I am LOVING this library. A friend mentioned a while back that they do a story time in the evening, and I have been meaning to look at their schedule to see if it was still something they offer. So happy to find it is still on their schedule! We've been a couple times now and will continue to go whenever we can. Most libraries have a story time in the morning, which is not something I can ever get to as a working parent. But family story time starts at 7, and I'm willing to let my kiddo go to bed a little later in order to attend this particular event. It's really well attended; there have been 5-8 kids there when we've gone. The librarians set it up with little rug tiles, individual ones for the kids to sit on. Most adorable of all the librarians have a variety of stuffed animals placed at each place for the kiddos to hug and play with during the story time. Great idea and great way to stick with the theme! This story time lasts around 30 minutes (though the first time we were there, Ms. Mary went 45-60 minutes) and includes stories and songs. I don't have a library card for this branch, so I haven't explored any of its books or other offerings. However, I believe that they offer passport appointments, which is a nice alternative to having to go to the post office to do it, though I'm not sure if they only do that for residents or not. read more

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Such an inviting and organized library. The workers are so inviting and helpful and usually smiling. The activities hosting here for kids are amazing. The organization of the books in the library works well for book searching. read more

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Great place for books - movies video games and a kids play area . My kids used to go there all the time when they were little To play on a rainy day. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Niles-Maine District Library - Inside kids area - Libraries Near Me - Niles, Illinois

I like this library. I can't study at home, the library is always makes it easier to focus. This one is clean and well lit. The staff is friendly and the facility has everything on would need. This is also the homework library for my kiddo. Go to the library and learn something. Good Luck read more

Made a plan for a passport, which was very easy Arrive for appointment and the gentleman couldn't have been more helpful or friendly. What a pleasant experience highly recommend. read more

OMG, every. single. staffperson. was SO NICE and sooooo helpful! This is not my usual library, though it is in my network, so I went and for every question I had i.e. where is the book I want, a staff person was there and ready to help and so FRIENDLY. This may not be my local library, but I think I'm going to visit Niles regularly now (it does help the H Mart is across the street and my college kid is very into the food sold there.) read more

From the start of our Library card and as it says; " This Card opens up my world and Kid Space " we both knew of how much time and effort goes behind the scenes to make a library unique and useful for everyone. We appreciate everyone at this library and all Maine District libraries in the area. The front staff, the Kid's area, the underground, the middle and last but not least the third floor helpful people, I know we wouldn't be able to do it without y'all. I don't remember all the names it's just who i am but i remember all the friendly faces and kind members of this library and community. Keep up the great work and we always come back :) read more

I love my local library! Niles especially! They have a pretty decent selection of books, DVDs, Blu Ray videos and more! And if you can't find it here you can use the interlibrary loan and pick it up at the Niles Maine library. I was super intrigued by their Creative Studio Maker Space located in the basement, but as I had no idea how to use any of the equipment was reluctant to go in. Thankfully they offer classes several times a month using different equipment available in the Maker Space allowing you to get familiar with the equipment with someone guiding you. I recently attended a class in which we customized tote bags using the Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter they have available! I went from not knowing a thing about vinyl cutting to now eagerly trying to find things I can add vinyl to. Staff are wonderful so eager to help, they have so many other services available at the library as well making it one of my favorite places! read more

I've been here dozens of times and it is my go to place when I want to get things done without disruption. It's a very nice facility with many different options for studying. I have used the upper floor where they have large work tables that allow you to spread out & work. Upstairs there is also an area with lounge chairs and tables if you just want to kick back & read. Right off the entry on the ground floor they have a large selection of movies on dvd's. Adjacent to that is a section that is isolated away from the study areas where the children can go and play. This is a good feature because I have been to a couple of Chicago libraries where all these functions are in a large open area without any separation and it can be quite noisy. In the basement there is a large area where there are computers on rows of tables for people to come in and use them for research (if you don't have your own computer) or just to surf the internet. They also have individual study rooms where you can reserve & work with in privacy either individually or with others. Overall this is a place that I find is very well organized and laid out with different areas for different functions. They also have wifi. For the most part it works pretty good, but I have been there when there are a lot of people using it and it can get very slow, but overall it's one of the. Iced libraries I have been to. read more

