I came down from Milwaukee to conduct some foundation research for my grant writing business and the staff were very friendly and helpful. They got me set up with a visitor ID so I could log in to a terminal however I would recommend bringing your own laptop and just logging in with their wifi. The terminals are only good for 1-2 hours and if you need to be there a full day it's better to just log in on your own laptop; you'll have the same access to everything as on the terminals. Put in a good 6 hours here and got a lot of good research done. The building itself is gorgeous and spacious and fronts a lively little park next to their walkable downtown area. It was a day well spent. read more

A 3 level library that has plenty of space to read or use some of the free resources. I was unable to acquire a library card because I'm not a resident of Oak Park, which was off putting but I was still allowed to utilize everything inside. At times it wasn't as quiet as I would expect a library to be but I will come back a visit this library. read more

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I am super impressed by the Oak Park Library! Signing up at the front desk was easy, all I was asked for were my ID and proof of residency (can be passport, lease, piece of mail, etc). The signup process took less than 5 minutes and I was ready to explore. The library itself is way bigger than I expected. It's spacious but still quiet and a great work or study space. I know they have many seating areas and you can even rent out electronics and other cool items like a sewing machine. Great collection of books as well! read more

What a beautiful library. First off it is an architectural marvel. Everyone is friendly and helpful. The hold a book program work with all Chicagoland libraries, so if they don't have it on hand, it will be here in a few days. Highly recommended this local resource! read more

Nice place to hang out with a laptop and get some work done. Quiet, clean, light. Library cards for Oak Park residents only, but open to all. read more

This is a stunning library! Living in the Oak Park area, I've driven by the library countless times and just explored it recently. The library is clean and well organized from the minute you walk in. They have many people at counters on all levels available for help if needed. I like how there are different sections of the library. Theres a library map that points out where quiet, moderate talking, and communal areas are. This was so helpful because I was able to find the quiet areas easily to get some work done for the day. I ended up getting a private room that was open. The room was spacious, there was a white board for notes or groups, and big windows to let in the natural sunlight. They internet was also very easy to connect and there was an outlet right under the table for convenience. Later on in the day I realized that you're supposed to reserve theses rooms ahead of time for your desired time slot. The guy who walked in my room let me know about all of this and that you can reserve it online. Noted! I can't wait to come back here with a book of choice and read for fun by one of their big windows. The have a parking garage attached that you can find a spot in if you're lucky, it's a small lot. I ended up finding a street spot for 4 hours and walked the 2 minutes over. read more

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I have fond memories of this library. This library (or the one that used to stand here before they demo'd and rebuilt it) was where I got my first library card and spent many afternoons immersed in books or studying. This library, visually, seems nice enough and now actually has a parking lot, so kudos for that. What I detest about this library is how freaking loud it is. I arrived before school let out and could hear a woman across the room on a conference call. AT.THE.LIBRARY. Things only when downhill from there. It was not just phone lady, but the librarians talking louder than one would expect and the lady in headphones singing loudly (and badly) while browsing the shelves. It was game over when school got out. Students were not only talking in outside voices, but so loud it was incredibly disruptive and not once did a librarian bat an eye. Actually, the only time I heard a librarian do anything about the noise was to weakly scold a student for bouncing his basketball IN.THE.LIBRAY. I debated going to a bar to work instead of the library. I should've picked the bar, it almost certainly would've been quieter. read more

I always ride pass this library and never stepped a foot inside. Well on yesterday I finally got my change to visit this branch. I had signed up for a wellness seminar off Eventbrite that was held here @ The Oak Park Library. The staff was friendly and helpful. Very nice and spacious. There are rooms you can reserve for private events or just come to get some quiet time to yourself. This library is filled with a lot resource and informative information. The library has 3 levels for anyone to come and enjoy the library. Study time, meet up's or just to get away for some one on one time. There are so many events for adults, kids and teens. So, there is never an excuse not to get out of the house. There is a nice park outside where you can enjoy the outside atmosphere. read more

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First off, let me just say how great the library is! The library is full of perfect activities for kids weather that be reading, borrowing a backpack, or playing in the playset. For others the library is a spacious 3 floor building with tons (and I mean TONS) of books, movies, videogames, or whatever. The library is also a very good place for older kids to go after school to work on homework. You can rent computers or rooms. Overall the Oak Park Public library is a perfect library for anyone! read more

Oak Park Public Library - The front of the beautiful OPPL - Libraries Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

I missed Oak Park Library which is convenient, clean and quiet. And their staff are kind, respectful and helpful.

