St. Charles library appears clean and organized. I was looking for books on the human body for elementary age children and most of the books are gender-affirming and not science-based on biology. Many books show explicit cartoon illlustrations of same-sex couples in bed together, including descriptions of oral sex and masturbation. This is not age-appropriate for young children. We will not be visiting St. Charles library anymore. read more

This place is amazing!! I wish I lived here, because I would be borrowing books and hanging out. It's huge, and clean and there seems to be a lot offered, outside of regular book rentals. They have a little snack shop and it looks like they employ special needs people, which is always a plus. The bathrooms are extremely clean. It is a bright and clean building, and the employees seem kind. read more

I can't believe all my tax dollars went to this renovation. Perhaps the interior is beautiful but I personally was thrilled about the drive up drop off and pick up feature. Today was my 3rd time and each time I've encountered having to get out of the car to utilize these features. As a senior with some mobile difficulties, this was not what I expected. Having to get out to return books and ring a bell for service seems unnecessary too. Hope no one slips in the winter. Two of the three visits, I didn't even get a thank you!!! Very disappointed. read more

I had two bad experiences in this library. I was intimidated by another patron. The staff was slow to respond and never apologized. I had to pay full price for a book with a small stain on the edge. The book was otherwise in perfect condition.They said it could not be circulated. I sent an email to the director and didn't get a response. I will never set foot in the place again. read more

What a beautiful renovation. And it took me the better part of an hour just to wander all three levels and see all the many services, multiple study areas and community spaces , and helpful staff. The remodel of the 1906 original Carnegie library is an amazing tribute to the history of St Charles, and offers quiet space for reading on the first floor and a very functional community meeting space upstairs. The two- level garden/patio is unique in design, and on the lower level offers child-size tables and chairs, adjacent to the children and you library department which encompasses most of the lower level. It is at least 10 times the size of the children's section I visited often in the 1950's. We are so fortunate to be able to provide a library like this to our community. read more

St Charles Public Library - Original entrance doors, with glass replaced. This is part of the Carnegie building built in 1906! - Libraries Near Me - Saint Charles, Illinois

An outstanding public library with excellent services. Our community is very fortunate to have it.

As a busy Nursing student that was in the area running errands, I thought I could drop by and study for a few hours at this library. I called to see if they had study rooms and was told because I'm not in their district, I would have to pay $5 an hour to use their study room!!! I have Never come across such Greed from a Public Library!! Perhaps it's the area?? I'll stick to the Beautiful Gail Borden Library in Elgin or another Beautiful library I've recently studied at in Woodstock. Both of which are not my home libraries. I guess I've Never Considered that charging for a study room was a "thing". It most definitely should NOT matter if I'm in district or not as ALL libraries are for the Public! I've heard this was a beautiful library, unfortunately I no longer have a desire to ever step foot inside to see for myself. read more

Love to come here with my children. Staff is always helpful. Everything is clean and maintained. My favorite feature is I can search for books from home and have them picked for me and ready at the drive up window. This is extremely nice, because my children don't always have patience for mommy to spend time looking at books. read more

Nice library, but I've noticed some homeless people hanging out in there that's the only thing.

We love our local library. The renovations have made it all the lovelier. I've followed the architectural planning and how the historic roofline and shape were kept for historical purposes as it modernized. We use the 1st floor board room to for meetings it's an all-glass gorgeous space. Pre-Covid I enjoyed a couple art lectures up on the second floor tucked away adult area. The kids section is fun and fresh. The librarians are helpful and friendly. I haven't tried the cafe/coffee shop yet. I utilize the digital service with the most frequency so I can listen to audio books and check them out without worry about due dates (although they do use auto-renewal). I can't wait to see the art they install post-renovation. I'm pretty sure some of the negative reviews on here are mask-related and just due to following state-mandates. Anyway, the only thing that could be better is keeping an active drive-up window and "mailbox" for returns. The exterior one by the front door did feel far. Also would be cool to have an outdoor playground right on the campus for children to run and play after studying/being indoors. I'll update with pics on my next visit. read more

I love st. Charles public library becouse its The best place in st. Charles so have fun!!

