05/20/25 - Beautiful Library located in the middle of a residential area of Elmhurst. The library is beautifully/large spacious seating & lounge areas. They also have a snack & coffee bar which is a very nice amenity. The only issue is they have very limited parking. I had to drive around to try and find a space read more

See all

They got cool FREE programs where you learn alot like Illinois hauntings, and as a library it's massive though it's new school meaning all the school kids running around yelling, talking, non library manners more like a city zoo . read more

This is a beautiful library, architecturally speaking. The outside is beautiful. It has a circular path on the west side of the building where you can drop people off at the library door if you like. There's a large parking lot in the back. If you're concerned about whether there will be parking for you, you can check out their live streaming parking lot webcam! There's a little coffee stand by Brewpoint Coffee in the lobby--at least, there was pre-pandemic; I hope it's still there. They don't have an extensive menu but they have just about everything I think you'd need in a coffee place. I understand their coffee is pretty good (I don't drink it), and they have some seasonal drink specials and non-coffee items like chai latte, smoothie, and so on. The smoothies are ok, but like just about every place they're made with ice -cubes and pre-made smoothie gunk, not actual fruit and stuff. But they are cold, so that's something on a warm day. I don't live in Elmhurst so don't borrow from this library, but I have come here to play games with a friend. We've done that in the area by the coffee stand and we've gone upstairs to the very large tables they have up there. Upstairs there are lots of nice places to sit, and lots of nice large private rooms to use if you are a local patron. This library also has a check-out program for household items! I think that's really cool. That may be the first place I saw this in a library. I appreciate that they have, in the ladies room, a sign for people experiencing abuse with the number for a local hotline. The only thing that could be better is if they had these on the inner door of the stall so women might be able to read it more carefully. But kudos to them for this touch. read more

This is an amazing library. It was recently renovated and they really got it right. I spent time in the kids area with my grandkids. We first saw an aquarium and then a couple of frogs named Mac and Cheese. The kids got a kick out of watching the fish. Then we walked through the run archway into the children section. Lots of books at kids height. Easy for them to look at and choose. There are multiple playing/learning stations. They played with Legos, trains, a mini kitchen, color boards and dinosaurs. They picked books out and sat on the variety of comfy chairs. We had so much fun learning about different things while waiting out the rain. Great place to bring kids of all ages. read more

See all

The best library I've found in the near west suburbs. Conference rooms and quiet spaces with all equipment available to borrow. Very clean!

Beautiful and obviously well funded library. I just wish it were like the other public libraries in the Chicagoland area and truly for the public not just those that can prove they pay taxes in Elmhurst. Trying to check out books for my 10 year old I was told I would have to register apart and they couldn't do that at that time because it was too close to closing time. Going in the next day to register and get the books he wanted (which they were of course unable to put aside for me) I only found one, but was unable to put a hold on the other because I do not hold an Elmhurst library card. I'm so thankful for the kind and considerate staff at Berkeley, Bellwood, Westchester and Hillside libraries who have always gone above and beyond to help me and my family, working with much lower budgets. Kindness is free! read more

The BEST library EVER! For adults it's great. You can reserve rooms for free for your workspace. Staff is mostly friendly, everyone has iff days occasionally not something I judge the library on. Plenty of space and very motivating place to be. Also a really great kids area. Lots of fun activities for them to do. Located really close to parks and the train. Kids love how close everything is to the library makes it so great coming here. There is a coffee house on the first floor, just an outside business from the library, I also don't judge the library on that business as the people working the counter have been rude to my friends and I. (Ugh. Younger generation breeds..lol) Overall, a great place. Lots of natural light. High ceilings, just a great place overall. Love the energy from the library!! read more

Beautiful library that's great for the weekends to just sit in and relax/read by the indoor fireplace! read more

