You know those trashy girl novels that you'd never spend money buying, but want to read anyway? This is where I came for those last summer. I absolutely loved their selection of those "fine" novels, and that's really all I wanted from EPL. I read every Marian Keyes, Emily Giffin and Jane Green book I could get my hands on. Thankfully, the library had their books in good condition. None of that smelly, old, nasty book smell you sometimes get when books get old -- musty, damp and offensive to the nose. I can't say EPL was perfect, though, considering my friends used to come here to study and get accosted by panhandlers and perverted men. read more

This is a magical library with a magical card that allows you to learn about anything you could possibly want. The book selection is extensive. The hold system is quick for books that aren't currently in stock. The vibe is peaceful. And, the children's floor is wonderful. There are several areas for kids to play. It's the perfect place for children to develop of a love of learning. read more

Not only does the Evanston Public Library have tons of books and a very user-friendly interlibrary loan system, but the main branch also has an extensive CD collection. The classical music selection is excellent, and the jazz and broadway sections are great, too. The world, pop, and rock sections are much smaller, but still worth browsing. You can check out 10 CDs at a time for free, and since a box set counts as a single item, you can get yourself many hours of new music each time you visit the library. The CDs are occasionally scratched or missing inserts, but most are in good condition. My favorite thing is to pick a theme, say obscure Eastern European symphony composers or early film soundtracks, and then get the first 10 items that catch my eye. I've definitely expanded my musical horizons this way. I don't like everything I've encountered, but I've found some real gems this way, including the 9-volume complete Vladimir Horowitz recordings and Lost in Boston, a series featuring songs cut from Broadway musicals. Plus, if for some reason you don't find what you're looking for, you can even interlibrary loan CDs from other Chicago-area libraries and have them delivered to your favorite branch. How amazing is that? Happy listening! read more

They offer many great programs and events here. I recently saw a musical performance in their 1st floor meeting room. A great place just to chill and work on your read a book, go on the internet, etc. You can also check out the falcons which are nesting on the grounds, there is even a falcon cam! Lots of great resources here at this library. read more

Evanston Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

The EPL is one of the most visually stunning libraries I've ever been in, and also one of the most user-friendly. The online system is an absolute #1 because I read a lot of series and they order them by publication date! Their books in-library are also very well organized once you realize that hardbacks and paperbacks are, for the most part, separate. The one thing that I don't like about this library is that, unlike any other library I've been a member of, it has fees for what I consider standard services. There is a 50 cent hold charge and/or a 50 cent charge to request a title from another library. My previous 2 libraries did this for free. Since I read a lot of series, and often the library doesn't have the whole series or the series is always checked out, I like to place holds to reserve the books or request the title. Now, I won't be doing that nearly as often. read more

Oh EPL - how I love you. The selection is fantastic and the staff is super-helpful. It is so easy to order books online and pick them up. The building is contemporary and clean. Also - they no longer charge to reserve items. read more

Yelp says I can use colorful language, so I'll get to that shortly. It's awesome computers are publicly available! Not so awesome they charge over 200% of operating costs for printing. It's awesome anyone can get a library card! Except it's not so awesome when you explain to a nice employee that you're a student from out of state with 3 addresses, and that employee tells you to get a picture of a bill sent to your home address on your UTAH license. If you prove you live somewhere that's sufficient. Then my divorced father had to drive to my mother's house and get that pic to send me. Inconvenient shit, right? But wait! There's more! Nice employee was actually mistaken and the only thing they care about proving is that you live in Evanston. Hm. That news was thrust upon me by 'evil witch lady' who speaks only in bitchy superior tones and obviously hates herself. An email from my apartment building to residents? Not good enough. Finally figured out how to get a page hidden somewhere in my residency app that showed my name and address within an inch of each other. Hallelujah! Luckily EWL was occupied so another nice employee gave me my card. Wanna know why I dragged myself to library in the first place? Because I NEEDED information about my disability. So thanks, incompetent sweetheart, and thanks, downright bitch, for all your assistance. read more

This is a nice library, very nice and quiet where it is supposed to be. But seems to be lacking in electrical outlets for laptops. I wish they would update their tables for more outlets. It's the 21st-century need those outlets. One more thing, since it is downtown there is no free parking, everything is on the meter. Let's offer some free parking shall we? read more

I love you Evanston Public Library! They just recently re-did their children's section and created a new "Teen Loft." Both new additions look amazing and really cater to the needs of those demographics. I wish these upgrades had been made when I was younger and I could take advantage of them. The library is always my first stop when I want to look at a new book instead of the large book chains. The librarians are friendly and helpful! I also love that I can search for books and reserve them online! How convenient! read more