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I needed some change from the usual library so I decided to check out the Niles Public Library. It's definitely smaller than the Skokie Public Library (reminds me more of the Evanston Public Library), but it makes up for it in different ways. 1) Parking: ample parking that is super close to the entrance (one entrance)- which is great because there is no confusion if you want to meet up with someone. 2) Study Rooms: study rooms are NOT "booked" (pun-intended heh) which is nice. Only Niles Patrons can reserve a room but the rooms are more intimate and seem a lot newer. You can also reserve other tech items which was kind of cool. 3) Display: the current theme at the Niles Public Library is candy. They have giant Tootsie Rolls and Frango Mints and a huge Candy Exhibit on their third floor. It's definitely super cute and super creative! 4) The kid's area has this really cool entrance (almost like you are entering another dimension)- okay maybe I'm exaggerating but it's something to see and not the typical Kid's Section of the library. 6) The Librarians all seemed super nice and helpful! I was a little late leaving (I left at 9PM exactly when they closed), but the staff was understanding and I really respect that. Thanks again! Definitely recommended if you want a change from the other suburban libraries. read more

Beautiful library with a friendly staff! I hadn't visited since well before their renovation and was so happy to see the face lift the library has gotten. It's definitely a step in the right direction and it is well loved by the community. The facilities are spacious, clean, and put to good use. read more

If you are wondering why am I rating and reviewing a public library. That's because this is one library in 20 miles radius of where I live that facilitated public screening of Oscars. The crowd comprised mostly of elderly folks and library even provided free chips/ other snacks, appetizers, dessert, soft drinks, free amc gift cards and posters of the oscar nominated films for 2016. The best part was that you could take a red carpet picture (in front of the green screen of course). And they printed out these piks of you in 4x6 size and gave away at no charge at all. So me and my husband had such a good time (including the oscar mishap about the best movie) and we met some very interesting people there. I wish more libraries would organize such annual events. read more

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I've had a looooong acquaintance with this library, since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I did the kids summer reading clubs here. Read all the Little House books, Nancy Drew, Judy Blume and - my fave - Charlie Brown books of comic strips. I'm old enough to remember their card catalogs. I even typed (yes, on a typewriter!) research papers here. Internet wasn't around; you relied instead on the helpful employees to point you in the right direction. My mom took me with her here, and while I never developed much (or any) athletic prowess, I owe her my love of books and reading. In her spare moments, she was devouring books. Without exaggeration, she was the library's best patron back in the day. She was forever requesting new releases, mostly mysteries. If NPL has a respectable collection of mystery books published up through the late 1980s, my mom is to thank. If she was still alive, John LeCarre would have sent her a thank you note by now. After years of absence, I began revisiting the library again a couple years ago when my husband & I moved back here. In the meantime, around 10 years ago, NPL had finished an expensive renovation/expansion project. The interior is unrecognizable from its former days; I still don't know where everything is. It's all 21st century now: book clubs, storytimes, kids/teen events, movie nights, author events, computer classes, info seminars, banks of Internet-accessible computers, a decent selection of DVDs and CDs. It's big enough now that they have an elevator for the 3 stories - which I don't really need to use, but sometimes do anyway. I've fallen in the habit of hitting up the new releases section by the checkout counter; it's convenient with squirrelly toddler in tow. While the pickings can be sparse at times, there's usually something to pique my interest (Note: skip Rosie O'Donnell's book Celebrity Detox - what a clunker). Mostly, I spend time in the children's section, which I can attest is 100% improved from my younger days. Large book selection, and there's now an area where kids work on wooden puzzles, play with stuffed animals or play with a table train set. This was a lifesaver this past winter, I tell you. And, I've found, the employees here are still friendly and more than willing to help you out. In all, I think my mom would have approved. read more

The Niles Public Library is a true gem. Apparently it is so popular it has had many additions over the last several years to keep up with the demand. You do not even need to be a Niles resident to use the library- you can use your Chicago library card to use the library and check out books and other material. The librarians are very helpful and friendly, there is a great selection of material and many interesting programs. Last year there was a "BIG READ" where there were book discussions on the Maltese Falcon and there was a hug used book sale with great prices and all of the proceeds went to the library and the chamber of commerce. I especially liked the children section and wish I was a kid again so that I could enjoy it. read more

