Addison Public Library

I really enjoyed the library until I see how it is ran after school hours. Children use the computers and the loud, foul language is ridiculous. The librarians do nothing about this either. A library should be a quiet place, right? The last two times I was here I have never heard middle schoolers use the «f» word so many times loud enough for everyone using the computers to hear. A man two computers away from me also had music playing loudly out of the computer speakers. Get it together Addison library. No surrounding city libraries let this nonsense happen!

I come to this library very frequently, basically everyday. I have lived in Addison for years and love the renovation they have done to this place. Some advice I would give would be:
1. Don’t come around 3pm on weekdays because you’ll never find a seat or quiet table. There are a few schools around the area and around that time many children come in to e on computers and speak very loudly.
2. If you have children watch them carefully as they play in the play area on the 1^st floor. The woman that work here get upset when they play too hard (make a mess) and they will tell them something about it.
3. DO NOT BRING FOOD. apparently this is a new «policy» that we are no longer able to bring food or drinks into this library. I understand if this rule was for the computer areas or areas where the books are… i get it. However, they have a CAFE on the first floor!!! They have a spacious area to eat as well as an area outside with chairs and tables. Today we were told very nicely by one woman in the children area that there was a new policy rule out that we can not have food or drink in this area. We of course followed the rules and walked out of the children area. She told us that we could eat out in front. In front is where the café is so we figured thats what she meant. We started to sit down and attempted to quickly eat. Before we could take a first bite at the table another lady (short, dark hair, possible asian decent) angrily told us that we can not eat here. We were very confused because how do you have a café, with tables and chairs if you can not eat in the building? She pulls out the policy and tells us to eat outside… REALLY??? thats how you treat people? You tell them to eat outside on a bench? SERIOUSLY? i am very disappointed in this library. I have been coming to this library for longer than i can remember and Ive never been so upset with it. They have vending machines here! how is that even right? Like i said, i would understand if it were by the computers or something. To not be able to eat anywhere in the building especially in a CAFE eating area is ridiculous. I have 2 small children with me… why should they have to eat outside on a bench?
very disappointed and I WILL be switching libraries and I’m sure as the news gets out, many people will too.

We use the library ALL THE TIME. With four kids it’s a great outlet for them. There are a TON of great programs for them. Almost always treats and goody bags, great crafts etc… Summer reading program is great! I do agree that sometimes some staff can be a bit cranky but I also see parents not paying any attention to what their kids are doing. The only suggestion I would have for the programs story times is for the reader to not just «read» the words but to have some emotion while reading to the kids. Keeping them engaged and bringing them into the book instead of just quickly reading the words in a monotone voice. Not everyone does it but it’s happened often. I read to my kids all the time and it’s so much fun to see them read with the emotions of the characters. Getting into the story like they are in it. Very exciting for me so you can see why it would be disappointing to just have a book read to you. That’s all the negative really. I know people that visit here from other towns because it’s a nicer library. Good job Addison!

Voracious readers unite!
Man I remember when this was a rinky dink library. When I was in highschool, I always used College of Dupage’s library because the old Addison library was just so old town. The new building and upgrades were long overdue and now I’m seriously liking the new digs and the services APL has to offer.
The top floor houses the adult section, computer lab, conference rooms and nice comfy seating. The big open windows are a nice plus because when you have time to linger, reading your book while sitting in one of the over-​sized reading chairs next to a sunny window is an ultimate pleasure. There is also a few computer card catalogs to help you locate books and/​or the circulation desk if you need more assistance.
The first floor houses the café. It’s only open for select hours on days when Addison Trail is in session because it’s a student run café. The first floor also has some conference rooms, the self-​check out stands and primary circulation/​check out desk.
And if you have kids or take care of kids, the children’s library section is a must. There are computers – sleek desktop and touch screens – available. Books galore in all genres and for every reading level. There’s a nice selection of children’s CD and DVD for check out. The play areas range from infant to young child – building blocks, train table, play house, play kitchen, puzzles – pretty much everything to foster imaginative play, help develop fine motor skills, learn colors/​letters – its pretty perfect. The children’s library also has it’s own circulation desk if you need assistance as well.
I love how the library has upgraded it’s website. There are ebooks to borrow (I haven’t tried that yet), but it’s also nice to search for books at home, find it’s location and then come right in and pluck them off the shelves to check out. You can also reserve books on-​line that are currently on loan.
Why not five stars? As much as I love what this library has to offer, I can’t help but feel like I’m being judged/​ignored when I’m there with my son. The librarians I have encountered have not been the nicest (not saying there aren’t any nice ones. I guess just not at the times we have visited) and I have been blatantly ignored. One day a librarian told another parent about the pre-​school open house occurring in one of the conference rooms. Any why didn’t she offer me any information or an invitation to join? I was there with my son – who is the prime age demographic for preschools. And I know it’s not because my child isn’t well-​behaved either. Last visit he «shushed» a patron who was talking loudly while we were there. I think perhaps a customer service refresher is needed for some of these folks.