The children section is good. but for registration they asked me proof of my chicago residency, which I did not have any proof at that moment and my DL was not updated address of mine. since i recently moved to a new apt. it took me half an hour to PROOF them that I live in chicago, since they wanted my bank statements. Considering that I have already showed them my Chicago public library card which was not accepted for them. Without telling me anything else regarding overdue fees and without asking my email they sent me out with my books. next month i brought back the books and there was another lady called Dolores which told me you are about a week overdue and is gonna be 25cent per day per book, so she was forcing me to pay ~14$ for couple of old books. I told her that the first person who registered me was so busy finding my real address that he did not tell me there is such a huge overdue fee. He did not even sign up my email to send me reminders for getting close to due date. she denied accepting this fact and kept telling me to pay. I told her I want to talk to your supervisor then she said she will wave this money for me. this lengthy back and forth arguments 2 times that I have been in this library is enough for me to end my membership with them. DONE! there is no such a mess with overdue fees in chicago public libraries. read more

Yesterday the librarian named Susan just SNATCHED the paper out of my hand, when I decided I changed my mind about going on the computer. At the first time I was using the computer, she did not tell me the instructions, then when I asked her what to do she acts as if I should have know it or acts as if she already told me, which she didn't. Then today a security guard came by and picked on me, and nobody else. He's a heavyset guy who asked me if I was okay, and THEN told me to put my food up. He only came up to ME, didn't check on anybody else, just me. He didn't go around the corner and check on anybody. I just appeared to be a target who is a "nice" person that he picked on. read more

I just recently got a library card here and have already checked out several books and CDs. They have a really good selection of books and I like how they organize them. I enjoy browsing the "most wanted" and "new item" sections for books to read. The staff is really friendly too. Bonus points for having a renew online option. read more

Went to check out their children's department. Floors, chairs and play areas were dirty and used to the point that toys or tables were scratched and beat up. Pretty gross so we left. Lego table shoved into weird space away from rest of play area. Good location, nice parking, but otherwise needs a major cleaning. read more

This is a nice library to come relax and take advantage of the many books,magazines,work stations,free WiFi and the like.Adult computers and work stations are on the 3rd floor.I tried a new computer today;one that the screen was under a piece of glass while sitting at a desk looking down with the keyboard sliding in and out above your legs and directly under the desk.There was a mini screen on the top to keep out outside light and other patrons from viewing your session.Took a little bit to get used too;only drawback at this station was there was no separate electrical outlet to charge devices with although one can use the USB port if needed.The work stations without computers do have outlets to charge your devices if your using them.A lot of natural light comes in which adds to the cheeriness of having the library serve as your portable office. read more

I grew up between these shelves, but my four star rating is more than sentimental. Not only does EPL have a fantastic building, book selection, supplemental program for kid and adults, but it also has a fantastic new teen loft with extremely engaged staff. That said non-fiction section can be slightly difficult to navigate -- like anywhere. read more

This is an extremely fine public library, not simply the glorious Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, but the professional staff, the array of services and the commitment to the community for various activities from infants to adults. Long may it live! read more

This library looks great! It is a welcome study location change from Northwestern's libraries. It is close to campus, clean and quiet. The staff is also fantastic! The children's room is BEAUTIFUL. If I were a kid, I would be begging my mom to bring me to the library more often so that I could read on the poofy cushions or under the tree, or take part in their large variety of programs including Book Buddies! The Book Sale funds all go back to benefit the library so everytime I go in, I take a look at what new items they have to offer. Evanston is fortunate to have such a great library. read more

It's fairly quiet, but there's a big concentration of leering, older men. Just mind your own business and watch your stuff.

The free seminars are informative and helpful I participated in the free home buying selling seminar it was great they also pulled related books Ect. read more

Nice library. My only qualm is that you can only look at the most recent issue of a magazine, otherwise you have to request a back issue from the desk. Great selection of fiction, non-fiction, films, YA, and children's books. read more

Great library and huge selection of books on CD for folks taking a trans-American road trip. Selection limited to Shakespeare and airport bestsellers, but when you are driving cross-country, almost anything is better than religious radio. read more

My favorite place in Evanston. Did you know they offer free printing for resumes? Now that's the sign of a place that cares about its patrons!! Lots of great community events, both recreational and educational. Plus, with access to the entire CCS collection and a fantastically kind staff, this place has pretty much anything you could want in a library. read more

A huge building, tons of community outreach...I love this place. Only thing; the chairs are hard wood, so bring a cushion if you're going to be there for a while. read more

I have good feelings about the folks who run this library, and the library itself - also the contemporary building.

This is a fantastic library. It's well-funded, the staff goes above and beyond, and the facility is beautiful. Heck, they even have a peregrine falcon nest on the outside of the building: http://www.epl.org/falconcam/ read more

A beautiful library with helpful staff and an extensive collection of books and media.