Elmhurst Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

Absolutely delighted with the helpful staff, diverse materials and unique events put on by the dedicated & enthusiastic children's library team at Elmhurst Public Library!! Special shout out to Kathy, Lori and Nuala. Wonderful librarians! Update: The new Makers Space is so cool!! We learned how to use several of the machines and made awesome vinyl transfers and bumper stickers! There were 3 staff members helping out. It is a super tidy and well-stocked space. Elevator access. Awesome experience today in the Makers space! Thank you Librarians for helping us! read more

See all

EPL was my saving grace when I was home for the holidays AND the internet went out. We were still able to watch DVDs, play some new games and get to reading. I hadn't brought anything with me so it was a great solace. I think my favorite part is the board game checkouts. What a great way to try before you buy. Thank you 5star library! read more

Beautiful facility that is loved by locals. They have a phenomenal Makerspace, as well.

This used to be my go to place during middle school and high school! I loved it! There so many computers, printers, study rooms and study tables available. I also spend majority of my last summer here studying for an exam. I love how the upper level is quiet and spacious. Great place to focus and get work done! Honestly a much better place to get work done compared to coffee shops! And if you are craving coffee they also have a coffee shop downstairs and it's really good!! If you are around the neighborhood and have some time to chill I definitely recommend stopping by our library to relax with a fun book or get work done! P.S. There is a huge free parking lot for the library and it's also right by the Elmhurst Metra stop. read more

Elmhurst Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

I mean ... they have BrewPoint offered inside of the library! They have a knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly staff around at all times. I love the amount of sunlight that comes in upstairs as well; enjoyably bright and cozy areas to study or read. They have a phenomenal pick up and drop off system as well. Either process is completed in a time efficient manor. They have plenty of helpful classes and events going on throughout the month. -computers accessible without library card -printers -scan/copiers All for some pocket change. read more

One of the best libraries I have ever been to. It's open and airy, well appointed, and overall has a cheerful vibe. Kids love coming here. Book selection of highlights is great. They have everything you can think of, whether it's books, magazines, video games, waffle makers, tickets to local venues, you name it and it will be probably available to borrow. 5 stars for sure. read more

The Elmhurst Library is a great resource for our community. They are on the cutting edge of technology - even the returns are automated! The staff has always been friendly and helpful. They have a drive-up drop-off AND pick-up. Typically, I go online to reserve a book and just pick it up from the drive-thru. Makes my life very easy! They have a large children's center with plenty of free activities. They also have a Sale room where older books are sold for just $1 (I've found plenty of gems in there!). The library staff has even purchased a book for me when they couldn't find it at any of their partner libraries - you can't ask for more than that! Parking can be difficult when it's busy but they allow overflow parking at the Art Museum next door. read more

Elmhurst Public Library - Wall art - Libraries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

See all

"Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future." -Ray Bradbury Seriously, have you visited the Elmhurst library lately? If you are long overdue for a trip to the library, prepare to be AMAZED. A few library highlights: 1) The librarians are friendly and are excited to help you research topics, find books and other sources of information. They are also very computer savvy and can help you with your Kindle or other technology. 2) They have a drive through book drop off and window where you can pick up materials without entering the library (must request drive through pick-up in advance). 3) Self checkout and return kiosks!! Kids love returning books and watching the kiosk "eat" them. Think Redbox return, but for books. 4) FREE movie rentals!!! 5) Summer reading program with prizes for children and adults. 6) It just feels good...lots of sunshine, hardwood floors, high ceilings. It's warm and welcoming just like the librarians. 7) Coffee shop, study rooms, etc... 8) If they don't have the book or movie, they will request it from another library and notify you by email once it has arrived! "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Dr. Seuss read more

Elmhurst Public Library - Easy returns - Libraries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

This is a beautiful library! I wish I had more time there, but I was in a rush that day to get someplace else. I just went in to return some books. The lady at the library counter was super nice to me. I wanted to take a picture of the beautiful aquarium, but there was a mother there with some children. Maybe next time! read more

Great library with lots of tables to study at . The parking is free ! It good place to study and there is cafe that makes really good lattes . There are large windows that bring in great light and the ac offsets the heat from the sun . Finding a table to study can be tricky because it is such a busy place. The internet was a little spotty when I went , it kept losing connection but it is fast once its connected . read more