When I think of the word utopia, a picture of the OPPL comes to mind. This place is so accepting of everyone. It is the true definition of what America should practice. Everytime I come to this library, I feel a sense of peace and welcoming. It's the one place in this world that you don't feel judged. You are free to be whom ever you want to become. The staff are so helpful, and accepting of everyone that walks through the door. It's That one place inside of OP that celebrates true diversity. There is always ample parking. The hours are perfect for busy people like myself. Also, you are allowed to eat while studying. As the staff keeps everything so clean. It's truly a safe environment. I could stay at the library for hours, and no one will bother me for the entire time. You can eat, sleep, and read, and no one will ever bother you. It's feels better than being home. Overall, this is one of the best places on earth besides Disney World. I can't until my next visit. read more

This is a great library, easy access to both formats of books and a great accommodating staff, very friendly and helpful.

I have yet to review OP Public Library??!!? What!! HOW!!! WHY!!! I'm fixing this dilemma right now... READ on Yelpers! (pun intended ) I grew up in the OP area so I'm very partial to this adorable quaint town and it's paved cobblestone streets. If I made a list of the pros of living in OP (cause I really do not have any cons) the library would be in my top 3. I have been an avid reader since the ripe age of 5. But if flipping through obnoxiously thick cardboard pages of toddler books count then make me 18 months old. I remember the very first time my parents and I went to get my first library card. I was super stoked. Thrilled!! My little kid self felt so important like I was holding a card to all the wonders of this world. I was a very imaginative and creative kid! I belonged to numerous mail subscriptions book clubs and magazines- Thanks Mom and Dad! Who reading this grew up in the 90s and remembers Scholastic Book Club or Highlights Magazine?!!! Those were badass terrific great.... but the wait to get your books sucked. I remember waiting 2 weeks or what felt like a century for "Pockets for Corduroy". Hence getting my first library card meant that I didn't have to wait... I could go and check out whatever/whenever. I so appreciated this came middle school and I didn't have to wait to read the next "Babysitters Club, Girl Talk, or The Boxcar Children". The OP Public Library never failed me then and it still remains one of my favorite places to go. My husband and I moved from the city back to OP 2 1/2 years ago. On our move in day, just a mere couple of hours into the day and I had to go get my library card!Priorities, right? Forget the movers and all of our new furniture deliveries we had scheduled that day... I absolutely needed my card and books! This truly is a wonderful public resource to the township. OP has 3 branches and this being the main branch. It was relocated and beautifully rebuilt in early 2000s. The library is huge, clean, and perfectly organized. The staff is always so friendly and very informative. Not sure if they still offer these but when we got our cards a couple of years ago they gave us free reusable tote bags. I always put my next reads on hold using their website so that my books are waiting for me on the giant book shelf in the lobby. 90% of the time my library holds are least 5 books. The totes they gave us come in handy! Note: NO late fees! Your books will automatically renew themselves I believe up to 3 months. You can receive email reminders which is super convenient. ~ Enjoy Yelpers! read more

The Oak Park Public Library is one of my favorite libraries! It's located right next to Scoville Park which is convenient on a hot day when you want to chill inside but view the beautiful park. The book selection isn't that great but they have ample computers which during the school hours are always available. The library is broken up into three stories which have varying degrees of quietness. The higher you are up the quieter it is supposed to get. Unfortunately once the elementary and high school students arrive it gets unbarely loud. The staff is extremely friendly and always willing to help out but they don't enforce the quiet rules. I've witnessed the security guard walk right pass a group of extremely loud individuals and say nothing. read more

Oak Park Public Library - Sculpture in the entrance of the library - Libraries Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

