It may not compare in size or architectural design to the Seattle library, but the Lake Forest library offers the traditional library experience: cushy leather couches, high arched ceilings, hushed studies, and dense shelves of endless tomes. Let not the stately, historical exterior fool you; this facility is all sorts of state-of-the-art from the materials they carry (e.g., current DVDs) to the technologies they employ (downloadable e-books). I can't help but always be impressed and pleased at having access to this library as a local resource through the parental units. Walking through the doors here inevitably leads to happy feelings! read more

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One year later and it's time to update my review. This library continues to prove why it's such a great destination. Besides the wonderful children's section that continues to be a highlight of our week, I've been borrowing books on CD. They have a decent selection and the front librarians can point you to the ones worthwhile to check out. I spend a lot of time in the car and these have been a lifesaver. I've also gotten addicted to checking out books online. Yes! This library lets you borrow E-books from the comfort of your own home. Perfect for us parents who are on the go and don't have the ability to pursue the stacks on our own time. The library offers multiple study areas and free wi-fi. Yeah baby! So you can set up for the day if you need to get some work done ... But quiet library etiquette is still the rule so put away that annoying cell phone! Also, if you need a book and the library doesn't carry it, the reference desk is extremely helpful in getting an inter library loan for you. I can't tell you how many crabby librarians I've had to work with at other libraries. But not here! They're all helpful and approachable. Oh. And they're on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. However you need to reach them, they're there. One minor thing -- I do think it's time for them to update the adult media stacks from a decor standpoint. But really, I'm so please to call the Lake Forest library my home library. read more

This review is purely based on my experience with a book I checked out from the children's section. It was my first time visiting the Lake Forest Library. In fact, I'm embarrassed to say I didn't even know where it was located. Boy have I been missing out! First of all the the entire property itself is majestic. The grounds are pristine, and from the outside it looks like a planetarium or museum with an observatory from the outside. I believe the building was the old City Hall in the 1930's or earlier. I was in a huge hurry and needed to grab a picture book for a storytelling event I was hosting. The book was a contemporary, fairly new release, and my library in Highland Park didn't have it. From the moment I walked into the building, it reminded me of the old library I grew up going to as a child. Marble floors, and different levels of exploring. The children's space is in the basement, and I was greeted right away from the reference librarians behind the desk who helped me locate my book right away. After locating the book, I asked if they have self-checkout like the Highland Park Library. I quickly learned they are a full-service library and you actually get to be taken care of. Though I appreciate the self-checkout at my library when it's busy, there is something to be said about someone actually taking and handling your books. Oh, Jennifer H, why have you not insisted that I check out this library sooner?! I truly can't wait to go back. read more

Lake Forest Library - The 5-star book experience! - Libraries Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Returned 3 DVD sets;later received e-mail saying items were renewed. Called library and was told I would receive call next day.No call received so I called again-was told my account was not cleared.They should issue receipts, which they said was not technically possible read more

Staffing is low, lots of employees have left, moral is low. Good selection of items and remaining employees do their best. However, this library is not ADA compliant and it's really hard to get to the elevator. read more

I finally checked out Lake Forest Library and now seriously regret not coming by earlier. I spent close to 5 hours today in the reading room with my books and felt so comfortable and cozy. The large windows brought in the natural light and the high ceilings made the room seem very grand and spacious. The noise level was fairly quiet with a few folks walking in and out every once in awhile. I took a break and checked out all the other rooms and was most impressed by the children's floor. It brought out the inner nerd and bookworm in me when I saw how spectacularly designed the floor was. Bright colors, loads of colorful books, a huge activities room, small tables and chairs....man, it was kiddie heaven. I was almost tempted to pick up the Arthur book on display and start reading it. Flashback twenty years and I'd be making my mom bring me every day! On another note, some of the other sections have that musty scent of old school libraries which makes me slightly claustrophobic so I may just stick to the more open spaces and the children's floor.... When you come by, the building on the outside doesn't resemble a library at all but fear not, there's quite the collection of books and media inside. The staff is friendly and there are many cameras in corners for security purposes so that's always nice to know. I will definitely be back! read more

This library is by far my favorite to go to around here. It's a beautiful building, I personally don't mind the limited parking, and it's located in a great area. I just love this city. I haven't ventured out of the kids section yet, which is located down stairs in the basement. It's very big and inviting. My daughter loves the colors and endless book selection. I posted a few pictures of the decor and "reading stations". The staff here are very friendly and helpful, the restrooms are very neat and clean. Not only was my daughter able to read her comics but I was able to sit comfortably by her side and study at her little station. We had a great first experience! I'm happy we came here. read more

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Was visiting home over the 4th and brought my four-year-old here to get some books. I hadn't stepped foot in this place since I was a kid. (I have lived in LA for the last 14 years) I remembered the way the floor creaked after walking in and the drinking fountains still looked to be the same. The kids' section had been overhauled though and was much more modern and full than it was when I was little. Anyway, got a few good ones for my dinosaur/reptile/animal fan. Cool to visit. Will make another visit for X-Mas. Maybe I will explore the non-kid section then too. read more

In my search for ultimate study spot I have visited what feels like a million libraries around the burbs now. Lake Forest is not my favorite but its also not my least favorite. It's small and over air conditioned. But it looks pretty/comfortable and has natural lighting. The garden room is a good study spot. Be careful trying to study there after 3pm because the school tutors come to the library and take over. I don't need silence to study but the tutors can be distracting because, like I said, the place isn't that big. BUT if you want some ACT tutoring for free of course hit up this library after 3 because you can just sit there and listen in... in fact they may even sit at your table! read more

The residents are so blessed to have this wonderful, wonderful library in the city center! It offers so much free resource for us to enjoy! I love it and regularly visit here over the years. We also have to thank many of the Library Friends for their dedication to volunteer helping out in many areas. Oh! The annual book sale in September should not be missed!! read more