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Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
500 N Dunton AveArlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 392-0100
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 10 pm
Sat 9 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5:30 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
15 reviews for Arlington Heights Memorial Library
15 reviews in English
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Review from Maxine W.
Arlington Heights, IL
4/4/2012
Easily one of my favorite places in the whole world. AHML has been a second home to me since before I could read. My mom used to take us every week to spend a few hours exploring the stacks, watching film strips, and picking up the phone to learn all about what was inside that doll house that still stands in the children's section.
I still come to the library when I need some "me" time. Sadly, I have grown up and as much as the Peter Pan in me wants to stay in the kid's section forever, people might think I'm a creeper if I station myself there to read or do homework. So I've tested out different places in the library to call "my spot."
I tend to avoid the Dunton side... for some reason it gets noisy and there seem to be a lot more homeless people in the non-fiction section over there than anywhere else.
I love to set up by the windows that face Vail Ave, either behind the computers or by the non-fiction books. The trees that line Vail Ave. give great atmosphere to the library no matter what season. There is also something so comforting about sitting by the window and staying there until it gets dark.
I hope that someday I can take my kids to AHML and instill in them a love of books and libraries, just as my mom did for me.Listed in: Home Sweet Home
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Review from Leo J.
Arlington Heights, IL
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great Suburban Library. Actually one of the best that I have ever been to whether living here in the Chicago area (Different Suburbs) or when I lived in Oregon.
They always have the most current Books, Video Games, and DVD's and usually have several copies. They have kindles you can rent, and nice computers to use on-site if you don't have one. They even loan out laptops for use on-site as well.
The online book reserve works great. Hold a book for reserve and select where you want to pick it up. They even have a drive though so you actually never have to go inside if you do not want.
The only issue I have with this place is there are usually a large amount of homeless people sleeping in the chairs, or looking at porn on the computers. They usually don't bother you too much though, so no worries. -
Review from Folie B.
Arlington Heights, IL
1/5/2012
I absolutely love this library. Everything I've looked for, I was able to find here. They have a large selection of the latest DVDs, audiobooks, ebooks, and plain old books. A shout out to the friendliest staff who are always patient with customers. Love the drive through for quick pickups. You get email alerts when items are due or when your requested materials are ready for pickup. I've never tried the book mobile but it sounds like a great service.
I have tried their online chat help tool as well and have received prompt and helpful advice. Their new and improved website and apps makes browsing and searching even easier. They also have great classes and activities you can sign up for. All in all, I feel lucky to have this incredible facility so close to me. -
Review from Gregory B.
Arlington Heights, IL
5/17/2012
Best library I've ever seen. Almost embarrassing, what they are willing to do for you. Feel like I am a member of a prestigious intellectual country club every time I go in there. "Another helping of ideas, please, Jeeves."
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Review from Amy M.
Chicago, IL
6/22/2011
AHML is an amazing library with tons of great (free) services that make utilizing the library a breeze!
* They have an incredibly large collection of books, periodicals, DVDs, and CDs. If they don't have the item you are looking for, you can request they purchase it and (from my experience) they always will.
* They are one of the many libraries in the Illinois Intersystem Reciprocal Borrowing Covenant. So if you have a have a library card from a reciprocal library, you only need to show that card and one piece of identification (with name and address) in order to get a library card from AHML.
* AHML's bookmobile is great a resource for residents of Arlington Heights. It's free to use and it has many convenient stops. You can find a list of stops and the schedule of when they'll be there on the website. Also, since a much fewer number of people use the bookmobile compared to the library, you can usually get a hold of new items much easier on the bookmobile.
* The library has a drive-thru window in their parking garage, so if you're picking up a hold item or are just returning books, it's very convenient to not have to park and go into the library.
* Parking is available along the street and under the library which extends into an uncovered lot. Downtown Arlington Heights and the Metra stop are within walking distance.
* The area around the library is very safe. The security guards at the library are nice, but keep loud patrons in check. They're very strict about cell phone usage in the library.
* The children's section is awesome. It's a large space, with an extensive collection of children's books, games, periodicals, and computers strictly for their use. They also have great summer reading programs.
* There are many PCs and Macs available for patrons use for 90 minutes at a time. You get printouts from a print release station which you pay for with a card you've deposited money onto.
* All the librarians are super knowledgeable, helpful, and nice.
* Large collection of foreign language (books, magazines, and newspapers) and ELL materials.