As someone who considers herself a bookworm and has been stalking libraries, book stores and books themselves since I was about 2 years old, I am HIGHLY impressed by this library.
First it’s two floors. The first floor is where you check books out (they also have a self check out) and where they also have a café. They have a conference room, payphones, fish tanks, bathrooms, and their own floor for the little kiddies to enjoy the library. The cutest part? Baby computers on baby tables! *Squee* They have different play areas too and different toys and games you can check out. This is good because it keeps the noise away from the second floor where the big kids and adults are.
The second floor has the computers and a computer room where they hold classes. They also have private rooms which you can reserve, which I usually see people do work in or students study in or tutors tutor in, you get it. They also have a pretty damn impressive DVD selection of movies and TV shows you can check out FOR FREE and have for a week. (I was able to catch up on Fringe and Dexter for free, yey!) I think there’s like a 10 DVD limit though.
You dont need a reservation for the computers but you do need a library card which you can get after showing proof of being an Addison resident. You get an hour and half on the computer and after that you can re log in to get more time if the library is empty. You’re also able to make faxes and print here. The print machine is new and digital and only 10 cents a copy. The circulation people are always real friendly, if you ever need help. They also have baskets (like in grocery stores) so if you’re a book worm like myself, you dont have to worry about juggling 20 books in your arms.
They also have a «teen» section here with most of the young adult books and their own computers in a corner. And along the back wall they have booth like seats where peoople usually group on laptops. Along the walls they have tables next to the large windows which for the most part, are in very quiet areas, perfect for studying.
My FAVORITE part about this library is the freaking reading room. I love it! It has a few arm chairs, couches, tables, cute little lamps and fire place. So cozy! There is no talking aloud in the room and it has doors that remain closed. So if you want to just chill and read in peace (if you can’t at home or school) this is the PERFECT spot for you.
Added info: This library is always clean, including the bathroom. Parking lot is huge, there’s always parking. They have drop offs if you dont want to wait in line when your time is up with your items. Nothing in this building is old or dingy either. Chairs, tables, paint, it always looks fresh and new. It’s also next to the police dept so sometimes they pop over. Theyre nice so I dont mind. :) And its also next to the Village of Addison. They also have free WiFi!

If you are from outside of Addison they will give you a hard time about using anything other than the internet, which you only have a limited one hour use as it is.
It’s pretty cool that they have a creative studio though, has Adobe Creative Suite, a piano and a bunch of other stuff. But make sure you have them check the equipment BEFORE you use it. They only seemed to want to check it AFTER I was done, so if there was already something missing and I didn’t take it, how would they have known it wasn’t me???
I’ve only had interaction with a few of the employees here. One lady downstairs is really nice and talkative, but every other person I’ve had contact with seems to be really high and mighty and almost grudgingly offers their help.
The library itself is very nice, the people that work here and all the obnoxious teenagers making noise make it not so nice.

I interned here one summer not too long ago and couldn’t help noticing how intimidating the children’s librarians were. There were well meaning activities for the children, but I couldn’t believe how controlling and bossy the librarians were, and the children, really, did not seem welcome or happy in the library. I couldn’t help thinking how these librarians were well past retirement, they just seemed to be such bitter people.

This place is AMAZEBALLS. Ample parking. Lots of study spaces, lots of students. Everything is new. There’s more study rooms upstairs than some small private university libraries…
But I must have done something to offend the librarians because I was kicked out of the study room. And the one was STERN. She walked in here, no eye contact, blah blah something, here’s your library card back, use the tables outside. I sat on a couch texting for 5 minutes before I left the library and this woman WATCHED me leave.
I noticed the kid next in the next room got there earlier and I was the one asked to leave. The only thing that I can think of is that I’m dressed in business casual today and I’m wearing clackity-​clack shoes; I made a trip to the restrooms. Everyone else is dressed like lowly students in sweats.

