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.

This library is fine. It lacks cool events like a magician, animal handler or music which it has…read morehad in the past but not lately. Most library employees are nice. It has a few paintings on some walls but if it wants art, it should have more. The cafe has some good food and has seemingly changed five times over the last decade. The best things to buy are tea and sandwiches. Any desert isn't very good. This library has Nintendo Switch, Xbox one, Playstation 4 video games. Books, magazines, blurays, dvds, graphic novels. It has some chairs next to book shelves to sit on. It doesn't have a lot of fun or cool activities lately.

This is my favorite library in the Quad Cities. I enjoy sitting upstairs by the windows and…read morereading. They have a good selection of books--if they don't carry it, delivery is quick from another library. I like their large print section and the coffee shop downstairs is cute. Plus, they regularly hold local elections, which is handy and I appreciate.

I love our library! Such a great place to study with a huge selection. I took one of the trainings…read moreupstairs in the creation studio for using the etching machine. It was great and Maria was so helpful. I have also used the sewing machines for projects when mine broke. I have always had a great experience with staff. Only thing I would change is to make the study rooms more soundproof. I use them to take proctored exams for school and a couple times I have heard phone conversations from other rooms as if they were in the same room as me.

Wonderful programs; childrens' story time; rentals, and an Aquarian in the children's library and…read morethe staff can tell you about the fish which has shrimp; wonderful staff in the children's' library. Right across from the children's museum

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!

Since I can not find any place on how to contact you I have to use this forum to let you know that…read moretoday's closing of the Eastern branch is NOT acceptable. You did not even place a notice on the entrance door that you were closed due to an all included staff meeting and you still could have achieved this meeting by leaving the doors open and placing a sign by the check out desk stating that nobody would be able to assist due to the very important staff meeting or by sending out an E-Mail to all your users. Thank you

The Eastern Avenue branch of Davenport's library is impressive for a number of reasons…read more The building is super green (environmentally, not color-wise). It earned a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for the innovative ways it uses less energy and water as well as energy efficient lighting and building materials. It's spacious and open. even in the stacks you never feel cramped or oppressed by the tall shelves of books. The coffee shop/bookstore off the lobby is great for a quick snack (but we'll talk about that in its own review). The adult sections are great, but their children's section is awesome. Board books are organized by author, but shelved in low-slung shelving units so little eyes can see them and little hands can select them with ease. Tables are height appropriate for little ones and the large stuffed animals are a hit too. Finally, the children's programing is great as well. Weekly (and sometimes twice-weekly) story times for three different age groups (babies, toddlers, and preschool) as well as many programs for school-aged kids make the library a fun and interesting place for kids to visit and a partner with parents who want to instill a love of books and reading in their children.

Quite the peaceful little library in the quad cities. All set up if your a kid who likes playing…read morevideo games (half of who occupies there) and if you just need a tranquil spot to write a manuscript or just read the funny pages. The hours are a bit odd, I suggest writing them down. Just off the tracks and a hop skip and a jump from Sullivan's market. i thought he staff were very nice; all four of the ladies. I would go back.

Just to be clear this is a good library just in a old building. It just feels like its missing a…read morefew small improvements.

Yeah they built this library pretty solid... 1872 they were still doing things right. I like the…read morefact they have security in the library, makes me feel safe when I am reading and start dozing off. The security guys are nice and wake you up. You can check out some newer movies here if you don't have cable. Don't be late bringing back the movies... I am watching a series and sometimes folks check out the season I need and take forever finishing. WIFI can be slow in some spots, but they also have computers you can use for free so that is a bonus. Bathrooms are decent and they have a drinking fountain. I like the staff they are always friendly and very helpful.