Beautiful library with tons of study space. Nice private rooms for small groups. Great teen and kids area. Convenient coffee shop located on bottom floor. read more

See all

Very rude people working here. I arrived 2 minutes before they were scheduled to open and needed to use the restroom. The front door was open so I walked in. The lady behind the front desk said "you can't be in here, we're not open". "Can I just use the restroom?" I asked. "No, you can wait" she answered read more

Okay is it wrong that I stopped her to go to the bathroom here? I will tell you that I was really impressed with this library. Not living in Elmhurst I decided to walk around and check out why this parking lot was full at 6pm on a Wednesday Night...I do not think everyone had to go potty here. This location is impressive. There is a coffee shop on the first floor which is really nice but you must finish everything down there and not walk around. What really caught my eye was the drive thru outside the building. Yes this library has a drive thru...like McDonald's has a drive thru. You can drop off books and pick up books. This is a great feature for older people, lazy people and handicap people. Hey lazy people get out of your car...there is a bathroom in here. Later in my evening I met two people who happened to work at the library and I informed them how I snuck in to use the bathroom. They informed me that the women at the front desk was tough and she survived WW II. I felt lucky to make it past her now knowing here resume. I also learned that this library was the 6th best in the country and the 2nd best library in Illinois. Now I am really impressed with this location and not just for its bathroom. I do not live in Elmhurst but if I did I would use this gem of a resource in Elmhurst. From the full parking lot and the 5 cars waiting in the drive thru, I can tell that this place is not an undiscovered location but a pillar of the community! read more

This library has a DRIVE-THRU WINDOW!!! How much cooler can a library get?! Once in awhile, I tutor here. I was a bit concerned about driving all the way from Chicago to Elmhurst to tutor, but this library is so cool, I can't stay away. I'm really glad I have a Metropolitan Library System card, because I can actually browse and check things out!! This library is HUGE and recently remodeled. The children's section is huge and looks like a giant play area (I've never been in, but it looks super cool). Books for kids are so important, especially when a lot of kids nowadays hate reading. There's a nice cafe on the main floor with seating for studying, computing, reading, etc. The prices are cheap and the coffee is pretty decent. They also have a small selection of food items. Upstairs is a bibliophile's dream. The fiction and non-fiction stacks are amazingly organized and large. If Elmhurst doesn't have it, they'll get it for you. There's also a ton of really nice study/conference rooms and the newest technology available for your personal use. There's iPads for rent, computers to use for work and a human librarian around if you actually prefer that kind of help. Oh, and did I mention all of the great programs available for patrons? There's all kinds of weekly classes to teach you how to do things like cook, sew, use new technology, bake, etc. I think it's really awesome that this library has the capacity to host so many things for the numerous patrons in the area. If you love libraries and reading, you need to visit Elmhurst, especially if you have the MLS card. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you use that drive-thru. read more

Cool building. When you walk in you may order a coffee/tea (yes, there is a barista on site) and sit down by the cafe area to enjoy a leisurely read. The three stars if for the children's area. When you walk in, you are greeted by many fish swimming at eye level with your little one. It's really cute and the kids around me were really excited to see them. The reading and book area is large. Endless rows of periodicals, books, and media. I found it interesting that the play area (with board books, a mini puppet theater, and puzzles) was right near the children's entrance enclosed in a small space. The door to the room had to be shut at all times. You can imagine how tight the space was. We were sharing it with many little ones and caregivers AND tables/chairs AND metal shelving AND a puppet theater! Kids were tripping on each other and the place was a mess! Nobody picked up their play area. It just seemed that the children's section was designed to keep the noise to a minimal by forcing all the little ones behind a closed door. Outside the play area, it was tranquil and nice to sit down and read a few books before we went home. read more

