Ooh, this library is really lovely and seems to be pretty darn new. It's large, airy, and multi-story. Unlike some libraries with the kids section in the basement, the children's area is on the second floor here. They have a good selection of children's programming, and we were here for Family Story-time. I only learned of this the day that it happened (and it also happened to be the last date of the series) which was a bummer because it was great! I'm really hoping they continue this series next month. It's really kind of a bummer that most libraries have children's programs (particularly for the littlest ones) almost exclusively in the early morning on weekdays, so I was so happy to see this one that although geared toward kids 2+ they specifically state that children of any age are welcome and my on one year old was having a lot of fun. Though the story time took place in one of their meeting rooms, they also have a section on the east side of the floor that has some toys and play space for kids. We didn't get to check that out this time but will in the future. I also picked up some information about a program they're doing with the Forest Preserve District, I think--I love this type of partnership and hopefully we can attend sometime. There's lots of parking around this library, since it's in what might be downtown Des Plaines. I'm sure it's hard to find parking during some times of day and I think the lots around here are a little odd sometimes, but there's surface parking that is good for up 90 minutes which worked well for us. It's right across from the Des Plaines Metra Station as well. read more

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Hmm, I thought I reviewed this place. Oh well, maybe not, but I sure have utilized it quite a bit over the 12 years that we have lived in nearby Park Ridge. It's actually closer to our home than the Park Ridge library, and it's a great library. I have mainly used it for movie DVD's and occasionally a book. Years ago, we used to take the kiddos here to putz around and also take an occasional kiddo story-time reading class or what not. They have 4 stories with lots of inventory, and it's a modern and comfortable place to hang out if you wish. All of the staff are also knowledgeable, helpful, and just great. They have their own convenient and covered parking lot also. I used to physically putz around the movie section and search their library from a kiosk. Nowadays, I just go online at home and order up some movies or a book, and after a day or so and an e-mail notice, the items are sitting on a shelf for quick pickup and I waste little time in picking up or returning anything. The other nice thing about their online search is that it will include a search of 7 local libraries for availability of an item and it will be delivered if necessary to the DP library for pick up. So nice! Recently, even with all of the online streaming, Apple TV, etc, some prime movies have not been available (for free anyway) and I have gone back here to pick up some good movies. I usually try to watch the Academy Award winners in the major categories every year, and this year was no exception except that I used the library more this year it seems. Big thumbs up and thank you for your excellent services! read more

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** Nice Ambiance ** ** Super Kind Staff ** It's been forever since I had the pleasure of going to a public library. I was very impressed by the technology now in place. From automatic book check out to the automated book return (this one is so cool, I'll have to upload a video in the future). Everyone working there is super kind and knowledgeable and always with a smile. The smiles I have to say makes us feel awesome. We found everything we were looking for and then some. I only wish there were more comfortable seats but understand why they probably don't. Thank you Des Plaines for a wonderful treasure! read more

Des Plaines Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

This library opened the year I moved out of Des Plaines!! I am a proud library geek and this one is one of the best in the area and that's saying something. Despite no longer being a resident we still returned especially when our son was young. The kids area was always amazing and entertained us for hours. The non-fiction and fiction collections are top notch. This library has titles my library (a very good library I might add) don't carry. I drive over here and have reciprocal borrowing privilege's. I don't get our here too often, but when I do I am always pleased with the services and titles available. Libraries are one of the best way our tax dollars are spent and this one is among the very best. If you live in Des Plaines you had better be a patron and use this institution! If you don't you have no idea what you are missing! read more

For truly a good service to the public, staff and many resources , books,etc available to our public.

The library is located in the heart of the downtown area, near the Metra train station. I'm a little bias, since I'm a local to the area, but this is a great library. I'm part of a neighborhood book club and the library does a wonderful job assembling book copies for book group requests. They also host a plethora of random events for all ages. Recently, I attended their first interactive movie night of "The Princess Bride." The library staff put together a princess crown and Dread Pirate Robert mask making station. In addition, they also handed out a limited amount of prop and script bags. It's a shame not enough people utilize libraries. I encourage all individuals to check out their local libraries. Even if you don't read books, check out the free or inexpensive events they are hosting. It makes for a fun date night! read more

Today, on the 4th floor Thomas helped me print from my lap top. 3rd times he's helped. He is helpful and patient.

