We went to the genealogy department to get some inflammation on family history in Galena. The staff…read morewent above and beyond helping us for an hour and printing out articles and pulling up pictures on line and in databases. We were so thankful that they took the time to help us.

Who visits libraries when they are in a town for vacation or a short trip? Why, I do! If they are…read moresignificant, anyway. This one is a beautiful Carnegie library from the early 20th century (1908, I believe). Galena's public library is on Bench Street just above Main. It's a very small library but mighty for sure! They have an old fashioned system for their shelves that I wish I understood but it's in great condition. There's a small reading area on the north side of library and it looks very cozy. The fireplace is beautifully decorated as well. Downstairs is the children's library and the historical collection. I wandered into that room and one of the men working there was so helpful! There was one guy working with a couple who was trying to do some genealogical research, and the other man asked me if there was anything I was looking for. Not being from Illinois, there's no particular personal history of interest to me, but I did ask about Masonic lodges; he mentioned there was a lodge just down the street and showed me something in the old records that listed the Masonic organizations that exist(ed) in Galena. He showed me some of the newspapers they still have in their collection. These are the actual newspapers that were printed on the day in question, so he pulled out some that talked about the death of President Lincoln and the aftermath. He also showed me one from when Richmond fell during the war. It was really cool! I don't know if I realized that newspapers were once printed with more of a cloth-like blend as opposed to wood pulp, and these editions were in such good condition I at first thought they were copies of the originals, not the original printing themselves. He invited me to look around at things as well, and I found a notebook that talked to some extent about the history of enslaved people in the area. They're in the midst of a project where they're digitizing the records, so at some point you'll be able to view these items online. They'll retain the original items of course, but it will be a treasure trove that will be more easily accessible to people throughout the world doing research on their families, midwestern history, or this little town home to a few historically important people. The front entrance, as you may have guessed if you looked at the photos, is not accessible. But fear not; there's an accessible entrance in the back, where the parking lot is, and an elevator that can take you up to the main floor.

5/9/24 @ 5 pm - This is probably one of my favorite libraries I've visited in the U.S. Not only…read moreis the architecture and decor strikingly beautiful and well-thought out, the activities, variety of leases, and engaging events are likely a catch for everyone (small kids to senior citizens)! They have kids' room, teens' room, so many different rooms, help desks, sitting areas, donation boxes, restrooms, art displays, games, etc. I could write about this library in numerous paragraphs and still not cover all it has to offer and see. I particularly loved the daily bake off (see photos), electronics charging station, baking dish rentals, self-defense classes, modern computer game for up to four kids to play at once. Visit if you're in the area or not too far. This would be a regular destination for me if I lived here. My camera was blurry on this rainy day, but hopefully pics help someone make an informed decision.

Restored and open as of September 18, 2010…read more What a beautiful old building, so lovingly restored. Walking around, exploring the space, one is struck by the joy the craftsmen builders must have felt as they built and restored this wonderful place. The staff could not be more helpful, the collection impressive. Welcome back! Such a delight! Enjoy!

Located downtown near the heart of Baraboo's square is the amazing library for adults, teens &…read morechildren. They recently did a complete renovation of the building, adding on a modern addition to the historical library, which they did a fantastic job preserving the integrity of the wood shelves & classic elements. This side has turned into the adult section with multiple levels, accessible by stairs or elevator. The new addition has an incredible bright children's section on the second floor; complete with floor to ceiling windows & a modern feel. Great play area includes a lego table, lighted table for colorful tiles, puppet area, play kitchen, dolls as well as computers & tables available. Comfy seating for adults. Fantastic programs going on weekly for kids, some daytime & some evening. The staff are lovely & fun. The new building has a great, large room that has been used for community meeting & events, as well as smaller study rooms that you can reserve throughout. Nice little teen area on the first floor too. Great self checkout area or front desk staff available. The new parking lot is great & has plenty of spaces. Keep yourself up-to-date on library events for kids as young as babies, teens & adults just by visiting the website. Books can be reserved online for pickup as well. Baraboo library has knocked them all out of the park! Come see for yourself.

