Highland Park Public Library

Just a quick update, but a necessary one.
Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! The new renovation and updates are complete and incredible. We’ve been here twice in the last week, once on a recent rainy night to pick up movies and a crap load of design books to keep everyone occupied and entertained in the crummy weather. And, last night, we stopped in again to pick up more movies and a bunch of kid books… yes, I’m determined to keep my kiddos reading over the summer.
First of all, if you’re looking for a place to study or work, this place is fully equipped to be a second office. The reference area has several tables with center plug-​ins for your laptop computer. There are conference rooms with phones and AV equipment to suit your needs.
The movie selections, both in the AV and kids areas are top notch. Lots of classic movies mixed with new movies (2-​day rental policy for new). Big Hero 6, Box Trolls, and Shades of Grey are just a couple of current ones I spotted.
The check out area is finished and oh-​so-​swank for a small town library. When you return your movies and books to the return window you scan them and check them in on the spot. There is a huge screen in the lobby area where you can search for your books. Now this I could take or leave, because everyone can see what you’re researching.
The programming is fantastic. Most recently they had a How It’s Made fest where you could learn a bunch of new skills and connect with businesses in the area.
Way to go!

Oh just another tip, nice library, new and Improved from the old one. Just don’t be a resident of poor non affluent Highwood or you can not take advantage of the many privileges that the more affluent Highland Park residents are allowed. Examples: game rental, go pro video rental. What a shame that a resident is not allowed to fully utilize all the wonderful benefits the library has to offer.

Still probably the best library on the North Shore (Northbrook is also a major contender depending on if your definition of the North Shore includes Northbrook or not), combining a terrific selection with a building that has a timeless feel. The building’s interior feels classic and yet modern, with gorgeous huge windows in the main area. It’s incredibly relaxing to take a seat and look out into the wooded area around the library. Lovely building and certainly a highlight of Highland Park for residents.

Highland Park Public Library is a fantastic place for children, families, and adults. The building itself is a fantastic combination of historic Highland Park and modern functionality.
The children’s section has a wide selection of book, audio, movies, computers, programs and activities. There are lots of nooks, tables and areas that parents can read to their kids, and kids can get some privacy to read on their own. The staff is really nice and kid friendly. They just make it a warm place and my kids love to go every Sunday.
For adults there are computers, study rooms, and a media room that can all be reserved for meetings etc. The main section of the library has a number of tables that all have power centers installed in them for standard outlets and USB cables. For teens HP Library is a great place for studying and tutoring. There are a number of ebook resources and they also have a lot of books.
Highland Park Public Library has a fantastic media department that has a huge selection of movies. They have a great selection of music and just across the hall is the publication room that I have not had an opportunity to sped much time in but I am certain it’s great.
Highland Park Public Library is one of the best library’s around!!!

Very good facility with lots of resources and old school librarians.

This place is way, way better than your average community public library… I’ve needed academic publications for research papers before, and they’ve gotten them for me from other libraries. That’s even better service than the Stanford University libraries, which have pretty limited interlibrary loan services.
I love their periodic book sales as well– it’s a great way to generate extra revenue for the library, and to get some new books for cheap!
The hold system is practical and easy to use, their selection of AV materials is great… HP is pretty lucky to have a library like this one!

We LOVE this library for their selection of books, movies and friendly staff. Kids area is great and they always have what we’re looking for whether it being books, cd’s or movies for the kids.

I love the Highland Park Public Library, I came here looking for suburban City Directories for work and the reference desk was so helpful. They have a beautiful historical selection of very old city directories and sanborn maps. On the way out I picked some novels from the sales section for 0.50 cents each. Can’t beat that.

I love the HP library! I would’ve given it three stars if I didn’t know how hard the people there work and the amazing book selection. My only complaint is the security guard who is kinda creepy. I had no idea who he was until recently but before that he kinda scared me. He glares at everybody and when you don’t know who he is, it freaks you out. Maybe if he had a uniform or badge or something, people would actually know that his job is security and not staring down everybody who comes in the library.