A great library. Clean, modern, space , friendly staff and a great collection of books in all formats. They have many wonderful events for all ages and interests. I enjoy the musical presentations and the book groups read more

I maybe a bit partial as I am a resident but I LOVE my library. I get gitty everytime I get an opportunity to visit. Aside from the building itself (clean, modern, spacious) and staff (competent, helpful, friendly) there are so many great resources provided by the Friends of the Library. I recently took part in the DPPL's Professional Headshot Program and have scheduled a future session for career and job counseling. I also have a neighborhood book club and staff is very helpful in reserving books of us. When my kids were little, we loved hanging out on the second floor and they very much enjoyed the activities and summer reading challenge events provided. Now that they are older, they enjoy the many different areas available to study independently or as a group in the study rooms. I'm so happy we have this space, amazing staff, and organization available to us in Des Plaines. read more

(Disclaimer, I only spent one day here with my laptop and not for the books, etc.) Pros: - Good WiFi - Lots of different seating options - Clean bathrooms - Outlets at most tables - Large windows with amazing lighting - Couple of food options right down the street - Fairly quiet on a weekday Cons: - Parking spots have time limits, so since I was there all day I felt pressure to move my car to a new spot every few hours - couple of odd patrons that just sit there not doing anything and staring at people, but that's kinda unavoidable for a public library read more

Could not have had a better location for the help I needed - Thank you for all the beyond work and advice I so needed - Annie and Joannie are the Angels of our Des Plaines Library - again Thank you for all your assistance - please take care and be safe - BEST EVER Marilynn Michau they should get a 100 +++++ stars read more

I have lived in Des plaines for 5years my drivers license is in Des plaines. But I'm not allowed to get a library card? And the staff was so RUDE. don't recommend going here. read more

Wow, what a huge library. This place is massive, it even has its own plaza with little stores next to the mammoth main library bulding. I like to take stairs whenever I can, but this place pushes you when you have a backpack loaded with books and haul up 4 stories to get to a nice study room. This place even has a balcony! Overall the library is well-maintained, with ample study space, and friendly staff. I wonder how much this cost the Des Plaines tex-payers... read more

Such a great part of our little town. This place makes the tax dollars SO worth it. There are four levels and I have never not been able to find what I was looking for. Reserving items is my favorite thing to do. They make it so easy to reserve online, then they call you when its pulled and its waiting for you right by the checkout station. It couldn't be easier. The staff is usually pretty nice too. The only thing I would change would be to add a cafe on one of the levels. That would make it the perfect library, I would probably never want to leave. read more

Des Plaines Public Library - I love using the "hold" option - Libraries Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Best Library in all the burbs! Clean and modern design, wonderful staff, cozy setting. Kids floor is full of activities for kids, as well as great daily sessions. Many resources and books and media to explore. Lots of study rooms and spaces to work and play. Love to hang here with my kids or alone weekly. read more

This has got to be favorite library within a 10 mile radius of Morton Grove. I really wished that I loved my hometown's public library, but it's so dingy and small. Des Plaines Public Library is gorgeous. It has 4 levels and is a beautiful glass building; you can see downtown Des Plaines from every angle and it's just such a great atmosphere. I'm pretty sure I have an affinity for glass libraries--there's just something about reading or studying with natural light surrounding you. I love that they have comfy chairs, large desks, plenty of outlets, and private study rooms. They constantly get new material and the librarians are always nice. My only complaint is that some people just seem to come here to sleep or stare and that can get prettttty creepy and a bit distracting. read more

So far I really love this library. It's only the second time I've been here, but I like what I see. I just recently moved here and my laptop decided to die on me. While it's in the shop I've resorted to coming here to get my dose of Yelp. Computers are really meant for resident, but I haven't been able to switch all my info yet, so I can't prove that I live here. No problem. With the wave of my MN ID they let me use a computer for 60 minutes. But if no one is in need of a computer then it automatically adds another 30 minutes every time the session approaches the end! Awesome! The staff is very friendly and helpful. They have some cute librarian guys. Can't beat that. The place is very clean and cozy. And even though it's not a huge library, they have a decent selection of books. I've already got my eye on "Trespassers Will Be Baptized" for when I'm able to get my library card. read more

