Garfield Ridge Public Library

This library is small but there is enough to find some interesting piece to read. Chicago Public Libraries and the City of Chicago in general are not doing all that well so do not expect a Harold Washington Library when you come here. The space is overall clean and the staff do exercise their right to ask parents to control their children when necessary, I have seen it and been thankful for it.
There is not a huge selection and that is okay. If I needed a huge collection I would take the train to Harold Washington downtown or simply order the materials for pick up at Garfield Ridge Library (GRL). If you are looking for a brighter, more spacious environment, with a tad larger selection… simply go eastbound a few minutes on Archer to Archer Heights. But overall, GRL serves its basic purpose and then some.
Museum passes are usually in at GRL, they get a few newer DVDs in from time to time, and this location has several magazines you can check out… but I wish they would get Psychology Today. Teenagers seem to enjoy the little reading nook at the end of the library near their collection.

It’s a daycare center. Parents need to stop leaving their children unattended. The staff needs to kick out anyone who can’t behave. It’s the loudest library I’ve ever been to, I’ll never be back.

I stop by in once a while to use computer and printer. Everytime I go, it’s very quiet and ladies behind they counter are very helpful.

I’m on a quest to visit every branch of the CPL system.
First impression of this library: WHY ARE THERE SO MANY KIDS HERE. AND WHY ARE THEY SO LOUD?
Second impression: Why are there so few fitness books?
Third impression: Holy sh*t, they have EVERY museum pass in except for the Children’s Museum… yes, even the shedd. WHAT.
I think I know where I’ll be going when I’m in search of a museum pass now. This library isn’t huge, but there is a small reading nook at the end of the library that seems like a nice place to read when there aren’t a million kids around. I wish there was more natural light in this branch… the small windows made me feel trapped. A nice selection of seasonal books on display.
Also, this library has something I hadn’t heard of before called Teacher in the House. I guess a teacher hangs out and helps kids with homework in the after school hours. Very cool!