Everyone knows that you can find a new book or two at the library, but Chicago’s libraries offer so much more. Score free museum passes, get homework assistance, rent video games and laptops, plus attend tons of free family events. Plus, in recent years, the Chicago government has made a huge effort to add early childhood spaces to 14 CPL locations. (Keep an eye out Roosevelt Square, West Loop and several other entirely new developments which promise kid-focused fun, too.) This year, you can also catch free art classes at a few CPL branches courtesy of Project Art, which you can easily enroll in online. Now, read on for best libraries for kids in Chicago and the suburbs!
Where: 400 S State St, Chicago, IL
The massive, main branch of Chicago Public Library has something for everyone and a ton of awesome stuff for kids of all ages. The Thomas Hughes Children’s Library within the library houses 100,000 books for young readers and soon-to-be-readers, plus pint sized-chair and tables for perusing them. There’s also a Storybook Dollhouse, where more than 70 clues lead to the names of famous children’s stories, nursery rhymes and poems. Teens can take advantage of YOUMedia on the first floor, where art, digital media and STEM-focused programming allows them to borrow laptops, play video games and use an in-house production studio. There’s also a Maker Lab, which contains 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, milling machines and other equipment; free workshops are taught here throughout the week.
Where: 3401 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL
The new 16,300-square-foot building was constructed on the site of the old branch and opened in late 2014. And it’s way more than a space to house books. Take advantage of the self check-out station, designated reading rooms, a separate teen space, two study rooms for small groups and the outdoor reading garden. Albany Park hosts YOUmedia digital programming for teens, but younger children haven’t been left out! There’s an early literacy space aimed at the newborn to five set is complete with blocks, toys and easily accessible bins of picture books. Don’t skip preschool story time on Wednesdays at 10:30am.
Where: 1659 W. Melrose Street, Chicago, IL
No need to shell out big bucks to entertain your kids when there’s such awesome free programming at this Roscoe Village CPL branch. Lincoln-Belmont is popular with families, and has a nice-sized selection of children’s books, puzzles and toys. Catch programming like a bilingual story time (Fridays at 10am), Tummy Time for Infants, or Messy Mondays for Little Explorers—a drop-in arts & crafts session that happens on the last Monday of every month.
Where: 9525 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Recent upgrades mean this massive South Side library is the spot to be. Spend hours exploring the enormous kids’ wing, or high brow types can enjoy the Vivien G. Harsh Research Collection, which is the largest African American history and literature collection in the Midwest according to CPL. There’s a brand new early childhood space, complete with sensory toys and books, plus a YOUMedia space for teens. Check the schedule for events like Preschool Stories & Crafts, Lapsit Literacy and lots more.
5. The Poetry Foundation Library
Where: 61 W Superior St, Chgo, IL
This beautiful space is home to 30,000 volumes of poetry and is the Midwest’s only library dedicated to poetry. Browse the collection for inspiration, and attend some of their children’s programming, meant specifically to foster readership for poetry in all ages. Poemtime is the foundation’s weekly story time (Wednesdays at 10am) for kids ages two to five that introduces poetry through fun readings and crafts.
Where: 2100 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL
This award-winning, two-story library debuted in 2015, with incredible city views, Feng shui-inspired interiors and a living roof. Since then, it’s become a favorite among families for the bright and playful children’s area on the ground floor, complete with tons of books, reading nooks, building supplies and regularly-scheduled events for families, kids and teens. Older kids can find laptops and video games upstairs in the YOUMedia lab.
7. Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Where: 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL
This huge library branch has devoted a large portion of its first floor to kids and families! Let littles put on a puppet show in the pint-sized theater, explore the sensory walls or get creative building with Imagination Playground blocks. Because of its size, this library also has space to host traveling exhibits, which always have an interactive element. Or you can simply attend some of the recurring kids’ programming, like movie nights, bilingual story times, and dedicated play time for babies or toddlers.
Where: 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL
There are three branches of this suburban library, but we like the main branch best for its amazing children’s play area. The garden-themed structure is perfect for a bit of low key play time, and makes a lovely backdrop for storytimes and other children’s events like Book Babies, All By Myself (a session for kiddos who can handle it without parent supervision!), reading to therapy dogs and Jammie Time evening stories. EPL also puts on an amazing Storytelling Festival you don’t want to skip!
Where: 834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL
Yes, you can snuggle up to read on the cozy couches at OPPL’s main branch, but you can also play at the train table, build with Legos and blocks, or get creative at the imaginative playhouse. The kids’ section also has a huge selection of books, computers and iPads just for little ones to use. There’s a small public art gallery worth exploring, not to mention plenty of programming. Attend a storytime like Terrific Tales for 2s & 3s on Mondays, or Shake, Rattle & Read on Tuesdays. You can also snag museum passes to spots like Legoland, Bronzeville Children’s Museum and Brookfield Zoo.
Where: 700 N North Ct, Palatine, IL
Head to this spot for indoor play and plenty of beloved kids books. The Early Literacy Area has plenty of toys for toddlers, and tablets stocked with age-appropriate games and apps. There’s plenty of room, so you won’t get cabin fever on a snowy winter day! Teens have there own area, too, with video games and a digital media center, where they can hone video, music or coding skills. Try out some of the regularly scheduled story times for all ages (baby, toddler and family!) or attend crafting sessions, a Lego club or Fit4Mom workouts if that’s more your speed.