I frequent DPPL often, and as a resident of Des Plaines, I'm proud to call this our library. I remember years back, when the Des Plaines Library was on Graceland, very old, outdated. So when they built the new library I was super excited. Centrally located in Downtown Des Plaines, it is nearby several restaurants and stores, which is great if you want to grab a bite to eat afterwards. I like the collection of books. There is always something to find, whether fiction or non-fiction. They do have a section for books in different languages--- French, Spanish, Russian, Tagalog...to name a few. It's great. Awesome collection of DVDs, a lot of them are up-to-date movies & TV series, which are nice if you'd rather opt for a free movie rather than renting from Redbox or Netflix. When in doubt, check the quick picks section near the check-out. New and popular DVDs, Blue Rays, Wii Games and best-selling books. You can only borrow these out for a limited amount of time, but its worth it. Accessible free computers. Sometimes there is a wait, but usually not long. Also free wi-fi, which can sometimes be slow, but does the job. Also a good place to study-- usually I like the open space tables on the 3rd floor, or sometimes a comfy sofa seat, but sometimes I go to the 4th floor for more privacy in the cubicles. I wouldn't say it's super extremely quiet all the time, since there's an open space balcony right smack dab in the center of the building, but it is quiet enough to be able to concentrate. They do have private study rooms and a reading room that you can use if you need absolute silence. The only concern I have is the parking, which there are 1 hour limit parking spots by the Metra tracks. In the garage, I believe it's 3 hours, sometimes you have to drive around a few times to find parking on the ground floor of the garage, because it's usually full. Otherwise, there's the option to park in the basement or upper floors of the garage and take the elevator to the ground floor, which I don't necessarily like to do. Overall all though, if you're looking for a pleasant, reliable library in the Chicago north/northwest suburbs, I would definitely recommend Des Plaines Library. read more

Writing this review from the perspective of someone who doesn't have kids and needs a place to do work/study on a pretty regular basis. The library is clean and has plenty of seating. It was recently renovated and has a pretty modern techy appearance. Conference/study rooms are plentiful but are usually full. Wifi is great here. Temperature is also pretty warm. It can get kind of loud sometimes because of all the families and children but that's to be expected. Overall a great place to study! Definitely one of my favorite libraries in the Chicagoland. read more

I love everything about the DP library! I feel like this place more than make up for the taxes we pay. I used to go to the Niles library but I think DP is so much better. Ample parking spots, lots of study spaces, helpful staff, and of course the books! They have a whole floor dedicated to children's books. That alone makes me wanna have a kid of my own. read more

Beautiful building designed by Lohan and Associates the same firm that designed to John Hancock building in Chicago. Inside there 4 floors built to keep noise down and several meeting rooms where you can gather and talk. I often come here to get work done and to be inspired by the wealth of materials available. read more

Great selection for a suburban (small town) library. Runs rings around the park ridge library. Staff is ALWAYS helpful and I do enjoy the renewing your books online feature. read more

This is by far the best library! They have awesome summer reading for kids, friendly staff, and none the less a good selction of books. I've never had a problem there. read more

Love it here. Internet works perfectly. I had my own space all day and the staff is very friendly. It's perfect for studying and relaxing! read more

Des Plaines Public Library - Great for studying and staying in the zone. - Libraries Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

To get me to leave a review, you have to be doing something wrong. And this library, while it has a great selection book-wise, has the rudest desk clerk on the first floor I've ever met. It was 5 P.M., and they had announced the library was closing. So as I made my way downstairs, he scolded me "The library is closed! You can't check out anything!!!" They never mentioned in the announcement that you had to be downstairs BY 5. It was 5:01. All they said was the library was CLOSING. Not "If you're not down here by 5, you're out of luck!" The way I was spoken to is the way, in all my years of retail, I've NEVER CONSIDERED speaking in such a rude and arrogant manner. If you want this library to thrive, maybe get rid of the rude desk clerks, like the gentleman this afternoon? They just get in the way, and make the library feel like a cold place to be. I understand policy is policy, but why not be kind about it? Why yell at me in front of everyone? Please consider speaking to your employees and coaching them on how to treat people RESPECTFULLY. read more