What an incredibly valuable community resource!! I appreciate the library's commitment to bringing in high-quality materials that reflect the diversity of this great community. There is a fantastic new collection: Transgender Resource Collection. I've also used the on-line language learning system- Mango- that offers free tutorials in 70 foreign languages. The building is gorgeous, spacious, tidy and accessible. Very user-friendly. Lots of interesting community lectures. read more

Beautiful place and friendly staff. I wish I knew about this place time ago. Parking on the streets are not an issue just paid $4 total for the first 2 hours. read more

I love this library. First, I live in Oak Park - I have lived in other towns that have one sad library. Oak Park supports the main library, a branch, and an online library. The library is always super clean, well organized, and stocked with a lot of DVDs, books, and periodicals. They are great about having multiple copies of popular items. The staff is volunteer - they are all friendly and seemingly happy to be there. The library is a common place for families to gather and read. It's nice to see. They have a parking garage and reasonable street parking. Another item to note is that there are a lot of events held at this library. Yoga classes, meetings, an art gallery - it has a real community atmosphere. This is one of my favorite places to walk to near by. read more

Ever since I could barely read, I've had a library card. It was a right of passage - like driving, voting, and drinking. I took it so seriously that getting a library card was my initiation to a new town every time I moved (and I moved a lot!). When I was 15, I proved my loyalty by working at a library. I know libraries. And the Oak Park Public Library is the bomb-diggity! In the age of Kindles and Nooks, you'd think that libraries would become passe, but the OPPL has taken that in stride. I reserve my books and DVDs online and then pick them up when I'm ready. Their high-tech system will order them from other libraries if they don't have it on the shelf for me and get it in my hands in a couple of days. Oh - and speaking of eReaders, I could rent one of those too if I wanted. I could get into the nitty-gritty of what sets the three levels of OPPL apart from its peers (e.g. the easy self-check-out stations or the impressive way to return items that are sorted on a maze of conveyor belts), but it really is just basic things such as the parking garage that's free for an hour. The greeter at the door always makes me feel welcome and then bids me adieu when I depart. I just love the literary quotes and pictures all over the place - artfully placed in the floor and on walls - that make me reminisce about their beloved sources. Lastly, if I feel like curling up with a good, old-fashioned read or my computer, there is an abundance of places to sit or study, all equipped with outlets and free wifi. read more

Oak Park Public Library - The sign behind the circulation desk - Libraries Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Still love this library. Never ever have I been disappointed. The reference staff is very helpful, they know their book catalog and are knowledgeable about the books they carry and can also provide great recommendations. One of the best libraries in the suburbs! read more

I have to say I didn't like it at first 'cause I felt like it was knocking down a piece of my childhood, but now the Oak Park Public Library is one of my favorite places to go. There is a wonderful feature for members is the online book reservations. This way you can check if the library has your book in before you go, and you can even have it set aside for you. They let you know when it is in via e-mail and then you can quickly check it out at the automated check out stations. It is very hi-tech, very cool! The cushy chairs can be a little too comfy when you are tired. I totally fell asleep in one a couple months ago while reading a magazine and was awoken by a guard. Thank goodness there is a coffee shop on the first floor called the Buzz where you can get really great coffee to keep you awake! read more

Oak Park Public Library - Oak Park Public Library!!! - Libraries Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

We moved to Oak Park in May 2018 and have been impressed by the public services available in OP! The library is exceptional. As a researcher and professor, I've had lots of experience with libraries. This one is by far one of the most comprehensive public libraries I've been to, short of the gigantic inner city libraries that are famous. The librarians are helpful, kind, and have a terrific working knowledge of the resources available, online and in person. My daughter LOVES this library, she's in second grade. Well done Oak Park! read more

Oak Park Public Library - Front entrance on Lake Ave. - Libraries Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

This library is awesome. The children's area is phenomenal. Tons of books to choose from and very easy to navigate. There are also computers for young kids (like 5 years old and younger) and computers for kids who are a bit older. The tween area has a wii and an xbox kinect. The summer reading program is great and really helps to keep kids reading in the summer! The staff is also excellent and super helpful and energetic. The kids love them. We also love the art gallery on the second floor and the quietness of the third floor. There is definitely something for everyone! read more