One of the best libraries in the country...for a town the size of Elmhurst. We are fortunate to have it. Great architecture outside and an effective layout inside. Excellent movie rentals (we love the foreign film section). Excellent music CD's that you can rip onto your ITunes. Magazines galore. Many computers if you are in need. Quiet rooms for use...a wonderful office alternative. Wireless! Coffee shop! Libraries were definitely not like this when I was a kid! read more

Haven't been in a while, but I used to go all the time while in college. This was the perfect place to study with lots of space, wifi, and a little coffee shop. I would also rent a lot of movies from being tired of studying so much! The atmosphere is like that of a Borders and the staff was always friendly. I believe they changed the rules for non-resident's checking out. You can only check certain things out if you're a non-resident. Sucks, but at least I can still use the SWAN system to check things out from other libraries. I don't think they are a part of SWAN either. It's funny because I did my own research project while in college on the friendliness of staff at different libraries. Elmhurst and Oak Park received the best while less affluent suburbs did not have the best attitude. I concluded it was based on the environment where at Elmhurst and Oak Park, it's bright, large, and a nice atmosphere while at less affluent suburbs, it was a smaller, out-dated, dark with sometimes no light at all causing a bad demeanor is staff. Again, this was my own research project and own conclusions. Very interesting though! I miss college! read more

Prospect Ave. on the south side of the Metra tracks is your route to much of everything of cultural significance in Elmhurst, Illinois: the campus of Elmhurst College, the Wilder Mansion (and Wilder Park), Lizzardo Museum of Lapidary Art (opposite Wilder Mansion in the Park), Elmhurst Art Museum, and the modern Elmhurst Public Library. This library began as the first municipal resident of the Wilder Mansion, but soon outgrew that classical space. So this new, L-shaped, two-level stone building was opened in Fall 2003. It is part of the Metropolitan Library System which is made up of member libraries in northeastern Illinois counties. So if you are already a card-carrying member of any of those libraries (such as the Chicago Public Library), you can probably get a reciprocal lending card here. Because it was designed from scratch, many exceptional reader and community amenities abound on the library's two floors: private group meeting and study rooms (keeps the main rooms quiet), a coffee bar (named "More Than Mocha"), a children's department designed just for little kids, a computer training lab, accommodations for the physically and visually disabled or impaired, and (very unusual) a drive up window for pick up, check out, and returns. I'm sure I haven't seen or tried everything there is to experience at this great library. But I plan to be back for more! read more

Great place to study!! Plenty of seats, great cafe that serves drinks and small snacks to keep you awake. read more

MY FAVORITE LIBRARY! my daughter can spend hours in the children's department. I leave her in the "play area" while I browse through the books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, games, puppets, etc. We've checked out a little of everything. She also loves staring at the fish tank (I think we might have to get one). She's only 3 but I see children of all ages, and sometimes their parents, on the computers and in study room. You can also log on from home and play the same games. My daughter's favorite online book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, very catchy music. I don't get a chance to peruse for me because she never wants to leave! but when it's my turn and she's not with... SO MANY BOOKS, so little time. I always walk away with more books than I can read. note to self: control. AND any book that isn't available get's shipped over from a library in the suburban library network and i get it within days. The audio book and playaway section is enormous! Even though I don't go through audiobooks as fast; since I'm not commuting to the city anymore- I still check them out. I even check out the young adult section- what? I'm reading The Hunger Games right now. I'm not the only one that loves it there. I see familiar faces and I notice lots of students choose Elmhurst as their meetups for classes. It's clean, the staff is great and the coffee shop doesn't hurt either. There's lots of comfy chairs throughout and many computers available when you NEED to write an FB or Google+ status update. read more

Yep a 5 star.....as good as it gets. Why? - Simple! The people. The staff are so knowledgeable. I like that you can book a room. Now you can eat and drink at the Library.....seriously? My how things have changed since I was a kid. Love this Library Kathy Repsis read more

