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!

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.

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.

Its a lovely library with nice staff. Free wifi. Lots of books. The archives in the basement is be…read morebest. Mineral Point has done a great job preserving their history.

It says it's a "Free" library right on the front of it and I'm not sure exactly what that means,…read moreother than they don't have late fees of any kind. It's small, but there's always interlibrary loan!

The library is awesome as are the people that work there. I broke my leg this summer and they went…read moreabove and beyond to help. They are more than willing to help you in any way they can even if you are not injured

Needs to be much quieter since it is after all a library and not a playground. For those studying…read moreand doing there homework to better there future. Nice Staff!! clean!

Love this library!! They always have fun activities going on. Toys and games available for kids to…read moreplay with. Kids and adult sections are separate and quiet.

What can I possibly say about a library. I enjoy going to this library because it's always peaceful…read morestaff there is very helpful ,I can relax while reading a book nothing to disturb me whatsoever.