I started coming here for the Saturday morning baby storytime. The storytime is great, and the librarians really care about what they are doing. I might be spoiled by my "home" library (Skokie), but I feel like their book and DVD selection is lacking compared to other suburban libraries. The children's section barely has any toys or entertainment as well for the younger children. It is good for what it is, but there are definitely better libraries in the area. read more

A mid size library with plenty of movies and cool indoor architecture that makes it pretty decent in the world of libraries. Too many teens in computer area though. read more

Niles-Maine District Library - Zzzzzzzzz - Libraries Near Me - Niles, Illinois

Sharon W. posted a Yelp event at the Niles Public Library on the same night I was flying into Chicago. It was an author's lecture for a book called "Oldest Chicago" and I thought what a neat way to get to know the city? It's a nice little municipal library. Lots of parking and it was easy to find the meeting rooms. The acoustics were good enough for the author to not need to use a microphone. read more

Their new renovations are beautiful and updated. It feels similar to the Skokie Public Library one environment. I love the fact that the Niles Library manga collection is more than a couple bookshelves. Their movie collection has also been updated and it's organized in a way that you can browse them without feeling suffocated. I also like how there are so many programs for patrons of different ages. Makes me feel included to learn about new techs that are available to use! Like the 3D printer or the sewing machine! What I don't like about this library is that the study rooms are all located in the basement where all the teens and preteens hang out. It just feels awkward since it feels like I'm invading a space that's meant for young adults and older kids. My usual spot to study was the 3rd floor where the fireplace is now located. I haven't found a go-to spot in the library that I would love to sit and study for hours (yet). read more

When Wifey is getting her Hair Did.................I have time to check out the NPL. Old timey feel though the building is newish. Old timey because of the set up..............presidents on the wall. Busts of authors all around. A stacks area for the magazines and such. Have always loved libraries! read more

Small,collection of books. Kids secion looks fun. Not very clean. I like that they have a snacks/coffee area. Most libraries (ahem, Skokie) don't have snacks lol. But it's good for a quick run if you need some books for the kids or something. read more

Wonderful library! NMDL cardholders can check out GoPros, Slide/Film Conversion kits, book tech help sessions, and use the Creative Studio for green screen projects and various software (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.). The library features a quiet reading area with a fireplace, beautiful architecture, and quiet study rooms. The children's area has an amazing light up entrance. read more

This review is just for the staff at passport services desk. Such an unprofessional and rude staff. We arrived at 3pm with 2 passport applications for my children. There was an older lady, Jain at the front desk who spend 15 min examining all my documents to ensure I had everything I needed, at the end indicating that my copies of the IDs are not valid and instructing me to make a copy where the front and back of the ID are shown on the same page. Fine, we go get a copy and move to passport desk at 3:20. The younger women there examines everything again indicating we actually need another copy of the ID because we have to separate kids applications. Due to this she refuses to put us on the wait list until we have that second copy. Okay, we go downstairs, make a copy we come back at 3:25 and she now tells it is too late to add us on the wait list for both kids applications as the passport services desk closes at 4pm...really? Why didn't you allow to add us on the wait list for the 1st application, while we were making the copy for the last one? or simply tell us upfront that it is too late to make it for both applications without further wasting our time? Two minutes later an elderly gentlemen stops at the front desk asking the same young woman to sign him up for senior classes, she responds that her system is down and instructs him to go to the 2nd floor. The elderly gentlemen raised his voice a bit and explained that he has a bus to catch and cannot take the stairs due to his age. The system then miraculously recovered and she was able to sign him up for classes! I hope someone is reading these reviews and make some changes, otherwise, such a waste of people's tax money! read more

This has to be one of the best libraries I have ever stepped into. The decor is beautiful. The staff is nice and friendly. The books are in great condition and easy to find. I wish my local library was this nice! I come here to meet with group memebers from school since this is half way for us. I like the little lounge area! You guys are doing a great job! Keep it up. read more

Living in the northwest suburbs for the past 15 years, I've become familiar with many of the local libraries. I've never had any issues checking out materials from any library until I visited Niles earlier this week. It seems they only allow those with a Niles library card to take out recently released 'hot picks' items. So if you carry a card from a surrounding suburb, you're denied taking out any newer items on their 'hot picks' shelves. Very disappointing! read more