I like the fact that the staff at the reference desk are very pleasant and helpful. I like their newsletter. I really like that they have a lot of books on display on the "ends" of their stacks -- or book cases. There have been times when I was studying and I just needed a break .. and I got up and looked at one of those books on display and I really enjoyed it. They have a nice cafe with French pastries that are really exceptional .. they have my favorite: chocolate brioche! I like that there's a lot of natural light on the second floor where I go to study. That seems important to me. No light like natural light. This library seems to be getting better all the time. read more

I love this *&^%ing library. This library is one of several wonderful things about living in Elmhurst. It's everything you want a library to be, in an award winning designed building. Books, magazines, movies, lectures, CD's. I could go on but I like to keep these things short and to the point. A great way to spend a rainy or lazy Saturday or Sunday. Stop at the coffee shop for a hot one. read more

This library is gorgeous (especially compared to Northlakes). I am glad I can use this library because their vast amounts of books and quality of books surpasses any of the other libraries I have been to (Mt Prospect, Schaumburg, Northlake, DeKalb). They even have a coffee shop and a nice place near the book checkout station. This library is just beautiful and a great place to study! read more

I love studying here. They've a coffee shop in house. WiFi is pretty good here, not too slow or anything. read more

I love this library. They have excellent programs for babies to seniors: learning, bookclub, etc. Ps. The library bookclub has an amazing off site, Flight 112 wine house. I can spend the whole day here. Checking out books, doing research, drinking/ eating something from the cafe, computers, Magazines, newspapers, movies. .. even video games! And lets not forget the great look this building has! Well kept grounds, well lit. Oh , oh , oh! Almost forgot drive through window! You can call ahead and pick up. Great for when you don't have time and know exactly what you need. read more

Overall, I love this library because it is a great place for me to study especially since I am college student. Only concern I have is that, I never get greeted when I walk in and walking out. I believe it is because I am a minority. I say this because I have noticed it many times. I always look behind me whenever someone is being greeted and it is obviously because they are not color. It is not that I feel out of place in this library because I see all kinds of people here; it's getting the same respect when being greeted walking in and out of the library. read more

I love the Elmhurst Library. I bring the children here to read books and tutor. They have plenty of comfortable seating for the parents. They also have computers with educational games for the kids, which they love! read more

Great library! I don't live in the area but I've visited many times and checked a few things out. The selections are incredible and they've got a million things on every topic you can think of. Staff is really kind and the library has a ton of study areas (private and public) in case you need to get some work done beforehand. read more

When one hears the term "library" images of dusty books that are falling apart and old, crabby librarians come to mind. The Elmhurst Public Library is the complete opposite of this. This library, dare I say, is actually a lot of fun. The staff is super friendly and helpful. They have a huge collection of books past and present. There are plenty of computers with internet access and basic programs such as word, etc. Some computers actually have design programs such as Photoshop. They have free wi-fi access. There's plenty of seats surrounded by large windows facing Wildier Park, which makes it a great place to chill and relax while reading or studying. The only place you'll get ssshed is the silent studying room, where you can get some serious work done. They also have group study rooms as well. They have a cool coffee shop on the first floor in case you need some caffeine to finish your book before it's due. My favorite thing about this library is their dvd collection. They have thousands of movies and tv shows that are free to check out for three weeks. This has saved me hundreds on video rental stores/websites. I definitely recommend this place. Yay for Elmhurst Public Library! read more

I really love to visit libraries while I'm traveling, and I really adore this library. Even though I'm not a member (I don't even live in the same state!) the staff were really nice and helpful, even offering to help me find a few books while I was there. They even helped me log onto a computer so I could finish up a work project really quickly, which was great! They even have wireless and a great coffee shop that was better than the Starbucks I'd had that morning. I really wish I lived closer to this could be MY library! read more

GREAT library. Staff amazing. Not terribly fond automated book return. Prefer having real people to check items in and out. Parking also can be an issue at times. But the staff is very helpful and always willing to help with anything you ask of them. Great windows, lots of light. Very cool. Drive-up otion is the best! Plus it's nice having a coffee shop on premise. read more