Skokie Public Library

4.5 star rating
19 reviews Rating Details

Category: Libraries  [Edit]

5215 Oakton St
(between Laramie Ave & Park Ave)
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 673-7774
Hours:

Mon-Fri 9 am - 9 pm

Sat 9 am - 6 pm

Sun 12 pm - 6 pm

Wi-Fi:
Free
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19 reviews in English

  • Review from F K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Skokie, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    one of the best if not the best chicago suburban library

  • Review from Chris W.

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    • 339 friends
    • 471 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/26/2009

    There comes a time when you realize that you've spent your entire retirement fund on books that after you finish just lay there on the shelf with their tongues sticking out, bored. Just as some books are worth buying for sentimental value or because of their re-read value, some books are a shot in the dark, making the regret of your purchase ever so painful, and some books are only worth one read.

    Somewhere in a box in my basement I think I have almost every Goosebumps book ever written for instance. And all the Harry Potters of course! And though I could invest in a Kindle unit I prefer books made of paper.

    I always come back to the library in the end. "They always come back" I hear it say as I enter the doorway. This library is huge, clean, quiet (great for studying - personal study rooms with glass windows) with a very helpful staff and quick check out line. They have a small section to buy books in the back, a larger than ever manga section (larger than years prior) thankfully orderly fiction section and outrageously large section of adult non fiction books. The library also has many programs for kids and adults alike, and hosts occasional job fairs. If you're looking for DVD's or CD's you can even get those there too, and if you'd like to put a hold on a book you can do it online. It's a FANTASTIC library.

  • Review from Ed A.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/2/2009

    I've never been to the Skokie public Library before because it is so far away from me. But I went to meet someone I haven't seen in a while who works there.

    I was surprised at how large the place was. My God, there were people there reading books! I didn't think that happened anymore. I suppose the Internet has yet to metastasize and completely infect the American public.  There were people of all ages reading all types of materials at 930 in the morning.  It's been years since I've cracked a binder.

    The multi-story library is expansive to say the least. With computer terminals everywhere the eye can see. Reference librarians of every type are available, from business, arts and so on. All the people working there were great and knowledgeable.

    Just don't ask them for a good place to eat in that area. I was handed a yellow pages. I should have gone on Yelp first.

    I didn't spend much time at the library but it sure looked impressive.

    Update: Restaurant recommendations were offered. My bad.

  • Review from steph n.

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    • 50 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/8/2010

    If I could tell you there was a place which offered free movies on the big screen, free dvd rentals, free community performances, free cd rentals, free videogame rentals, free digital camera rentals, free info sessions, and free museum passes, would you believe me?  

    Yes this place actually exists!  Perfect for a down economy...now there's no reason to shell out $20+ on passes to the museum or the movies or pay $50 for the latest videogame on wii.  Here it is all included if you have a skokie public library card.  It literally is your all-access ticket.  I love this place!

  • Review from Sarah C.

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    • 52 friends
    • 73 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/7/2008

    This is my favorite library in the world. When I lived in the suburbs, this was my happiest hangout.

    The environment is phenomenal, the book selection is decent, and you can rent DVDs for a buck. There's even an indoor water fountain/courtyard type place, conveniently located near the magazine section.

    One of my other favorite things is that you can check out books at a machine, without having to interact with a librarian (a huge bonus if you're shy, hate small talk, or are getting a stack of chick lit...not that I would ever do that. Of course not.)

  • Review from Amanda O.

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    • 35 friends
    • 113 reviews

    Skokie, IL

    5.0 star rating
    5/5/2009

    I like this library for a few reasons. A) it has free internet access. There are long time computers (hour long sessions) and there is quick access computers (20 minute sessions). You do need a library card to utilize these services but obviously the card is free. Just bring in 2 forms of ID.
    b) they have seminars all the time. Just check out the calendars and you can see alot of different events.
    c) the exteriors is so peaceful and has the neighborhood feel to it. The location is right next to an assisted living community so alot of senior citizens will congregate outside in the courtyard of sorts after doing what they do in the library. The kids after school will play on their skateboards. It's very lively at some times of the days and very relaxing at others

  • Review from Mikey J.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    7/24/2009

    This is my hometown library and its great.  The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing, there are plenty of study rooms, parking is ample, and the librarians are helpful.

    I came here a lot as a child and now I'm off to med school!  It's all those books I read, I tells ya.

  • Review from Ashy B.

