eau du street. Couple this with the usual set of kids who hang out at every library yelling (some of whom tag the bathroom walls in this particular library with gang graffiti) and this is not your most peaceful place in Logan Square to relax with some free wi-fi or a good book. That being said, for being a smaller location, they are well stocked with said good books. I have never had to go far afield for a Yelp Book Club selection. The librarians are knowledgeable and friendly (shocking with some of the checkout lines they have to deal with and the aforementioned crazies). And since not a lot of people know about the location, the museum passes and even free Ravinia tickets go later than at other branches. And the hours can't be beat (open until nine on Monday through Thursday). This one is only a block or so from my apartment so it's close to my heart. Now if only I wasn't afraid to mention that fact due to some of the customers, it would be a much better branch. read more

Chicago Public Library - Logan Square Branch - Classy activities in the bathroom. - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am on a quest, visiting every single branch of the Chicago Public Library system. I am rating them on Yelp and Foursquare. This library SMELLS. It's also quite loud, and full. I wouldn't recommend it for someone looking for a quiet place. It seems as if this is a popular after school hang out for kids who don't know proper library etiquette. A beautiful building, and, from my quick walk-through, it seems like there is a great selection of books, movies and music. read more

Chicago Public Library - Logan Square Branch - This is me at Logan Square (on my quest to visit all Chicago Public Library branches). - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I do love libraries. It is a bookstore that you could pick up a book, read it and return it to get another. I stopped in for a workshop. I took look around while I waited for the workshop to begin. Amazing selection of books. From history, fiction, and to even books in Spanish. Clean location. Very well organized. Friendly staff. It is was one of the biggest libraries I have seen in the city. I love the artwork on the walls. I will be back very soon. read more

Chicago Public Library - Logan Square Branch - Suicide Prevention workshop. - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I returned 5 books on January 14th when I checked out another book. My books are still showing as checked out on my account. If they are not found, the library plans to charge my account even at their own negligence. This is unacceptable. read more

I wasn't expecting anything extraordinary. We utilize free access to the computer for ABCmouse.com and board games. Enough books for my daughter to engage in, but my daughter wasn't interested in books, rather for board games (which were outdated and not interesting) and left after our allocated computer time. For that reason, I give it 2 stars. I feel the library should be more updated. This library is also used as a shelter for homeless or unemployed people utilizing the library. No one seems suspect. read more

Rating breakdown: three stars for actual services/amenities, plus one simply for existing. I'm a sucker for libraries, having grown up on universities, and I love that there are so many local branches in Chicago. For this reason only, I continue to go to the Logan branch. The book and DVD selection isn't bad - pretty consistent with what one might expect from a neighborhood branch of a large library system. In fact, I've been pleasantly surprised at times. My only complaint is that this place gets loud. I tried coming here several times to study before I took the GRE and it was a total disaster. Sure, the place has tons of adorable kids running around and what appear to be various after-school groups, but they weren't the issue (such well-behaved little book-lovers!). Rather, the adult patrons drove me craaaaazy. Every time I was there, multiple people would get calls on their cell phones (ringer on loud, naturally) and would just pick up and start talking in the middle of the reading area. This typically happened within five feet of one of the "No Cell Phones" signs, so it seemed reasonable that a staff member might tell them to shut it. No such luck. It struck me as quite unfair to the majority of patrons who were there to study or read, rather than have extended and quite loud chats about, say, the weather. read more

I used to live directly behind it and that was great - but they rarely have the books I want in-stock, and the interlibrary loan can take weeks. The computers they have to search the online catalog move slowly, sometimes it's better to just ask the ladies at the counter to check for me. Still, it's really nice inside and they do a good job of keeping the ruckus down to a minimum. It's spacious and comfortable, the staff is pretty nice for the most part but the WiFi... I might as well get dial up again. I've had the slow WiFi at a few other branches, not just this one, but I can't understand why they aren't able to get a faster connection. I've heard that the community room they have for rent is a nice place to meet, and the art on the walls of the entry right now is great. read more

I'm writing this review using the free wi-fi at the library, and for that I'll give them one more star than the minimum. But every time I come here, I swear I'm never coming back. This time may do it for good. The problem, as many others have reported, is that the people who frequent this place never seemed to learn that in a library, you're not supposed to talk, and if you do need to talk, you're supposed to do it in a low voice. This has never been a problem for me at the Bucktown/Wicker Park branch or at the downtown Harold Washington main branch, but for some reason the people here like to sit around the tables in the reading area and chitchat about whatever is on their mind. Now, I'll grant you, some of these people may be a little lonely, some of them may not have a good climate-controlled place to spend the day, but could they maybe hang out in the building's lobby or somewhere like that while they chat, and then return to the reading area when they're ready to act like the adults that they are? And just now a cell phone went off and the guy took the call; this is the second guy to do this in the last two hours. Ugh! read more