* The physical space is new, clean, and well-maintained. You can tell they've put a lot of thought and money into continually updating the resources and technology for patrons. There is a silent study room and conference rooms on the 2nd floor.
* The library's seasonal book sales are a great time to stock up on books, especially if you're a teacher. There are many donated books in nearly new condition for dirt cheap. Usually on the last day of the sale, you can get a grocery bag full of books for a few bucks. -
Review from Samantha L.
Arlington Heights, IL
12/2/2010 6 Check-ins Here
Fantastic library and an excellent selection.
Honestly. I don't care if this is even slightly nerdy, but the fact that you can check out a 100 DVDs or CDs at once is amazing.
I've also attended a few of their Cooking Demonstrations, and even though the average age of attendees is roughly 70, I would definitely recommend it. -
Review from Beth E.
Atlanta, GA
10/1/2009
It looks like I have reached a point in my life, where libraries are "cool," and when I am actually taking the time, to write a review about them!
As far as libraries go, this one totally rocks! It is very modern, and has just about any book, recent movie, magazine, and/or newspaper, one could hope for. There is a garage, which hosts a drive-thru, for those feeling less than thrilled with stepping out of their car to bring their items inside the building. You can also pick up books on reserve in the drive-thru. There is also a great genealogy area on the top floor, and a very extensive collection of magazines from all walks of life. I did not use these, but there appears to be a good number of computers available to the public. There are also very nice meeting/study rooms upstairs, as well as a number of classes, about a variety of topics held every month.
They are open 7 days a week (Sundays, 12-4pm, until 10pm during the week). You will also receive an e-mail reminder, when your books, etc., are due.
Have fun! -
Review from michael w.
Northbrook, IL
2/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Saw Jen Weigel speak here. You can drive under this library (nice snow feature) ;-)
Seems like a very nice place, have not explored beyond the speaking engagement. -
Review from Pam T.
Arlington Heights, IL
3/2/2011
They have drive thru service -what else do I need to say? I select the books I want on line, they email me when they are ready for pick up, I drive thru and pick them up. They even email me when it is time to return them.
Great customer service. -
Review from Kammie G.
5/26/2010
I've been going there since I moved to Arlington Hts and I must say it is truly the best library I could ask for. People that have gone there that aren't from the area agree - the library is really amazing.
They have tons of books (well duh.. it is a library) but what makes me really fond of my library is everything else that they have to offer. They have a huge selection of movies on dvd and blu-ray, even the recent releases, which is awesome because now I don't have to spend money on On-Demand or renting movies. It's all free. Isn't that lovely? Also they have quite a few games on various consoles and windows. I'm not a huge gamer but my dad takes advantage of the option quite often. But who could blame him.. it's free!
The place is very pretty and modern and has enough parking, outside and underground. It is truly a gorgeous library and I am happy that I am a member of it. That's all :) -
Review from Tracey M.
8/14/2008
It's not the fanciest library I've ever been to, but I think it's pretty damn good!
One thing I love most about AHML is the drive-through pick-up option - yes you read that right! If you put an item on hold for pick-up you have the option to use a drive-through, how cool is that!?
I also like their periodic used book sales. There is a huge selection at great prices.
The staff at AHML are friendly and very helpful. Things are organized in a good manner and are easy to find. -
Review from Kelly E.
Minneapolis, MN
4/3/2011
Another one of the best libraries in the suburbs. Awesome place, great collections, ample parking, the place goes on and one forever...you could get lost here. Plenty of desks to camp out at. The only fault I can find is the odd location of the bathroom on the second floor (have to go through the kids area to get to it....seems weird). Other than that, I really like this library.
Comment from Richard K. of Arlington Heights Memorial Library 4/4/2011
Hi Kelly, thanks for the positive review! We actually have… More » -
Review from Dana T.
Hayward, CA
12/4/2011
Best library I have ever been to. Big, beautiful, and full of different kinds of books. Computer section is great too
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Review from Patty D.
IL
4/9/2009
i'm so thankful for this awesome library - pick-ups are convenient (drive-thru, walk-up) -and the wide variety of kids books, games, video games, etc.
when you are on a budget - this place goes a long way
love my library -
Review from Erick P.
Arlington Heights, IL
3/6/2010
I love this library been going here for years. They always keep it clean and when you reserve something, its very easy for you to pick it up either thru the drive thru or the express reserve line. They always have up to date dvds/books/magzines. A++