This is a «Happening» library compared to where we moved from-​always busy and seems to be trying hard to keep on the edge of movies and current author talks, visits by children’s authors etc. Happy to have this so close!

Although a architecturally beautiful library, HPL is old. The Gothic architecture and fire places are a nice touch. I love the fireplaces if you come to read, but if you want to use a computer in front of the fireplace there were not any cords. The kids room is nice and organized.
They are in the middle ot some big renovations. I hope that when these are complete they have more chairs and tables to sit at. The new library in Glenview and renovated library in Northbrook have extensive areas to sit at and modern amenities.
I was here on the coldest day of the year and the renovations seem to have quelled the hear. My feet were nearly numb it was so cold there.

Love this library. Was easy to get set up with a card. Receptionists at desk are always friendly and very helpful. Lots of children’s book, my son loved the different toys to play with in the children’s area: Legos, Puppets, Games on wall. They have a good collection. The hold requests shelves are right in the lobby. How cool is that!

Love the library. Great selection of books, DVDs and CDs. Almost anytime you request something they will get it. If they don’t have it you can always request from another library.
Most of the staff is friendly but there are a few exceptions. Also, as noted below at times parking can be tight. If it weren’t for these two small problems the library would be 5 stars.

I am very dissapointed. I was never late to return anything there in 8 years! First time I was late they hit me with fines while waive fines for other people. Also, They close at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays and Are only open for a few hours on Sundays. Unacceptable!!! Did I mention their children programs are really lousy.

The Highland Park Public Library has a nice selection of books, DVDs and CDs for most interests. It also has great programs like Shakespeare Project play readings, Chicago Wolves’ «Read to Succeed» and more. Librarians are quick to assist patrons, and often willing to order new books of general interest. However, the library is a bit small for Highland Park’s needs. Parking can be difficult to find, especially during weekends, and I frequently find myself requesting books that the library doesn’t have from neighboring libraries, especially Northbrook. This is great as long as the books are older-​libraries won’t share books that have been out for less than 12 months.

Absolutely the best use of tax dollars in Highland Park. Fantastic programs for all ages but especially the younger set. From performers to reading promotions to magic and cooking classes and more, the local kids get a dose of education, fun and culture in one swift shot. Lovely librarians… Judy, Ms. Deena, Margo, Jonathan, etc… always provide accurate recommendations and stickers for the wee ones in tow. Check out the
website for all the upcoming events and get in on the fun!

Really impressive suburban public library. Reading rooms, study carrels, and all kinds of cozy nooks make this a great place to escape from noisy households and just get things done.
The librarians are thoughtful, creative, and genuinely want to help patrons, the facility is expansive, and the selection of books is absolutely wonderful. Stand-​outs include non-​fiction (their ACT/​SAT prep books and college guides were instrumental in my university selection) and A/​V areas. From independent film to classics and pop-​punk to free jazz, they have it all covered.
It’s truly a pity how underfunded Illinois’ public libraries have become and getting interlibrary loans and the like is so much more difficult.

I’m 7 months pregnant, frequent this library all the time, yet they wouldn’t allow me to use their phone to call my husband to pick me up, as it «isn’t their policy to allow customers to use it.» Hello!?? Don’t our tax dollars pay their salaries AS WELL AS the phone bill???

I have been coming to this place since I was little, and I got my library card there when I was three or four when I could kinda sorta scrawl my name on the line. The librarians here are thoughtful, patient, and kind. The library’s offerings are incredible. After many years away, I am now a teacher in Highwood, and visit the library once a week to tutor a former student. I still see the librarians I used to know. Jonathan is the best! They all know my dad too, so that’s fun! The library also hosts Book Match, a wildly popular reading competition for upper-​elementary kids. Check this place out! You will leave happy!