One of the best library I've ever been to! HUGE And a HUGE selection of materials! read more

I like that it's close to my home and the staff is pleasant. However, it's dirty, floors, computer stations and the bathrooms are pretty disgusting. There are homeless people sleeping all day in the lounge chairs dragging their bags around. Was at the urinal in the Gender Neutral Men's room, when a woman and her daughter exited the toilet stall, yelling at me that I was in their bathroom. I've been to libraries in other cities in the US and overseas...Des Plaines Public Library is among the worst read more

My favorite library. It's huge! Good selection of books, CDs, DVDs, etc. Good play area for children too...although I'm a bit too old to enjoy it ;) read more

For all its external beauty, technology and collections, this library has some serious flaws that the public should be aware of. First and foremost, the downstairs staff is fairly rude and unfriendly. The arrogance is unmistakable. Also, the parking situation should be improved, but with Metra there, I kinda get it. The folks in the kids section on the 2nd floor are somewhat better. They are very good with assisting in finding books, getting pc games going, arranging kids events and so on. They are, however, somewhat quick to bark at parents if their child even *appears* unsupervised. When I visited, I was not in my kids field of vision, BUT they were in my sight and I kept an eye on them. The desk person got up and started interrogating my kid and his friend (1st and 2nd graders) about WHERE ARE YOUR PARENTS?! My kids were not unsupervised, but I got an earful all the same. Good to know the library nazis are alive and well at DPPL. Most problematic is the new trend implemented at several local libraries: the kids technology bandwagon! It looks like a number of local libraries decided that the modern-image gimmick will somehow endear the public. DPPL followed suit. As soon as kids come up to the 2nd floor--books be damned!!!--shove PC stations in their face. I strongly disagree with this philosophy of space layout in kids library sections. Kids are already bombarded with technology, and our local library should be a sanctuary for the love of books. No, I am not some Ludite that wants to smash all the PC stations to bits and set tablets on fire. But come on, there is no need to teach kids that computers are worth more of their time than holding a book in their hands, browsing the shelves and flipping pages. Why did DPPL chose to hide the reading space away from the kids in the farthest corner of the library? I think it's a big mistake and a disservice to the young generation. I have made comments about this to the staff there: fell on deaf ears. The activities organized for kids at the library are alright, but at times tend to be shallow. The Seusstastical they did this winter was one example: a very flashy advertisement poster promising the heavens to parents. But you arrive at DPPL only to find hostile ticket agents (again acting like library nazis, so all the joy of a fun event gets squashed), and a show that is well-done but limited only to the dance component, extremely short and very rushed so as to accommodate the next group of frustrated parents. DPPL is a huge library with ample space. They need to plan and fund these events better, so that parents stop stressing out about not getting the tickets and being turned away last minute. Nice chairs and water fountains though! read more

This is a update: I came here again... To use their computers.. I do have a district library card. Not sure if the others have one.. Or anyone on their wifi.. Anyways I was on their computer for 2 hours doing my homework and it was like being in HELL.. I'm not saying this literally.. Let me get to the beginning.. The first time I used a public library computer in years.. Anyways I got on the computer and I was pretty much alone in that row. Than a few more people come on the other side of the row.. Then they start worshiping Satan or something.. Then they start talking about killing animals for fun and they start using their devil voices or what ever.. Than they talk about throwing a rock into someones car that night.. They were there for the two hours I was there.. Then there was that old guy. He decided to sit next to me.. Being as loud as he can he starts laughing out loud and banging the table with a open fist.. Then he loudly grunts so other people could be silent so he can laugh.. It was just uncomfy sitting next to this guy.. Than there was growling man.. I thought this guy was growling at me.. Then he kept banging on the table with the computer mouse.. Than he keeps growling.. Then that's when I decided to leave the library.. This library should seriously consider checking people for their state ID and for library cards. read more