The hours change daily. Some days they open at noon, some days at 10, some days at 9. It's very hard to keep track. They close early as well. Keeping the hours consistent would be a great start in improving the library. read more

Nice, new building with all the amenities. Free computer/internet access (20 min max when there's a wait) and free printing! Small selection of books, but very friendly staff willing to help your reserve books to be delivered to the branch for you to pick up. Good movie selection, as well; may not need Netflix anymore! Great library for all in the neighborhood! read more

I love that this library is in the neighborhood! So convenient and helpful. The librarians are super duper nice and the manager Shirley is one of the friendliest people I've ever met. I love that they let you print 10 pages for free every day. Anyone who gives a library a bad review because they accept people experiencing homelessness should re-evaluate their values. read more

Incompetent. Don't bother putting things on hold. If the book ever turns up at his branch, it will just go on the regular shelf. I put three books on hold in early December. Two months later, two of them are mysteriously still listed as "in transit" and one showed up but was never reserved for me. It was just put with all the other nonfiction books. The books that I placed on hold all had multiple copies in the cpl and had at least two or three that were not checked out at the time. Multiple as in 20 plus copies in the system. This branch is just frustrating. If you cannot perform a service, do not offer it. Just tell me, "We cannot put books on hold or have them sent in from other branches." Then I can plan on making arrangements to go elsewhere. Also, the bathroom was really disgusting. I guess I just assumed that in a place where order is king, cleanliness would logically follow. Not so. read more

I get the concept that whenever you place a book on hold it's no longer behind the desk, but sorted on shelves. When I first came here, it was to pick up some books I placed on hold. No, this isn't my go-to library, but it's closer to my residence and at the time I didn't feel like going to Lakeview. Regardless, I looked around and didn't see the "hold" section and when I asked someone she snapped at me that they no longer kept them behind the desk and that I needed to get it myself. Yes, I know this, I was asking where that section might be located. I find the workers are hit or miss. If they decide they like something about you, they're nice, but if they decide they don't.....well, not so much. The lines always seem to be long and don't move, not to mention the place is noisy. I guess the whole taking the cell phone outside only means beyond the front desk and not actually outside. The plus is that I've frequently found books here (and actually available) instead of having to wait weeks for them to come from another branch. For the most part I'll be sticking to my regular branch, but every now and then I'll use this one just because of the convenience factor. read more

I read other's reviews about the smell, and thought to myself, it can't be that bad all the time... Well, this is my second time here today ( I do need the free internet!) and it really is quite putrid. I should add though, from what i've experienced, the staff is very friendly and helpful! read more

This library has the rudest clerks. One tried to charge me $5 to renew my library card after I had to wait in line 20 minutes! It's a nightmare from Hell! They had a lousy selection of books & DVD'S absolutely pathetic. One DVD in catalog I wanted, clerk said was stolen! Extremely limited hours impossible for people who work full-time like me! Parking was major hassle. Won't be going back here again. Half Price Books is best! read more

Chicago Public Library - Logan Square Branch - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Closest place from my home for free wifi .. and they have computers, too, if you don't mind waiting. Not a huge library but big enough for the neighborhood - enough empty tables so there's always room to read/wifi/study/etc. Small kids section, is overun with kids once school is out. Hours are great - open 9-9 M-Th, 9-5 Fri/Sat, closed Sunday. Alot of libraries in other cities rarely are open past 6. read more

It's a library...but as far as Chicago branches go it's not too bad... It's close to my house. I can request books to be sent there. They have free Wi-Fi. read more

As a resident i have used the library most often for their community room to hold our non-profit meetings. They are OK in terms of being helpful. When I have visited for copying or the occasional book - they have very little inventory other than popular stuff - i find one woman on the desk is quite nasty and a second is quite pleasant. I was disappointed that the CPL had refused to take reservations for the meeting rooms because of their fight with Mayor Rahm over union hours. However, they recently agreed to reserve a room in late February. So we hope things are back to normal in Logan square. read more

Small but new facility, free wi-fi, a kids section but not a whole lot of selection. Minus the bums and the smell of urine permiating the SF mission library branch, my new neighborhood library is WAY better. read more

This branch has the worst selection of books and dvds. The art section is especially lacking. The magazines are all over the place. Not very quiet in here either. I've never been in a library before where I found myself trying to block out the noise to focus on what I was reading. It was like hanging out with my brother's kids! read more