Nice library and layout. Parking feels a bit cramped and dangerous at times with the mini-vans barreling through the small parking lot with no regard for the pedestrains once they are no longer one. Stopped in to find some old high school yearbooks which thankfully they had. Librarians were very helpful and friendly. Yearbooks were in some rough shape, but I found who I was looking for. Bought a book for $1 off their clearance carts which came in handy for the long weekend on the road and actually ended up being a pretty good read. read more

I am here every week. No joke. And the answer is yes, I'm a nerd. I love that you can put books on hold online & they'll just be waiting for you (great for those embarrassed to be seen at the library-quick getaway). They also have these express checkout counters just like the grocery store where you can scan your library card & items and be on your way (in case you don't want that akward look from the librarian as she scans your self help books). I've found this library to carry very up to date materials, whether it be travel guides, wedding planning books, or best selling novels. On a side note, I often forget the due dates on my books, but FYI, late fee is still just 10 cents a day! read more

Gorgeous library with plenty of open space and a lovely meeting area. The surrounding area is so beautiful, as well. I can't wait to come back and explore more of St. Charles this summer! read more

Staff are very racist... and have no manners... didn't greet me and had very bad attitudes

Dear Librarians, Thank you for always graciously accepting my bountiful donations during "food for fines" as penance for my negligent behavior the entire rest of the year. Although I love books, especially ones that I don't have to pay for, I have what some may refer to as time management problems. Despite my flagrant carelessness for your due dates, you don't judge (at least outwardly) and let me give you graham crackers and cans of peas instead of cash. I appreciate that. Sincerely, Amanda S. read more

I must admit that I love any kind of library. I'm a complete bookworm. The last time I came to this specific library I was a bit disappointed in the children's area. Sure the circus "train car" is cute and nostalgic, but the clowns by it were scary enough to give me nightmares. It seemed a bit run down and definitely could use some brightening up. Also, I probably won't attend another class with the kid I watch, because if I was bored to tears (about Dr. Seuss of all people!), I can guarantee the 2 year old I brought with me was even more bored. The "performer" was uber creepy and somewhat of a jerk to a lady that had a baby that shook her keys ONCE. The kid was under the age of one. I'm sure the rest of the library is nice, but I just couldn't get past the lack of creativity and imagination in the children's section of all places. Oh, and parking is a real pain considering no one pays attention to the arrows. read more

I love libraries and St. Charles has a great library. The librarians downstairs are kind and patient with the little ones. They have lots of fun (and free!) programs for the kids. Summer book reading club is our favorite. Our oldest loves to go to the Lego build times. Feeding their creativity is a strength of the library. I'm an eBook reader and I've been satisfied with their OverDrive collection. And they've increased the check out time to 21 days! And the biggest change we've appreciated as a family is auto-renew. If a book is due but nobody has a hold on it, it will check it back out to you. If you haven't had the chance to use their services besides book check out, you're missing out on some great programs! read more

Such a great public library. I always bring the kids for kids activities. The staff is always great at helping us find the right book, and if they don't have it, they call it in and let us know within a week that they have it in stock! Definitely recommend great place to go read more

Librarians are always very friendly and helpful. I always find what I'm looking for here. Tons of resources

This library has a wonderful reference section as well as a homebound section that is second to none. The reference Librarians in both departments work very hard with purchase request to obtain items that they cannot borrow from other libraries if they do not already have the item. This is very useful for video games for kids and for just about any reference you can think of. read more

Large library with abundant books. Busy place. Has 3 floors. Looks aged. Sufficient parking spaces. Staff are always friendly and helpful. Bottom floor is for kids. In LINC system. The best online library system I consider. Perfect for transferring books to your library. They allow book pick-up for non-residents. Love it! read more

5 stars because i love libraries. walking in the library is a big one. lots of room to do your thing. no one has bothered me. when i am visiting my buddy, i like coming here. the only complaint-SIGH, parking. WOW. if you follow the arrows, you will do fine. read more

Librarians act nice, but don't trust them! Constant problems with checking books in: they are simply not processed as "checked in". Then later I have to go and find my previously returned book on the library shelf, yet it is still showing as in my possession ... It is high time you invested into automated check-in machine as e.g. in Skokie. read more

Very helpful and knowledgable staff. This large library offers a variety of classes and services to the community. Great location and easy parking. read more

Excellent librarians and help. The library is so good about obtaining copies of books that I need for my consulting work.

I studied for the MCAT here and it was always quiet ! I love their large quiet study room in the back . Everyone here is respectful and caring !! read more

We just completed the infant Summer Reading Program and story time at the library, and are SO impressed. Denise is WONDERFUL with the children, and has really put together a program that interests the babies in socializing, music and reading. The library also puts together book bags with various themed collections to check out, so you don't have to spend a lot of time digging through the shelves. Highly recommend the library's offerings to those with little ones. read more

Great library, very clean and updated catalog. Very helpful inter-library loan service as well.