Oak Park Public Library - Children's section of OPPL. - Libraries Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

I love Oak Park Public Library This was my first time here, I'm originally from Michigan. Oak Park is a nice place to live, the Library has so many things to offer. read more

No doubt, it is a great resource and a really nice library. So why only three stars? Well, I almost want to give it two because it is a bit much. Too much. Who paid for all this? The tax payers did. This is exactly why my family moved out of Oak Park. They wanted to spend money on either a new OPRF stadium that wasn't needed and then wanted to move it to the other side of the field claiming it would help the baseball team not suck. No one went for it, and then they spent a ton of tax dollars changing the curb size on South Blvd by one inch for no reason. Then the library thing happened. Go inside and look around. It is trying to be the museum it isn't. Overspending or spending on things that don't need to be bought and then claiming they need to raise taxes again is Oak Park's signature move and this is part of that. I'm not saying that they didn't need a bigger library, they did. However a more functional and economical design would have been nice instead of this "thing" it has become. The crazy vaulted ceilings are kinda cool, but isn't needed and they could have just put a regular roof down and lowered it or spent that money on another floor so they'll never need to expand again. Their art gallery houses a lot of crap, at least the first and last time I went in there it did. The conveyor belt for the overnight bookdrop is an interesting touch but not necessary and I have to think something could have been done for better efficiency instead. But who am I to complain, I didn't pay for it and no money comes out of me for it. I'm just allowed to come from out of town to use it while those of you living in Oak Park right now pay to keep all this running for MY benefit! read more

Good selection of books, nice design, location etc. Unfortunately there are far too many homeless sleeping in the chairs, and large groups of kids swearing and cursing on the second floor. They come to hang out and unfortunately, that's it. If it wasn't for the rowdiness, I'd give 4 to 5 stars. read more

This is where I go to REALLY be productive... and when I need to print something since my printer is dead. - Beautiful building with lots of quiet spots to sit... with outlets! - WiFi throughout. - Awesome selection of CDs and movies to check out. - Heated underground parking garage - free for 2 hours. - Big windows over looking the park, lots of natural light. Only downside.. i went to be a good library patron and pay my overdue fines, and the person at the desk told me they couldn't break a $20. I kinda had that feeling you get when you arrive home with your groceries and realize the checker forgot to charge you for something. read more

After moving to Oak Park, I realized what was missing... a library card! Free wifi, TONS of books (with access to the all of the Chicagoland area public library collections), Nook rentals, and tables/chairs to sit at and work. I was in here the other day and the staff are very kind and helpful. They certainly know their library rules and are also helpful at giving book recommendations. OPPL also hosts many a town event, from kid's book readings/activity days, to student events, to adult special interest groups. They always have a list of what is happening that month posted when you walk in. Best thing? Free/cheap parking right under the building. read more

Librarians talk too loud at this library. I sit far from their desk so I don't have to hear their mind-numbing conversation. Also, the don't have enough electrical outlets to accomodate laptops. read more

I have to admit, the Oak Park Public Library is one reason I moved back to the area. It is one of the best libraries I've been to in the Chicago area. The staff is efficient, knowledgeable, and very helpful. There are so many media resources there, and I can always find what I am looking for. The wait list process is so seamless, that I was amazed how quickly I was able to get a book that I reserved. I love the heated parking garage, especially with our cold winter weather. There is a small cafe in the lobby of the library if you want to grab a beverage or something to eat. There are monthly events that go on at the library, like a Poetry Slam for teens and young adults and a weekly Bring Your Own Board chess game. I love taking my god kids to the children's library, and letting them get on the computer or browse books and movies. Oh, and the library is my lifesaver when I run out of ink and need to print something quickly. I love this place! read more

The OPPL is a beautiful library. We love to take advantage of the kid's section, in particular. They are helpful and friendly, parking is free under 2 hours, and even when the garage says it's "full", you can usually still find parking. Both of my young sons have cards, and the borrowing privileges are generous. Great selection of A/V materials, as well. Love it! read more

the library really nice, great selectionsof all most everything, kind makes me mad that other place around the area like chicago and even some of the other burbs don't have money too spend on a library like this one! they even have a gallery inside. Last time i was there kids where performing traditional mexican dancing.....which was pretty dope! you defentily need to vist this place...... read more