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    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews

    Skokie, IL

    1.0 star rating
    3/9/2011

    I really dont like this Place. A very extremely rude staff. Do not go. The books they bring are awesome. But Some of the staffs are nice. But some of them are not, which lowers there review.

  • Review from Susan D.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/4/2011

    Skokie Public is a great library and a pleasure to use.  I live in Chicago, but teach in Skokie, so as a result am able to borrow books & other resources from their collection.  I use this library quite often,  and sometimes go there to work because it is a quiet, comfortable place with many different areas to sit, spread out papers, set up a lap top etc.   I even give my students extra credit if they get a library card because I want them to take advantage of all the great things this library has to offer.

  • Review from Hannah Y.

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    • 137 friends
    • 2270 reviews

    Alexandria, VA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 5/30/2009

    Helpful staff, good space, and a nice variety of literature and avs.  If they don't have the item (and by chance, they might not do), the librarians are more than willing to find a copy with their partnered libraries and put a request to hold it for you until you get there - or, better yet, you could also wait a few days for them to send the copy to the library so you can pick it up later.  It's all about convenience and the great customer service.  I dig it.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      4/1/2009

      Clean, somewhat recently remodeled, and a good selection of literary items, they also have free… Read more »

  • Review from a w.

    •  
    • 25 friends
    • 1221 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/5/2005

    I think this is a wonderul library. It is very spacious, so there's always plenty of space to be found to do some quiet studying or leisure reading. And this library has lots to choose from -- DVDs, videos, CDs, magazines, and, of course, tons and tons of books. Whether you're going here for studying or just to browse around, you are going to love the quiet and relaxed atmosphere at this library.

  • Review from Preenu J.

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    • 17 friends
    • 58 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/8/2010

    I'm from Skokie, but honestly, I've been to many public libraries but this one has always stood out to me. This is a huge library with many resources and librarians just waiting for you to go up to them and ask for help. I've contacted librarians more than once for papers and projects and have never been steered in the wrong direction once. They actually take the initiative to get up and show you where the books on your topic are located and they'll usually even print a list of relevant books for you to look up for later.
    There are plenty of study rooms if you need to meet with a group and talk about something or you want to study in complete silence. Laptops can be checked out for use throughout the library by just handing over your library card. And the books are awesome here! And thats coming from an avid reader.
    My first library card came from this library and no other library has ever even come close.

  • Review from Robert L.

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    • 113 friends
    • 582 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/5/2005 1 photo

    This branch is small but quaint.  It has a very small town feel to it.  Skokie is going through a lot of changes, not all for the better.  I hope this branch and this charming area stays this way for some time.

  • Review from Emily M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 73 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    11/26/2010

    Best library ever?  Yes, I'm from Skokie, but I don't see how any library can top ours.  The selection is beyond extensive.  They have everything.  Free movie rentals too (goodbye Netflix!).  I reserve books/movies all the time and just have to go to the reservations area/front desk to pick up my stuff.

  • Review from Samad M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/5/2011

    The best library ever, at least in the Midwest.

  • Review from Sarah B.

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    • 12 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Champaign, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/21/2010

    I am a huge dork because this is one of my favorite places ever. The Skokie Public Library has an incredible selection of all genres of books as well as an amazing audio/visual collection. Who needs blockbuster or Netflix when you can get movies for free or a dollar each for certain genres. Need a place to study? There are tables everywhere as well as private study rooms for groups. Want to plug your computer in to get some work done? Easy peasy. The library also has a performance space, shows movies, hosts authors, and so much more.

  • Review from Kristin L.

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    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews

    West Rogers Park, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/27/2009

    Love, love this library . There are always computers available to use the internet. The library has a great selection of books. It's very roomy, and there's always a place to sit. Plus, their selection of large print books for my grandmother is ENORMOUS! She is so happy she can take out books on my card, as she only has a Chicago library card.

  • Review from Laura O.

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    • 9 friends
    • 66 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/8/2006

    I don't even live in Skokie, but I come here sometimes to study between work and classes.  They have a "quiet study" room, which is great because my library doesn't have anything like that.  It is literally silent though!  I feel bad just coughing.  It's a really big library though, and they have a great selection.

  • Review from Michelle F.

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    • 18 friends
    • 556 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    7/13/2005 2 photos

    Want to feel like you're a millionaire? This library's selection is out of this world. Many free videos/dvds for kids, many free non-fiction videos/dvds, and only $1 for feature films on the grown-up side (sorry, saying adult videos just sounds wrong). Plus, they have many stations with free internet and tons and tons of books. Good selection of books on tape/cd as well

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