Well, suburban libraries considered, this one is about average in it's selection and such. While there are better libraries to conduct research at for school, this one is great for a library in a moderately sized suburb that has a lot of kids. There are so many programs for the little ones (and bigger) it's programs are definitely more of the draw! This library reaches out to the community very well and provides safe and educational alternatives for children... as a parent, that's a HUGE plus for me! read more

For such a great location and space Library offers NO activities for school kids of early age. It's like they DO NOT EXIST! So unless you have a toddler or teenager, don't expect much - settle down for computers and I-pads! read more

Overall, this library has a good selection of movies and cds. Very helpful when it comes to requests. However, there always seems to be groups of noisy kids around the entrance. read more

I love this place. Beautiful interior and helpful staff. The convenience of requesting an item on line and getting an email when it is waiting for you. I was in the hospital and they had no problem dropping the large fine on the three DVDs that sat at my home. One of the few places you can get something for nothing! read more

This is a world class library. It has great views of downtown Des Plaines and has easy to find designated areas covering four floors. I wonder how Des Plaines got such a nice library. The only problem I have with this library was that it did seem to attract sleepers and shady homeless folks the time I was there. Aside from that the staff was helpful and plentiful and not hard to find if you had a question. read more

I have been to a couple of libraries in my life, but this one has a special place in my heart. This place literally has 4 floors of books, movies, audio, etc. It's the perfect quiet place to study or hang out. Place is almost always clean, and if a messes are taken care of right away. Comfortable chairs and bean bags at every corner. Computers and other resources are always available as well unlike some libraries. I've hung out here with friends in their many group rooms, read the day away without getting interrupted, or just had fun exploring the big place! There is always something to occupy yourself. I couldn't imagine ever getting bored in this place! I have been going here since 8th grade. Granted I am not here for most of the year anymore, but I do come back here and there to quietly read manga and short novels. I spent most of junior high to sophomore year here and I don't regret one bit. Their events are usually fun too, and the librarians are friendly and keep up with what kids find hip! I don't have anything bad to say about this place. I love this library! read more

Had to take a online, proctored Real Estate Test and Des Plaines Library is signed on as a Proctor. Contacted the Library and scheduled a time. Upon arriving I was stunned at how beautiful the building and the overall layout of the library is. It appears huge, well organized and super clean. I was directed by a sweetheart at the desk on the first floor to the fourth floor and up I went.....4 floors of materials all available to the people of Des Plaines, I'm jealous! The woman on the fourth floor, amazing: nice, proficient and super helpful.....because of her, the test taking process was a breeze. Great overall experience. Hope to become a member soon (I live in Chicago but just learned they may accept me something to do with a reciprocal membership they have with Chicago Libraries......super excited) read more

I think this library is very big and nice, especially compared to some of the libraries in Chicago. I think its funny that people are complaining about the staff, who are just simply doing their jobs. Those are the rules they must follow, just like how every place has rules. I was taught at school that you can not eat, drink, or be on the phone in the library, did they stop teaching those things? No wonder people are so rude and so defensive. Honestly, those things can wait, and no one should be an exception. It's disrespectful. If you want to eat and be loud go to a Starbucks or somewhere else if that is the case. Also, unsupervised kids do tend to leave a mess or get in trouble, and from personal experience, the parents could care less, so can you really blame the staff for being like that? (Of course, not all kids or parents are like this) It is a library after all.... read more

This is the best thing that ever happened to Des Plaines. A beautiful building with a beautiful selection of books, super nice and helpful librarians, and a great atmosphere. Plenty of room for lounging around and studying. one of the best selections I've found in a public library, and a wonderful place to kill an afternoon. I love coming home for this place alone. Libraries are vital to communities and it's good to see Des Plaines putting such a high value on these services and hope they continue to do so. I'm here three times a week in the summer, just browsing. I always find something cool. read more

The Library is multi levels, so it's a large facility and plentiful with internet computers and a large selection of everything you would want at your library and parking is good as well. better than any chicago public library but quanity of new DVD releases and other DVD's are alot less for obvious reasons, the whole library is clean and in great shape. The only problem is with some of the female staff, everytime I visit some of the female staff Ogle me and I look up and find a female staff member staring at me, it is very uncomfortable and creepy. they need to do better checks on some staff members before they are hired. read more