I love the Crete Public Library! They have a wonderful collection of resources. They have excellent…read moreprograms. They have outstanding and very helpful employees. If I ever leave the area, the library and it's employees would be the most thing I would miss.

Some places merely are what they are, and some places truly excel at what they are. This library…read moreeasily falls into the latter category. It has so much to offer, I'd choose the C(rete)PL over C(hicago)PL any day of the week. Free and fast wifi, plenty of outlets, friendly staff, plenty of parking, a new/modern building (with a robust air conditioning system), and of course, many and varied volumes for those who like absorb the written word the old-fashioned way. I've been a patron of the Crete Library for decades, and I can also attest to the quality (and fun factor) of their children's reading program. Your humble author would like to formally and publicly thank the fine librarians, past and present, of fostering my love of readin' and writin' without which this post would be much more muddled.

This particular place is always clean, the ladies bathroom is fresh & stocked well, there are…read moreusually more than (2) staff available to assist you, the staff is always friendly especially since they greet you upon arrival, it's never over crowded & there are plenty of computers available for use! Staff: Sam, Robert & Lee I specifically want to thank you for the patience & assistance you guys provided to me during my visits! Blessings to all staff for a job well done!!!

A really nice looking library!!! Very clean and open. The staff is very helpful and friendly. They…read morehave no problem walking over to show you whatever it is you need or are looking for. They also give away books so be sure to ask!

I love Chicago Heights Public Library. I have been a patron there for 70 years. I have found the…read moreemployees to be knowledgeable and helpful, especially Sheila she goes out of the way to be helpful. If they don't have the book they get it for me from another library in the system. Thanks to all of you. Jan Szpejnowski

I drove the Chicago Heights Bookmobile for 1 year from October 1974 to October 1975. It was a great…read morejob. When not driving our route I did odd jobs around the library.

Great place! The teen librarian is super cool and friendly. The staff can help you find anything…read moreyou need. And the comic and manga selection is great. Overall my favorite library. (Btw the volunteer programs are great way to get hours for school or just as a fun activity to do. There is almost always something to do and the librarians always show you how to do the tasks in a super easy to understand way)

This library made getting a card especially difgicult, rejecting documents from my employer that…read morematched my Illinois driver's license. I had to make a scene to get my card. In addition, these folks misgender transgender folk, after correction, even with identification. These transphobic classists should never have been trusted with a library.

The library itself is beautiful, with a variety of programs, resources, and plenty of outdoor…read morespace, including a lovely pond. There is clearly a lot to offer, and I appreciate the effort that goes into providing these services to the community. That said, I was disappointed by how frequently the issue of "tax-paying residents" was emphasized during our visit. On multiple occasions, a staff member who goes by the name Charlie, made comments about the library being funded by local taxpayers and emphasized who the library serves. While I completely understand and respect that public libraries are funded through local tax dollars, repeatedly emphasizing this point to visitors--especially children--can create an uncomfortable and unwelcoming atmosphere. The library also sends staff to local schools to introduce children to its programs and resources. Since the surrounding school districts include children from communities outside the library's immediate tax base, I believe the messaging should be more inclusive and focused on the resources and educational opportunities available rather than repeatedly emphasizing who pays the taxes. Hearing references to "tax-paying people" at least three separate times during one visit left us feeling as though we were being reminded that we were not necessarily considered part of the community the library was intended to serve. That is unfortunate because libraries should ideally be welcoming spaces where children and families feel encouraged to learn, explore, and participate. While I'm a taxpayer myself, our library does not come to his school, nor do they offer the service we were looking for.

The programs are excellent and intergenerational. The staff are professional and welcoming. There…read moreis a great sense of community. There is a genuine collaboration of residents and staff to create vibrant and relevant library services.

Attended the House Music fest in the park of downtown Park Forest. Great time, found a park on the…read morestreet close by, great vendors, great people and music. A must attend annual event, loved every minute!

The Village Hall located in Downtown Park Forest does a great job doing resident appreciation…read moreevents. The Art Fair and other events which put Park Forest on the map decades ago are still wonderful events that attract visitors from all over. The shops do the best they can with limited traffic but have a few gems like the Tall Grass Arts, resale shops, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra offices. The best value around is Johnny's Restaurant- try it out!