Evanston Public Library

Located in downtown Evanston, this library has a wide selection of books and very friendly and helpful staff. more

The EPL has changed quite a bit since the reviews that have been posted here. It has never been as awful as one reviewer made it seem. It is true, the computer system for finding books was a bit old, but they never charged for renting new books. The EPL now has a FANTASTIC new kids section, I am a nanny so it is a great place to bring the kids and have them play and read. It truly is something you have to see to believe! There is also a new Teen Lounge on the 2nd floor (I believe it's the second floor), which has a very comfortable and modern look. The systems have been updated and now it is very easy to search for listings and manage your account on-line (so convenient!). The parking is never a problem for me, if you can't find parking outside (which is often the case, but no fault of the library) there is metered parking beneath the library and I always ALWAYS find a spot there. Or if not, you can park in the parking garage 3 blocks away (first hour free!). I can't really think of anything the library can improve upon, there are great selections and everyone is so helpful. Plus it just looks AWESOME! I think the library is the jewel of downtown Evanston. more

**DISCLAIMER** I'm a staff member at EPL. We do NOT charge for new books. At one point we had a small rental books collection; this has been changed to a FREE "Most Wanted" collection, but is only for Evanston residents. All of the other new books (10 shelves worth) on the 1st floor are completely free, and can be checked out by anyone with a card from a near-by library. The ONLY items we charge fees for are videos and DVDs in the main collection; $1.00. Children's videos and DVDs are free. We have also added many new computers and a new online catalog since Emilia's review, and we are launching a major renovation of our Children's department which will be completed by Labor Day 2007. EPL also provides free wi-fi service at all 3 locations, as well as free downloadable audio and ebooks, free online access to back issues of all major magazines and newspapers, and a free online test preparation service. We are quite receptive to purchase suggestions from Evanston residents. Please give us a call at 847-448-8600, or check out our website at www.epl.org more

I am in Evanston quite a bit, this library is in their downtown area and is a great meeting spot to hook up with friends or family and then go from there. I have not explored this library but the time I was inside I saw a live musical performance on the first floor. They host a decent amount of events and have a good looking facility. I am now curious to follow up on what a couple other reviewers were refering to about their resorces and the problems there; that stinks. more

This place is full of material that no one would want to check out. All of the interesting material is on the ground floor and available for a price. Thats right-if you want to read the latest books you will have to pay. It is ridiculous and flies in the face of what a library is supposed to be. Stay far, far away from this travesty of a library, unless you need to use the internet. That, thankfully is still free. more

Evanston Public Library is big and very well maintained with a good selection. The kids' section was not so impressive though. All the board books for the toddlers and infants seemed really old and worn down and I did not feel comfortable to give them to my toddler who chews on everything. You can rent good kids' videos for free though, I thought that was awesome. more

It is the biggest library in the north suburbs I think.. Large, old building just across from Whole Foods on Church Street. The materials are many worn out, the technical part needs improving (the computers on which you make the research are so... old). the children dpartment is too small for all the materials they have and all the kids that come- it ca become fairly crowded very quickly. The parking can be a problem, it's paid parking with a 2 hour maximum limit, and usually is very crowded (as all dpwntown Evanston). Otherwise, the movie section is nice, and you can find many art movies unavailable- to rent- anywhere else. more