An outstanding small town library in an historic building. When "tear it down" is the operative in…read morethe discussion of aging historic structures in the "Frank Lloyd Wright myopic Midwest," Baraboo dodges the wrecking ball in it's commitment to preserving and expanding their neo-classical Carnegie Free Library. Keeping in step with the visionary planning of the library board is a dedicated staff that knows patrons by name, works many more hours than is asked of them, and provides an expanding breadth of uncensored circulation. Sadly, there is the passing of CFL-Baraboo as a "quiet library" due to the increased patron count. This translates to an absence of "shushing" from the pursed lips of the library director...it'll never be the same, but a great library no less.

absolutely beautiful large modern library!! that actually has space for all ages!! they even have a…read morelittle store on the second? floor with very affordable books. it was actually so pretty, id def go here to do work or study

Excellent public library, a great place to find reading, listening material. Friendly helpful…read morelibrarians, there's a printing station if you're staying a downtown hotel for business or a scientific seminar. If you forgot your book at home there's a small but pleasant used bookstore here with a great selection of used classical CDs. Lots of interesting events. Comfortable and peaceful seating. Because democracy requires an informed and literate citizenry I consider this library to be part of the bulwark of American freedom.

I love the Verona Library. Excellent space for the community with many fun and engaging events…read more Beautiful, bright space. Helpful staff and of course a great selection of books, puzzles, movies, etc...

This place is so fun for babies! My son loved the outside story hour…read more In the children's section of the library there is a play area with a toy kitchen and activity tables. You can sit in a castle and read to your baby. My son was fascinated with the display of origami cranes hanging from the ceiling. What I think is really interesting about this library is that you can check out activity boxes full of supplies to do crafts or teach hands-on lessons to your kids. You can also check out other cool stuff such as American girl dolls.

It's a wonderful library. A reading room with all relevant newspapers in case, for example, you…read moredon't want to pay for the Wall Street Journal. Staff is terrific. A great tribute to a great community.

Very commendable online reference service. MPL provided quick and pertinent answer to my inquiry…read moreabout Monroe.

This library is the best and only one in Oregon. Although it doesn't have some books that I'm…read morelooking for, you can always place holds. I love how there's a place in Oregon where you can sit back and chill.

A great small town library. All the staff are very helpful. A nice selection of books. They could…read moreuse more books on tape/CD, but with the Dane County system they are easy to get.

Cutest nicest neighborhood supporting library you'll ever find!…read more Story time is the best but they ALWAYS have events for the family so you'll never be bored. Today was the spooky stroll treat stop and they were the most prepared with a scavenger hunt!

A nice, inviting library that's part of the South Central Library System - if you live in Madison,…read moreyour card will work here. The main floor houses fiction and kids/teens. There's a good selection of graphic novels, a display shelf near the checkout counter of pop culture books, and plenty of spots to sit and read or do work. The lower level with nonfiction has a quiet designation and people take it seriously. Despite speaking at a near whisper, I felt like I was yelling since literally no one else was making noise. There are private rooms you can book to study or work in, as well as open tables. This library also offers several self-checkout stations throughout the main floor, which makes it easy to grab your books and go. I appreciated the attached number key pad since I am exactly the kind of nerd who has her library card number memorized, and entering it was easier than digging out my wallet. The parking lot for the library is pretty small - no matter when I've stopped it's been at or close to capacity. There is street parking and other city lots nearby, but if you're wrangling children and armfuls of books, be prepared to hoof it. My only other thing of note is that the return dates were inconsistent among items. I checked out three graphic novels in a series (none of which were new), and each book had a different due date a week apart. If you're used to Madison's standardized due dates, be sure to double-check your receipt.

On the edge of downtown Lancaster, Schreiner Memorial is a great library. Recently expanded and…read moreupdated, it is as modern and attractive as any new library in much bigger communities. Great collection, nice staff, free wifi, comfortable seating. It is located in a small park, so there is also nice seating outdoors or just on the grass under the trees if you would like to check out a book and enjoy nature while reading. They also have a band shelter outside next to the library, and Fridays evening there is often music in the summer. The only thing missing is coffee (why don't more libraries sell coffee?).