The staff are all great, and the selection is impressive, especially considering that the Village of Addison is not a huge suburb. I really like this library.
They are always improving, and recently added some new technology (though it takes slightly longer to check out materials when you use the self-​check machines). Their website is also easy to use.
The computer section can be very busy/​full after school.
The drive-​up book drop is on the east side of the building.

Building fairly new. Next to the police station and town hall. The parking lot is plenty, they have a dive through drop off boxes on the side of the building, I wish it was more easier drop off panel as I have to get out of my car to put my books in the slots… kind of beats the purpose of a drive through drop off lanes.
The 1^st floor has a café and the children section. You have to climb about two flights of stairs to the adult section, computer lab, and private rooms which is not fun if you have knee problems.
I need to get more involved with the library as they have free programs and event for the community. What… they had a chocolate seminar here!!!
If you forget your library card, you can show your picture ID twice a year to borrow from the library… can you tell I switched out my purse that had my library card, LOL!
Overall, it’s a nice local library for our fair town.

The building is beautiful and clean, sporting some spiffy decorations and environmental innovations. There are, however, books there that are as old as me. If there’s a title that you’re after that they don’t have, you can suggest it as a purchase and the library will e-​mail you when it’s available.
Great selection of books on CD, magazines and DVDs, too.

This location is fairly new and it is a nice building, much bigger than the old location across the parking lot (which now is home to Dist. 88 offices).
I enjoy the free programs that the library puts on every month. At the end of the month there is a movie viewing which is always a new release title. I’ve also attended a super couponing session, chocolate seminars and vintage cookbook programs.

Very nice library and big. We called from the Glendale Heights library to see if they carried old yearbooks and to our amazement they did after striking out at two other ones.
Adult reference area ladies kind of reminded me of the old school lunch ladies. Kinda crotchety, but still nice.
Found what we were looking for or I should say who we were looking for.
It’s beautifully designed with the Danish looking benches and book and movie spinners.
Free wi-​fi and some cute little booths to sit at.
Very nice library in Addison.

On Sunday 20 Feb 2011, I was at the Addison Library to attend a free program called «Ballad», Kong Hou Double Strung Chinese Harp, performed by Joy Yu Hoffman. Ms. Joy Yu Hoffman was born in Nanjing China. She was the daughter of two well know Chineses Musician. From the 1950s through the 1970s, under Chinese Communist ruler Mao she and her parents were sent from Shanghai to Bei Da Huang. Bei Da Huang is known as the Chinese Siberia in the North part of China adjacent to the Russian border. However she was able to come to the US in 1984. I found the sound of the Chinese double string harp very pleasant. Joy Yu, between songs spoke on Chinese culture, history, theory and tradition. With Feb 2011, being the Month of the Chinese New Year, Year of the Rabbit, she explained the traditions with that holiday. The library put out free coffee as a refreshment. Sally Schuster, Public Relations Coordinator for the Addison Public Library did an outstanding job in coordinating this event. I spoke to Ms. Schuster, Joy Yu and her husband Paul. They all were very friendly and just great hosts. The program was set up in a nice private room with pletty of seating. I found the setting very comfortable with the harp music playing. While Joy Yu played the harp there was something mystical or angelic about it. I have to say for a free event, the Addison Library did oustanding. Good music, good people, clean and comfortable seating and it was very interesting. I am a person of culture and class, I love knowledge and learning about other cultures. This program was outstanding. I found the program as a whole including the Library Staff, excellent., I give the Addison Library and the program five stars… Above and Beyond. If you live in Addison I recommend visiting the Addison Library and checking it out. You will be surpised. Knowledge is power. (: *****

I heart libraries.
I’m a Wood Dale resident, but through some fabulous arrangement we can also borrow books with our cards from the Addison library.
The new digs are really nice. It’s a bright, very well-​lit building with a great open design. There are plenty of comfy chairs scattered about and a quiet room with couches, chairs and a fireplace for reading without chatter or cell phones. Staff are helpful and friendly, and the selection is very good.
The only boo: the café that was apparently open for most of the summer closed before I ever got a chance to try it.
Still, an all-​around great library in a lovely new building.