One of the first things I do when I move somewhere is go to their local library and see what it's…read morelike. Coming from an actual city, and being in Janesville, I was prepared to see a few copies of a phone book, someone's yearbook from the '70s, and maybe a few old Dean Koontz novels with the jacket cover taped back on, and some pages missing. I was definitely in for a pleasant surprise. While they don't always have all of the latest books you'll have on your GoodsRead list, and they aren't open on Sundays, this is a very nice little library, and definitely the best community asset to Janesville. When you get a library card you get to choose between white or teal cards. The ground floor is a cafe, with seating where people are sometimes seen playing chess with strangers, or enjoying books that they've purchased, or picked up for free, as you can just drop off books there for people to grab, and also the "community room" which can be reserved for large meetings/gatherings. Other, smaller rooms are available on the second floor for anyone to reserve or request, as well. The second floor has a hold shelf for reserved books (you can put a hold on books online or at the library), self check out stations, an employee recommends section that lists what genres those employees are into so you know if their likes are a good fit for you to choose from, and all the the books. There's also a bulletin board with a listing of all sorts of local events going on in Janesville, and some going on in the library. There's a table with hand sanitizer and lotion. The real thing here is the events. This library hosts so many events and does so much for the community. It's truly impressive. The only thing I dislike about this library is that the return slot inside the library is not clearly labeled at all, and I wandered around like a fool until I saw other people slowly putting their items one at a time into a small, unlabeled, conveyor belt hole in the wall one at a time, and asked them if that was it. Haha. All the employees are hella nice. According to the website, there are other return sites for the books, including Woodman's, which I've also done a review on. Woodman's is open 24 hours a day, so if you're out getting your groceries in the middle of the night and need to return your library book, you can kill two birds with one stone, theoretically. I've yet to do so. I have attended a writing workshop here, an open mic event, a support group, and picked up a free craft project. I've only lived here a couple months.

This place was fantastic. Not only was the building architecture lovely you can really tell that…read morethe community cares and puts money into this place. The self service kiosks were awesome, we'd never seen those before. There were loads of tables, computers, and seats to sit in where you could read. All of the windows are fantastic and the view overlooking the river makes those reading places super idealic. Outside there are places to sit and sculptures to enjoy as well as read again over looking the river. Also the book clubs in a bag are also a fantastic idea. This place made us really jealous of the people in Janesville, we wished our local library was even half as nice.

This library is just a amazing it's Jane Normas and all the people are nice and it was a good…read moreexperience and have every single book you can think of and if they don't you can order in there it'll be there soon!

Large, modern, comfortable. The library was my third office of the day and I spent a couple of…read morehours here, connected to their free wifi and charging up my laptop for the evening. Easy and quiet, I did not have any Zoom calls to make which was good as the library is definitely a place for reading and study. If there are study rooms, I didn't spot them. It's a very nice space and I really appreciated the ability to work from here for a bit. [Review 20653 overall - 224 in Wisconsin - 1634 of 2023.]

They were at pride and referred to my girlfriend and I as "friends" as we clearly are not…read morethat....They also had a wheel to spin about how hot you are? Judging looks is odd especially at pride and for a library! They were outside the gates at Kenosha pride so obviously a little homophobic especially with the friends comment....

A new director has taken over and turned this place around. It's now very welcoming, and I've even…read moreseen them really help out the homeless when they're in the area. The new director has really saved this place!

From the owner: We provide free books, movies, magazines, music CDs and audiobooks to check out. Free wifi is…read moreavailable, or use our computers to access the internet or use Microsoft office products. We offer a variety of no-cost programs to all ages, all year 'round; check our calendar to see what is available. Free and friendly answers to questions you may have! We are a member of Lakeshores Library System which includes most of the libraries in Racine and Walworth Counties. Any resident of Wisconsin is welcome to apply for a free card.

Our girl joined a weekend gymnastics camp at the university. She seemed to have really enjoyed her…read moretime there and meeting a bunch of new gymnasts.

Not a good environment for non-white students. Sadly, it's been like this for years and they need…read morebetter basketball coaches!! Basketball is a spontaneous game and not to be programmed. Hire coaches with experience and who are fair!

