Little Village – Chicago Public Library

I like this location. There are always lots of children which I think it awesome (there’s a school directly across the street). They’ve always been well behaved and quiet (I can’t stand a noisy library)!
The parking lot is very small, and smaller when snow’s piled on the ground. One thing I did like is reserved parking for car pool cars. People come here a lot to use the computers, but I’ve always seen a few computers available, so it’s never too uncomfortably packed.
I needed to get a new library card. All I had to do was fill out a short form. The process was free and took two minutes. I was able to check out books the same day. There are also identical library key cards that are super convenient and go right on your keychain (think Walgreens, CVS, Planet Fitness. Needless to say, Chicago Public Libraries are getting in tune with the times). I was also pleased to find that they send an automated email as your due date nears.
The shelves could stand a few more books. It seems they were moving sections of books by the large shelf gaps, but there weren’t any real indications that they were rearranging. This location is only a few years old. I’d expect an overflow of books.

I’ve only went here once and I’ll never go here again. The staff was very unfriendly to me for no reason. I’m not sure if they all hate working there, or if they have a superiority complex of some kind… I browsed their movie section and the entire 20 minutes (all while a baby was screaming and no one was doing anything to try and stop it) I was there I was stared down by a burly and unfriendly security guard. Why would I try to steal movies that the library rents for out for free???
I had to use the restroom right before they close (it’s cold out and I have bladder issues). It wasn’t even eight o’clock (closing time) when Mr. Bigshot security guard CAME INTO THE LADIES’ RESTROOM while I was washing my hands and said, «You gotta get out of here, we’re closing.» I said OK, and then he preceded to wait for me to leave, staring me down the whole time with the door open. I asked, «Isn’t this pretty much harrassment, seeing as you are staring me down in the ladies room?» and he preceded to give me more tough-​guy attitude.
To make matters worse, as I uncomfortably was escorted out of the bathroom, the female librarian on staff decided to give me attitude as well, saying, «You can’t be in the bathroom, we’re closing. You gotta leave now.» Which was weird, considering I was already walking out calmly as possible given the situation. It was only one minute after closing at this point, so I hardly think I was inconveniencing anyone or taking up their time.
If you want a nice library to frequent with friendly and helpful staff, I would go to the Pilsen Lozano Library instead. I hope in the near future they make it a point to hire security and staff that aren’t rude as hell and have common courtesy/​decency.