I am so grateful to work wthin walking distance of this library. They have every possible book imaginable. At least the books I look for. If they don't you can have the desired book transferred from another library within their network at no additional charge. DVDs are $1/week, sure beats Netflix :-) read more

I have mixed feelings since the building is quite large and they have a good selection of books and places to study. But on the negative tip, (like the reviewer Lena B. said) they charge for random things such as reserving items, checking out program dvd's (other places I know don't even charge for television show dvd's or documentary's). I reserved x-files season 4 dvd's and had them shipped to Evanston to pick up and the person at the desk is like, "50 cents for the reserve and another dollar to take out the item." $1.50 is still cheap. But why should I pay that fee if other library's don't charge for the reserve and check out. They don't even call to tell you your items have arrived (Wilmette and Chicago does), which is being purely lazy on their part. Great looking building, poor service. read more

This is my favorite library. I like the workshops offered. I think the library is kept clean and organized. I think the staff is trained very, very well. I like the setup and flow of things. I like the hours and the available parking. read more

Beautiful space, some very good librarians, good selection of books, awesome book sales, good online search/reservation system, somewhat weak AV selection. I'm tempted to give them an extra star just for setting up the falcon cam every spring. read more

This library is fantastic. All the right books, publications, magazines, internet and surrounded by art! Go and see for your self and use this place it is great! read more

I have the same response every time I feel blest to darken the doors entering Evanston Public Library: Hallelujah get happy. There's gonna be a great day. Here is a place where employees provide service with smiles and a real good attitude. Really terrific source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding--what I was instructed (as an integral part of my own Catholic community) to be the three THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES. I thank God for the magnificent staff of this Library as well as for all the amenities. The "extras" as one notable Secretary of State in the United States commented on when referring to what is known as grace in heaven. Indeed, according to the wisdom reflected in the life and works of Saint Therese of the Holy Face, THE REknowned greatest Saint of Modern Times, grace abounds at Evanston Public Library. Never ever was I shunned, ignored, patronized to, particularly when I had been experiencing homelessness; and during the afternoon of an evening when I had contemplated completing a suicide, I did a 180 and chose to live life again, starting all over with a hike to Evanston Library of NorthShore University HealthSystem, the only Hospital that I will seek when feeling as if my self-disclosed admission of a mental health condition is starting to flare up and worsen. Looking for food/shepherd tables/soup kitchens, I discovered a banquet at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church that was followed by a trek to the Evanston Public Library, where a gentleman of the first water (love that phrase--a colloquialism from the Brits) went the proverbial extra mile to assist me in locating other churches for the purpose of acquiring non perishable items plus donating clothing. I dare to say that with his genuine kindness and amazing expertise, he could be President of the Evanston Public Library if he chooses to. God bless him and the entire staff of this historically honorable educational institution in the great city of Evanston. read more

Great Place I'd vouch one of the best libraries with the best staff. 1. Collection of books / cd's is very good 2. Additional programs conducted here are worthy enough and on par with external organizations 3. Modern art of facilities available 4. Very good thought process - keeping the kids section at ground level & others at the top level is a master stroke Step in & I feel you won't regret read more

I use to use this library when I went ETHS about 10yrs ago and it has changed. I love the space and customer service that they provide;I recently visited a few weeks ago while in town. I am moving back to Evanston next summer and I know I will use this place to do some hard core studying lol read more

The best library I have even gone to. it helped me so much through my years at northwestern. great atmosphere and great selection of books. but now I go to SKokie library because i live here now. skokie library is not bad. read more

I don't go to the public library as much as I use to, but I still go fairly often. It is a really nice library and I have never had any issues with the check out or finding books. There are options and most of the time they have what I am looking for. Everyone is really nice and helpful. Even just to come in and sit for a couple of hours is really nice. It is a good place to sit and read, or even just to sit and people watch. More often I'm reading but once in a while I just sit there and people watch. It can be fun. read more

Good place for kids and nice for a quick reading. All employees are friendly and willing to help.

Room for improvement: The slowness of customer service at the computer access desk (3rd floor) is notable. Overall a fifteen minute effort to print a single sheet of paper. Assigning me to an express computer would have been ideal, but instead I was assigned to a computer that froze. "It sometines does that and eventually comes back." read more

i love this lirbary because i love libraries. i love that i can go in, find almost any book i want and take it home for free for almost a month. coming to realize that my taste in literature is not as unique as i had once thought was frustrating. that is to say, regardless of what books i am looking for, at least 2 or 5 on my list are always checked out. they have a decent movie collection and you can't beat a dollar a film for a week, but the selection could be broader. the staff can sometimes act superior, but what librarians don't think they're better than me, in fact, most probably are. i'm there almost every week but that's because i love libraries, even if they can be dissappointing. read more

If you have young children (or children at all, because you know, reading is awesome and everything) you need to keep the main branch of the Evanston Public Library in your "places to go" rotation. Nearly the entire first floor is dedicated to the children's section, but not only are there books, there are also several different play areas! I babysit 2 young children in Evanston, and we are at the library at least once a week playing with the puppets, building with blocks or just playing quietly with other children. It's a nice, free place to go for a quiet couple of hours. Definitely a great alternative to the more hectic and pricey museums in the area. read more