When I first moved here, the library was my sanctuary. It was the only place I could effectively do my job searching since it has free wifi, printers and a fax machine. I love their debit program for using printers too! You don't have to carry around a smattering of loose change just to print some stuff. Their movie selection is ok, but it could be better organized. I haven't borrowed any books yet, but I've gone there to study and was a bit disappointed with the noise level that some students were keeping. I had to go over and ask them to quiet down after 20 minutes of escalating chatter. Finally, one of the staff asked them to move into a study room if they were going to continue to talk. Maybe he should have just told them to be quiet because they were in a library?? read more

Love this library. There is a play area for kids. My son loves coming here and there is always other children here having fun read more

Oak Park Public Library - Super hero! - Libraries Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Love the vibe and ease of access of this library. Easily found a perfect spot to plug in my computer, perch and read. Connected to the WiFi in a single click and had no problems with signal or connectivity. The parking lot below is free for the first two hours and then still really cheap after that (a few dollars). I had a question for a librarian and she was really sweet and helpful. Great first visit. read more

Attention book lovers! If you want to grab some great reads, you'll want to attend the Friends of the Oak Park Library annual book sale. Thousands of donated books for cheap. It's tonight Sat. Aug 7 ($5 admissions) and tomorrow - free admission. Check out the "Book Sale" section of the library website for location and times.. http://www.oppl.org/events/index.htm This event has a great turn out and you are bound to run into someone at your favorite section of books. Anyone for biographies? read more

I love going to the Oak Park library. I just moved to the OP two years ago after living in the city where I didn't even know where my local library was. I like knowing that all of my tax dollars aren't going down the drain. The library has a good number of groups and activities such as the black/white discussion group and the monthly writers group which I find very enjoyable. The only thing I don't like is that in the winter the homeless people like the kick it in the lobby and some of them can be quite funky -- but I guess there isn't much they can do about that. read more

I've been thinking about the library recently and decided to upgrade it to two stars. Doing anything there is still impossible. But the collection is great (at the library and through their network of institutions). I've also asked for several books to be acquired and they've always purchased them. The online resources are really good, too (e.g., streaming services, Lynda.com, etc.). read more

Really nice, really big library. Parking lot below and meters on the street. Open until 9 on weekdays. Nice meeting rooms that the public can reserve, which is pretty great. Great audiobook and DVD collections of stuff once would actually want to borrow. read more

I love coming here! I have talked to other people in other suburbs and states and I cant beleive that they are charged for using the library or charged for checking out movies! I am so glad the movie rentals are unlimited and free! Ooooh they now have a smart phone app! I can view my movies on hold and renew on the go. The staff is super helpful and friendly. I have a late fee issue which was wiped clean with no guilt. read more

I am a total book worm. I loved going to the library when I was growing up. When they did the big remodel a few years ago, I was really excited and impressed. High ceilings, huge windows, neat looking light fixtures. 1st floor: They have the children's room and they have self-check out kiosks. You can check out a Chrome-book with headphones at the front desk. 2nd floor: Teenagers, YA and Adult fiction with DVDs and audio books. There are some computers here. They also have rooms where you can rent for private events. They have a mini- art gallery here. You can rent a Lenovo lap-top here. 3rd floor: More computers. Non-Fiction section. More private rooms. However, since this IS a public library, it IS open to everyone. This includes the homeless people and the mentally-ill homeless people. Expect a bad smell up here, also expect yelling and fighting between the homeless. There is security, however, the security staff have to be called up and the security cameras do have several blind spots. Beware. Additional comments: There are a few ''noise'' level rules for this library and no, no one follows them. Unless you want to keep complaining to the library staff, you are s.o.l. There are several signs depicting these noise level rules, but I guess expecting a certain literacy competency at a library is asking too much? And yes, once the kids come out of school, it is especially obnoxious. read more