Albany Park Public Library

Although a new facility, the library’s environment is not conducive to productive work and study. The kids area is unsupervised, thus the kids are free to run around and play games such as tag (which should take place on a playground). Other fellow library patrons have been observed to freely talk on the cellphone. Will not recommend as a place to study or read. But might provide a good place for those hoping to engage in group projects.

This place has been nicely remodeled to create space which there is an abundant amount of but the only one thing I wish is that they section off the kid’s place area and the studying hall all in one like they have for the activities room which consist of table tennis and a computer lab or a «discover room». The main study hall is located right in the center and unless you do not bring headphones then you will hear all the kid’s cries, shouts, laughs and all in one, haha. I still go here because it has a nice selection of books, clean and staff is pretty friendly, some are and some are not, I guess it depends on your luck.

Place is newish, feels clean. Some free parking, but can fill up. I primarily leverage libraries in the city as an educational option for my boy. Albany Park tries to be an outlet for kids but falls a bit flat because the kids area is not cordoned off from the rest of the library. They have toys and kids books and room for kids to explore, but it is at the expense of the other library patrons who are looking for a quiet place to study, work, relax. If you live within walking distance, this is an acceptable option to get kids out of the house, but if you have to drive, there are better library options in the area.

This is our neighborhood library and we love it, but that’s because I’m a mom with a toddler who takes full advantage of the wonderful play space and children’s books. It’s a great meet up space and the staff, including security, is friendly and helpful.

I have been reserving a study room for group studying at this location for the past 2 months and really love the ample amount of space the rooms have, the ability to connect to a projector, many outlets on the tables and walls. The rooms are very well lit and have large windows to see outside and in the open area of the library. The ability to reserve rooms online via the Chicago Public Library website is so convenient. This library is heavily used by the community on Saturdays so my group and I always opt to use a private room to accomplish our study goals. The library sits on the corner of a busy street and conveniently has a bus stop for those who frequent public transportation. The library has been clean on my visits and so has the ladies restroom. I have not taken the time to see the available book, dvd, magazine selections yet but I’m sure they have a good selection. Also, the library has a parking lot behind it. You have to enter it through the alley way. I find it convenient for me to street park since it’s free because if you use the parking lot you have to walk around to the front of the building to enter the library.

So incredibly loud. I always thought libraries were places one could read, study & enjoy quiet time; not here. If you’re looking for a place where children are crying, running loose, parents have no control & staff don’t care, this is your place.
Also on the day I visited, the air conditioning was not working.
City of Chicago at its finest.

Its a newer library and the staff are pretty nice! Parking isn’t always easy because its a busy intersection, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. And if the library doesn’t have your book, put it on hold there and they usually come quickly!

There is no quite section/​room. If you plan to study don’t come here. It’s an open area and the kids section doesn’t have a barrier. It’s open and everybody can hear the whining, shouting, loud laughter and talk of the kids. Staffs are nice though, but quite atmosphere wise (which every library should be) is a big NO.

I’ve been to the new Albany Park library a number of times and I’m a fan. It is a huge improvement over the old space. As a mom of two young kids, I’m always looking for a nice indoor place for the kids to play and explore. The kids’ area is great – tons of books at kid-​level, toys, puzzles, puppets and games. We go often. We’ve also attended one of the events (story time followed by arts and crafts) and the kids had a great time. It might be nice if it was a little more sectioned off so my rowdy kids didn’t disturb other patrons, but that’s a small complaint.
I’m currently taking classes online so I also come without the kids to get work done. I like the tables with the outlets for plugging in your phone or laptop, and there is a variety of seating options. The Wifi is good. The librarians are helpful and welcoming. The space is airy and open.
This is not a very quiet library. As another reviewer mentioned, the kids area and main library area is just one big room separated by some low bookshelves. Kids are not quiet, particularly when playing! This doesn’t really bother me and it seems to be the future of libraries in general: active community and learning centers with access to books, tutors, events, games and technology, not silent caves filled with only books. Once when I was there they had a Korean arts festival going on in the big conference room near the front. It was a bit loud even with the door closed. Again – didn’t really bother me but it might bother some people.
My only complaint is that I wish they were open on Sundays!

It’s a weekday and I’ve come in here for the first time in its brand new settings. I had to do some work and it was too loud and noisy. I know it’s a public setting, but the cleaning attendant vacuumed the pea green rug for about an hour at busy afternoon time and the tots area is right with everybody else so there were tired and cranky little ones to hear as well. This is like one big loft. Bring good ear plugs just in case. It might help a little.

I just got my library card and am pleased that this branch is so close to me and my university. Not a huge selection of books, but no complaints because I quickly found 10 books I was dying to read. They also have a decent selection of dvds, the staff is nice and it was not too busy. My only complaint was that an employee was chatting on his cell phone for about 45 minutes… in such a small building it was a bit annoying plus the security guard was quite strict about guests answering their phones. I get the rule (and appreciate it) but the double standard is silly.

I’m on a quest to visit every single branch of Chicago Public Library.
This branch is on the smaller side, and it seems it doesn’t receive a lot of newer materials. However, it’s a quiet space. I attended an author event here. One of my favorite young adult book authors did a reading/​speaking here, and I got to meet him which was awesome. The room for this event was a very nice size and the library staff was incredibly friendly.

this is is Small library with a small movie section. the best thing about it is there is a big kids section, unless you live by it i would go to another library this one is really small

The best thing about this library is its convenience; a short walk for me and the 82 Kimball bus stops right outside for those a bit farther away. One complaint is that the hours listed here on Unilocal are inaccurate. The current branch hours are:
* Mon 10:00 AM-06:00 PM
* Tue 12:00 PM-08:00 PM
* Wed 10:00 AM-06:00 PM
* Thu 12:00 PM-08:00 PM
* Fri 09:00 AM-05:00 PM
* Sat 09:00 AM-05:00 PM
* Sun CLOSED–

I love this library primarily because it is a quick walk from my apartment and the staff is super friendly. This was my first venture into the Chicago library system and they were very patient with my questions about how things work. I use it for picking up books I’ve placed on hold. The money I used to waste on buying books make me laugh. It’s pretty small so if you’re looking for a place to study, research, or read a book this is not your branch.

It’s cool, but its pretty small.
Has a youth section and adult section.
It’s small…

Not much for studying or picking out their books, but a GREAT place to pick up items on hold. The staff is very efficient and fast, whenever I had something sent here it was always readily available the next day it was received.

It’s small branch, but you can order books, movies, CDs from the Chicago Public Library website and have them transferred to any branch for FREE.
I started using the library again to make up for the $ 100 city fine for passing a yellow /​red light for the traffic camera. I guess the city «needs» the money to buy off the International Olympic committee.

I still like going to this library, but their selection is not that great. I have yet to find any books that I wanted there! I went in looking for a few books on Feng Shui and they didn’t have any, however, the staff was willing to order/​purchase for the library whatever I wanted to rent.

This is the closest library to me, but its not as cool as others, so I cheat on it by going to the ones I prefer.
The Albany Park branch has a decent-​sized kids’ section, which is separated from the adults like I like it. The adults section, however, is rather small. unless you are looking for Korean books, then you’ve hit the jackpot.
They have a tiny parking lot, but it is for employees and handicap only.
They have numerous computer terminals that you can sign up for, and wifi is available for those who bring their own computer.
On days when it is hot, they have the AC cranking, so the library becomes the local place to go to beat the heat, making it crowded.
The staff here is friendly and they are more than happy to make suggestions for you.