Great place. Staff are helpful but could be more efficient. Their collections are good but I've seen better. They ARE pretty good about getting interlibrary loans, but they take a bit of time and they are due back quickly. I have found my due dates and my ability to renew to be lower at Niles Public Library than others. I reported an item missing which I fully believe I returned but my system showed as 'overdue'. When this happened at another library, my word counted for more. Here, they charge you for the book even if it's a he-said/she said. So there's that. read more

Wow I have had the worst experience here with some of their staff members!!! Its as though they are told to be nasty to their customers. I don't get what the nasty attitude is all about.. I once left my keys inside my car and my phone had died. I asked to use their phone to call my sister. The lady told me that was fine, I called my sister twice and she did not pick up, I then called her a third time and proceeded to tell her about what happened. That same lady rudely came up to me and stated in a very rude way I needed to get off the phone! I was extremely stressed and she had no compassion for my situation. I was so hurt I had to report her. I was on the phone no longer than 5 minutes, seeing as my taxes go to pay for this library I don't see what the issue was. Also make sure not to violate any of their rules or else they will attack you rudely. I once had my foot on top of the chair I was sitting on and the security guard told me I was not allowed to do that. He was soon rude about it!!!! The WIFI is also very slow, its a shame that I had to experience all this negativity. I have no issues anywhere else. Can some teach these older folks how to have respect for their clients??? read more

Does the job in terms of providing a space that is quiet with ample lighting and appropriate level of central air. They now provided a display for you to watch what their 3-D printer can print. Great study break. However, there are these human beings in red polos who walk around making sure your feet are not on, near, next to, or in the vicinity of a nearby chair. Not sure when the library became so protective of their chairs, but just any fyi. read more

This is a Excellent Library, maybe not as big as some suburban libraries but it does not need to be. this library has some really nice perks (high tech) that others can't match, but the staff is not that good, but that's the case with most libraries. the parking is just OK, but this library has some great features that I really enjoy. read more

Most of the time when I come here it's for movies. Great selection of foreign and indie but not enough classics. I was able to find enough photography books to satisfy my need to constantly comb over this type of genre. Although they didn't have enough for fashion photography. I can't really speak for novels these days but I do remember they had nearly all of Piers Anthony's Xanth series. I need to come back soon. read more

This is a great library. The librarians are helpful and everyone else that works there is nice. They're current on their books, cds, and dvds. And for being kind of a smallish library, I was surprised to see some books I wasn't expecting to find there. read more

While I really do enjoy studying here, I've noticed an alarming amount of noise in so-called silent zones in this library. Teens come and chitchat or just today, a girl and what looked to be her two younger brother sat down and spoke very loudly. I am very rapidly running out of places in this library to study. Perhaps it's time to go to glenview's library. It's absolutely a shame since I've been a Niles resident for 27 years and I am so close. read more

"...Some times you've got to go where everyone knows your name, and they're always glad you came..." that's the Niles library. Any book or video I want either they have it or they'll get it from another library for me. The library is set up logically with the juvenile section in a room off the main floor. By the way, the juvenile section had a screened in box with monarch butterflies as well as their bright green larva and pale jade color chrysalis that the butterflies hatch out of. They always have fun and educational programs for adults and children. What a nice, friendly and CLEAN place to go. There are elevators for those that need them to all floors. read more

Very poor customer service. Disheartening for a library that used to be a welcoming place to go.

Want to have good free fun for the whole family? Look here http://www.nileslibrary.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp read more

We've been going to this library for years. Nice building, great book selection, and super helpful staff. It's our home away from home!

Cannot stand this library. Not only is it loud when you are trying to study, but the staff is extremely rude!!! They don't try to quiet people down and they themselves talk very loud when others are trying to study. There isn't really a quiet study area unless you get a room and have a Niles library card. If you sit near any of the windows be prepared to hear all the traffic outside (even with headphones!) I will definitely not be back. There are so many nicer, quieter, libraries with better selections and not snobby librarians. read more

Niles Public Library is big and they have a big selection of books as well. The childrens section is really cute and it seems as though the kids enjoy it a lot as well. Upstairs it is nice and quite to study in and they have computers to use as well. Their selection of movies isn't that big but it's okay. read more

I've lived in Niles, IL my whole life. I grew up in Niles and it is my city. I love the library because it is where I always go on a weekly basis. I always know when there are changes and I've been fortunate to live in the past to see them. read more