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Budlong Woods Branch - Chicago Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
5630 N Lincoln AveChicago, IL 60659
Neighborhood: West Rogers Park
(312) 742-9590
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
10 reviews for Budlong Woods Branch - Chicago Public Library
10 reviews in English
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Review from Kaycee M.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2007
Five stars, despite a little noise...
I think the large, open ceiling and use of natural light in this place is what has won me over- that, and the very helpful, friendly staff.
The main areas with tables aren't very crowded, and there are plentiful jacks, the wireless is easy to connect to and fairly reliable (there was one visit where it wasn't working, but it's been okay otherwise), and the wait for a computer reservation is reasonable - I often print documents for my classes via Google docs, rather than using my own ink. CPL gives you 15 pages a day for free- $0.15 thereafter, and it's easy.
You can hear a little chatter at times from the juvenile internet users, the scanner used at the front desk, or the kid's section, but I find a CD to listen to and get to work, no problem.
The large windows look out on wispy grass planted along the building, there are soothing murals on the walls, and the lighting is adjusted by whispery electric blinds way up near the ceiling, and I find it all soothing enough to warrant the high rating. -
Review from Catherine G.
Chicago, IL
5/25/2012
This is my neighborhood library and is far better than Sulzer, the regional library, when it comes to my library needs, which is checking out DVDs and being in and out quickly. It's also quieter.
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Review from Jasmine N.
Chicago, IL
This library is very nice, I most go there just to drop off and pick up but I always look through what movies they have or check for books and suprisingly lots of things I think would be checked out are right there on the shelf! The staff is friendly and I am very glad tohave such a nice local library.
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Review from A W.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is my library.
It's a pretty nice library.
It's a thinking library with environmentally sustainable construction.
It's a library with a spacious community room and frequent activities.
It's a pretty nice thinking library with a spacious community room, but is filled with OBNOXIOUS kids (heathens) from like 2:45pm-6:30pm!!
O-M-Geeeeeeeeee. I seriously love this library. I really do, but damn! Sometimes I feel like I'm walking into Kindercare when I get there. I promise you, scout's honor, I am not exaggerating. *imagine my right hand over my heart*
I don't know when the library became the "cool" place to hang out at after-school, and I really don't like that it has. Libraries have always been my geek sanctuary where I felt guaranteed a fair amount of peace to peruse the stacks, research, or just geek out. The problem here is that these heathens occupy and disturb during the main hours adults most likely have available to visit the library. Bollocks!
Despite the size of this branch, they have a pretty good selection of contemporary fiction, along with a fairly decent non-fiction section as well. The variety of cookbooks is wonderful and they aren't all dated like a lot of other libraries. As for contemporary fiction, I've seen an installment of a book series appear on their shelves within a few weeks of its release. The head librarian is fair about any misunderstandings and the wi-fi there is a good speed. It's just the boisterous heathens that can decimate your pleasant library sojourn.
Don't get me wrong. If they were actually doing something like say. . . homework, or even touched at least ONE book while they're there, I wouldn't complain. It's tweens & teens social parlour and often times there's the rather unruly bunch too. It's not fair!! You don't have to go home, but can you get the hell outta here?! Maybe if I speak their native dialect, "?4U Can U plz gtfo? BSF stfu, kthxbai!" -
Review from Tracy K.
Chicago, IL
11/4/2006
I think I'm pretty lucky to have a fairly large, clean library a stone's throw away from my apartment.
The staff here are friendly, and many of them will chat you up about the books you are checking out.
They've got a good-sized children's sections with tables that is separate from the rest of the library, so you won't get dirty look if your little one starts making noise or if you want to read out loud.
They also have numerous computers, a juvenile section, an adult section, and even a small Spanish section.
Street parking is pretty easy around here, but there is a small lot attached to the library too.Listed in: I -LOVE- libraries!
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Review from Allan M.
Chicago, IL
9/18/2007
I easily prefer going to this branch over the 2 library branches near me(Edgewater and Bezazian). It's much roomier than the medium-sized Edgewater, and small-as-heck Bezazian branch. It's very spacious, and I like the staff at this one.
The only negative about this branch that I can think of, is that the parking lot is usually full(or very close to being full), whenever I go here. So if you're driving here, I highly recommend parking on Lincoln or Bryn Mawr, instead(it's always what I do, instead of bothering with the small parking lot this library has). I'm still perplexed as to why the CPL always builds very small parking lots, for all their newer branches(i.e. Bucktown/Wicker Park, Rogers Park, Edgebrook, etc.).
Public transit info(and a small word of caution): It's served via public transit by the #11 Lincoln bus, and is within blocks of the #93 California/Dodge bus(via walking east from Bryn Mawr/California, to here). Only bad thing about those 2 routes(and where my word of caution comes in), is that they stop running early, especially the #11 Lincoln(not to mention the #93 doesn't run that much later than #11 does), so you may have to occasionally catch the #49B North Western at night. And boo to the CTA, if they ever do decide to eliminate the #93 for good! -
Review from Sadie P.
Chicago, IL
1/13/2008
I'm a dork and I love books and I love libraries. I started going to this library when I lived off of Damen but I continue to visit this branch even though I live a block away from the Edegwater branch because I love it so much. There is always a good selection of new books to choose from, it stays tidy and the staff are super helpful and so nice-especially compared to the staff at the Harold Washington. The parking lot is kinda small, and it closes early on Friday, otherwise, no complaints.
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Review from Dave T.
Venice, CA
4/16/2006
I only go to this library when I have searched for a book online and the Budlong Woods branch has a copy of the book. I work in sales and they have lots of good sales books, including a couple books written by Stephan Schiffman. I am a big fan of his philosophy so I have read most of his books. Apparently the library has a job and career section so maybe this is why they have a decent collection of sales-related books. They also have computers with internet access but I never use those. The Sulzer has a much better collection as far as books and a/v goes, but this is still a pretty nice, clean library.
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Review from Carolyn R.
Madison, WI
3/7/2008
Very nice library. Not as excessively nice as Sulzer, so not as prone to being overcrowded. Good balance of laid-back but not too loud. Small parking lot but ample street parking. More room outdoors than most libraries, which works for me. I like to sit and read outside, watch the birds in the rose bushes, and let my kid run around like a crazy person. Well-behaved crowds for kids events. Good selections, helpful librarians (CPL has great librarians in general, imo) and an attractive and well-maintained facility make this a frequent visit for us.
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Review from jackie m.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2008
I can't find a single thing wrong with this library. Well maybe the one person in the 2 stall bathroom at a time rule(not fun if you happen to have a toddler in tow that likes to wait until the last moment to tell you that he has to go...NOW) Other than that....I love the selection, The staff is TERIFFIC!!! This branch is very clean and inviting also. Just a warning that the parking lot is TINY (about 9 cars...maybe) but like a previous poster said there is PLENTY of street parking...no meters btw. Also, if youre going there on a weekday during after school hours the kids section can become a bit crowded and busy. Other than that...this is my fave branch and I prefer it to Sulzer any day.