The Lake Geneva Public Library offers some truly wonderful programming for families, especially for…read moreyoung kids. Their summer reading program is a big hit in our household--engaging, well-organized, and complete with great prizes. We also really appreciate the Pasie's Preschool Play program, which provides fun, thoughtful activities for toddlers every week. The children's section has a unique and well-curated selection of books, including titles from local authors, which is a nice touch. And the library pop-up at the YMCA is super convenient--we're big fans of that outreach effort! That said, parking is a real drawback. On most visits, we end up walking 4-5 blocks just to get there. On rainy days, its impossible to arrive dry with a stroller and two kids. The building itself is historic and charming, but the space is cramped, especially when kids' programs are in full swing. Still, despite the logistical challenges, the quality of the programming and staff makes this a great community resource--especially for families with young readers.

What a stunning library!…read more Our beach trip to Lake Geneva was mostly rainy. We walked around downtown area to eat lunch. On the way back to our hotel, we popped in here just to dry off and look at the beautiful building. The building is stunning, and the landscaping is lovely. Inside is great as well. The staff were friendly and helpful. The kids section is great. We were lucky and there was a reptile presentation while we were there, which was awesome. They clearly put on good programming.

Now this is the place where nerds salvate!! Why? Because there's a plethora of books and nooks to…read moreread books in this charming library! This library was recently renovated but keeping all the character from the old and just adding some new. (Tip, go upstairs and down the hall, to the left that's the beautiful ACTUAL old building) Leaving the old remnants to enhance the new made it a comfortable cozy place to spend the rest of your life...if it didn't have closing hours. Seriously though, it has so much for every age. I just want to have kids so I have have a weekly tradition of walking my kids to this exact library. From classes, to kids events, to computers, wifi, dvds, and an excellent young adult section. It just seems so much fun!! this centralized location brings the community together. Just grab some coffee, sneak it past those peering eyes, grab a book or magazine, whatever you want to nuzzle your nose into, and spend the afternoon in bliss at this gorgeous library. Oh and ride the elevator. I'm not sure why, but I just like the way it smells. P.S. the reason the bathrooms are that color is that the homeless people of Edgerton, don't try to live in the bathroom. I'm not kidding you.

It is a pretty small library, but it has lots of DVD's and books for the kids and adults alike. My…read morenieces go to story time here, and the librarian knows them by name. Larger libraries just don't offer that as far as I've seen.

Absolutely gorgeous building! We did the tour almost a decade ago and now I think we should do it…read moreagain. If you have your Milwaukee Public Library account, log in and look up books you might want to pick up. They close at 6pm, which is a bit early, but other than that, stop by for the architecture, a book or two, and maybe when their cafe is open.

I was harassed and questioned by library manager Heather NcSorley about what I identified as. I do…read morenot and no longer recommend using this library. Go to another location. Instead of using the drive thru and being questioned about what I identify as I will use the inside self checkout to not have any interactions with the staff. Never have I ever been to a library with people so rude and disrespectful

Great library with friendly, knowledgeable librarians. Lots of periodicals and newspapers updated…read moredaily, and the space is always clean and cozy.

What a wonderful library! The children's reading and play area was particularly impressive with a…read morelarge and well curated collection of children's books, videos, and play things. We were just in town for 10 days visiting and discovered the library on a rainy day upon recommendation of a local resident and it couldn't have been more perfect. To my surprise, my children kept asking to go back to the library...even on the sunny days!

I've used this library during my 3 month stay in the area. I have enjoyed using the facilities, as…read moreI prepared for an additional teacher certification. It is a big space that is full of activity. I've used their scanner/copier, quiet study room, cafe, research books, and the ongoing book/dvd/cd sale. I've donated blood and taken in a concert too. The staff takes great pride in this gem of a library. Their attention to detail make this a very enjoyable place to spend your time.

For a small library in a small town I was pleasantly surprised by everything they had to offer…read morehere. I mean I come from a big city and some of our smaller libraries seemed lacking compared to BPL. I mean damn they even have a newsletter that goes out like clock work every month (which I still receive). The building it beautiful and there are benches outside in which you can take your latest read (once you check it out of course). The staff is friendly and if you couldn't find what you wanted there they had a great lending system with other libraries. Their selection of books was current and up to date, and loved loved loved their selection of movies. As a college student on a budget borrowing movies from the library was a great way to conserve cash.