I usually come here to pick up books on various interests: cooking, design, psychology/neuroscience and existential literature are my most frequented pick-ups. When I come to pick up my items, the librarians attitudes are a hit or a miss. There are two that are basically helpful and good-natured, and than there are two that are not. The overweight lady with the black pixie is the worst. She actually rolls her eyes when I pick up books on design --as if it were any of her business! And the overweight latin one is quite often unhelpful and snippy. Other problems I have with the place is that it often smells funky and on one occasion, I caught a man urinating on the Chicago Reader stack! To make matters worse, only half of them were removed leaving the "untouched ones" smelling a faint odor of pee. On the other hand, despite these unpleasant isolated incidents, the library is typically clean, there are a couple of very friendly librarians and the computers are usually available. read more

As far as CPL branches go, it's pretty good. As far as public libraries go CPL sucks. The only thing they seem to be able to do is build pretty buildings for their non-existent collections. I very nearly didn't move to Chicago because (as a librarian) I need a very functional and good public library to meet my needs. My experience with CPL in person and online made me fear for my sanity if I chose to live in this city. I did end up here, regardless of the poor library, and several changes since I moved to town have made my experiences slightly better (such as the ability to renew books without visiting the library in person ...). Like the rest of Chicago, CPL is WAY behind in terms of technology and innovation. They also have terrible customer service. The circulation team at the Logan Square branch is incompetent at best. You can attempt to make a quick trip to this library, but it'll take at least 15 minutes if you have a book on hold and longer if anyone else in front of you is trying to check out. Also, the magazine section is consistently completely out of order and the clerks handling reshelving obviously haven't been taught how to organize things in call number order. But, decent enough for a crummy library system. I'm happy to have this branch as my local offering. read more

Nice little library. I always rate libraries on their staff. The people here were all super helpful and friendly. They didn't have that "why are you asking me for help" kinda attitude. They have plenty computers and a nice kids section. read more

A great place to study. Lots of tables w/ easily-accessible outlets. The open floor plan means the occasional noise from the kids' section will drift your way, but bring your headphones and you'll be all right. read more

Very nice library. Staff are always pleasant & helpful, and if the Branch doesn't house a particular book, patrons can request that such book be transferred from another branch or even from libraries outside of CPL and pick it up here. The building itself is clean, well equipped & organized, and comfortable. Another plus is the good-sized parking lot. All in all, Logan Square Branch Library is a winner and my favorite library. read more

The Logan Square Branch can be hit or miss. Some days it's low-key, easy to find table space, quiet, and you feel tranquil getting some work or reading done. Other days there are children milling about the kids area with no adult to keep them focused, the tables are full, and the computers have a mile long line. But it's a great place for people watching. I usually find several books I'm curious about and it's a welcoming place for all walks of the community. That said...the staff seems annoyed to be working there, bothered by having to deal with the public, and more than ticked when they're asked for assistance. Also, could they open up more than one check out area at a time? There is consistently a long wait when I try to check out yet there are normally extra staff lingering around and a couple of unused check out areas. read more

Small library but it's convenient, is clean and has it's own (small) parking lot. It gets a little noisy between 4-6 pm & staff don't really address the issue. The flip side is that I've seen the staff be very helpful to others & they start to give reminders an hour before closing. This makes it possible for me to study without worrying about the time. I've learned to ignore the reminders until 10 minutes before closing. read more

Book game on point. DVD's for days. More books than you could read in a lifetime. Internet? Free and plentiful. Printing for a nickel? Yes you may. Just a joyous place. Knowledge truly is power. Gain it at LogSqPubLib. #Books read more

I now realize I was spoiled formerly living near Sultzer Regional library. At first I couldn't believe the Logan Square location closes at 6PM Monday and Wednesday; 5PM on Friday AND is closed on Sunday. Even though this is the library closest to me, I often try and reserve books at another location because it's so difficult to make it here while they're open. read more

i love this branch. the staff is incredibly hard working and very helpful, despite the recent stressful budget cuts. i also love the spanish selection. keep up the good work, logan square. read more

This branch was small and crummy, but it's been moved and a new building built. It is almost complete and from the pictures, it looks like it will be 1000% better. read more

Chicago Public Library - Logan Square Branch - Libraries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Not much of a selection of books for a library.. but the building looks great. After all isnt that whats important?? ugh... CPL needs to step up their game a little. The city can spend so much money on these huge buildings but they cant make adequate parking and they cant buy books to put in the building either... read more

Delightful staff who are all very helpful. Yeah, the selection is small...but usually within a week you can have any book delivered to this branch. Thankful to have a neighborhood library that's so close. read more

I think the Chicago Public Library System is doing a fantastic job considering the recent budget cuts. This is one of two branches within reasonable walking distance of my home. There is a Mystery Book Club which meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at this branch which I enjoy very much. The employees are helpful and accommodating and I love that I can use my computer to locate books from any library and pick them up at the local branch of my choice. read more

It doesn't have much of a selection but the building is new and the people are friendly enough. I go here to return books but I go downtown to check them out because I can never find what I want here. read more