Skokie Public Library

The Skokie Public Library was my 2nd home growing up, and now as an adult it holds a bigger place in my heart. When I was younger, I used to sit in the chairs and spend endless hours read through all the books after school. And throughout high school I would meet up with friends after school so we could work on projects and homework together. During my undergrad it was the hub for research. But since graduation I haven't had the opportunity to visit often.

So this week, in lieu of National Library week, my colleague and I decided to co work at the library! There are so many changes and upgrades since I've last been here. The library is more spacious and they now have break out rooms for different age groups so they have their own area to be in. The children's section of the library had small tables and chairs along with interactive games for them to learn to read. While the teens sections has study rooms for groups to work on projects together. The center of the main level has all of the media, from audio books, movies, cds, and more. Upstairs are most of the adult books, and various large tables where folks can work, along with different rooms for coworking and activities.

The openness of the library has a bookstore feel, where it's all bright lights, highlighting books by genre just as you would find at a Barnes and Noble. There is a cafe area for those who want to eat and utilize the vending machines, and a few outdoor spaces with tables and chairs if you wanted to sit outside.

All in all, we got so much work done, and the staff was incredibly nice. When they gave us a heads up that a large group of middle school students were about to come in and areas where we'd find more quiet spaces. With recourses like computers for folks to use, access to printers, local resources and more, there's so much to offer and do at the library!

A mom-of-two's (a toddler and preschooler) straight-forward review -

Pros:
1) The library is massive with books that cover lots of genres. We were very pleased to find a wide range of books emphasizing diversity. If your child loves to read, this will be the perfect place!
2) Space is very clean and the staff were very diligent in organizing the books.

Cons:
1) There are several sections for young children to play, such as a table with magnetic building blocks, a table with a train set, a kitchen with two pizza ovens, a stove, etc. However, it looks like the play sets were incomplete. For instance, the stove did not have any toy foods or pots and pans. The pizza ovens only had one random slice of pizza. If you're here for play, it might be a bit of a challenge especially if there are a lot of young children.

Popped in the Skokie Library to do some coworking. This was my first time here and it was a treat to visit. I like how the space was presented with a bookstore feel. The collections weren't cluttered and overwhelming but seemed more carefully curated to catch your eye. I initially found some tables by the Teen section since their study rooms were all booked up. I was able to work for a little bit but then school was letting out so I moved upstairs to the second floor. There was plenty of seating to plop down with your laptop. It was also nice to see that there was a community puzzle for people to do while they were there. I was surprised to find out that there were actually three levels considering it didn't look like it from the front of the library. It's a very beautiful library and would be back again when I'm in the area.

The library is one of my favorite parts about living in Skokie. Extremely kind and knowledgeable staff, amazing resources and events, and of course, all the books anyone could hope for. They have wonderful programming for kids and adults, and a space that is as functional as it is beautiful. With courtyard spaces, study/meeting rooms, comfortable chairs, and quiet reading spaces, there's ample spaces for all kinds of needs.

Skokie has really invested in the library and it shows!

They are very friendly here and help me print my things out. I like to rent books and they have a good selection or I can come and pick it up when it is ready

Great resource and beautiful setting -staff is always helpful. It's easy to make a request for a book or movie and when available the pick up is really easy.
I wish parents with little children would take the opportunity to teach them that the library is a quiet place and good behavior is needed. Many times parents allow the children to continue screaming or running and it is not fair to everyone else.

This library is way more than a library it is HUGE and has a section for Teens,kids,adults and to study and if you are into tech they have 2 tech rooms you can go to and if you just Want to chill they have some sections for that or if you want a party there they have a room for that so i would recommend this place

Very limited extra features compared to other libraries (limited options in the maker space, limited print options, limited "things library") so overall just kinda a disappointment.

Clean, well serviced, well stocked, and well curated! Love this place. It feels like the den/living room of a modern, wealthy family. The things this library offers are amazing. I just sewed a gift for my daughter in their "lab" after picking out a new release movie for the evening. The children section is massive and offers a variety of materials for kids of all ages. The adult section above has books on literally any subject and even let you take out magazines. The library is definitely one of the Crown Jewels of Skokie.

So I just stop by to drop off movies for a friend. Can I just say this is one of the most beautiful libraries I have seen in my life! I only got as far as checking in the movies and walked in a few feet and it was full of people using computers, checking out books and hanging out. I so wish my library was like this I would be here all the time.