Northbrook Public Library

This library is spectacular. I was a bit overstimulated by my first visit. The building itself is large as are the inside spaces. It has a futuristic/​modern look circa 1990s to the 2000s which makes it feel like you stepped into a movie of the near future shot in the nineties or perhaps a mall built in the 90s. The library has an impressive collection of popular media music, movies and even video games. I have yet to truly explore their book selection but I am optimistic I just popped in for roughly five minutes looking for a specific item

fresh off a renovation of their auditorium, this library is fantastic. The children’s section is sure to keep your kids occupied with all sorts of activities and reading challenges during the summer time. Ipads and computers seem to keep their attention as well.
We love coming for the children story-​times during the mid-​week mornings as the readers hold the attention of the kids for the parents to enjoy a slight break.
I could really see myself spending all day here, the staff is always helpful and the new auditorium renovation is a lovely addition. Can’t wait to watch some movies this summer!

I happen to like classical music, and the Northbrook Public Library has an excellent collection. I generally know what I want because I’ve played in several orchestras in the past and I’m a regular listener to NPR and WFMT, but the staff are quite knowledgeable about classical composers and are more than happy to help you choose something if you don’t know that much about the music. They have an extensive CD collection that goes well beyond the stuffy, obscure chamber music that a lot of people generally associate with classical music. If you are looking to acquire or build your classical library and don’t know where to start, this is an excellent way to listen and find out what you like before spending a lot of money. Another cool thing to do is to go to the library and check out several different versions of the same piece; preferably one with which you are familiar. You’d be surprised how much different the same piece of music can sound when performed by different orchestras, different conductors, or different musicians. Tempo variations, room acoustics, and recording techniques can also make the difference between a dull rendition and one that lifts you to another plane.

The library is one of the best parts of Northbrook! The librarians are super knowledgeable and friendly. They are great at making book suggestions and stay current on what is hot. The kids section is phenomenal and they even post book suggestions by age to help parents keep kids on track with age appropriate reading. They also have some puzzles and games which can be checked out.
The library is currently being renovated so it will become even more fantastic!

Northbrook Public Library not only has a great collection, but their reference librarians can find the answer to any question for you. Just email them. I’ve asked about whether women still rode sidesaddle in Edwardian England and they found two great articles that said they didn’t. (Julian Fellows should have such a team.) They will find anything you want to know.
They’ve got a great selection of online databases for any research need (business, academic, or fun).
Also they offer a free gentle yoga class on Fridays at 10:30 am. The teacher is the best I’ve ever had. (Tied for best, but the other #1 I’ve had is in London. Too far off.) You should get there early because it fills up.
I want to try out their 3D printer and wish they’d get a YouMedia lab like the Chicago Public Library that allows people to create podcasts, films, books, etc. with the equipment they have.
Northbrook PL is growing and doing some remodeling. Through all the dust and confusion the librarians are still providing wonderful service.

My most favorite library. I used to come here for high school and use their private study rooms for group projects. They have lots of seating for individual and group studying. Free wifi. Looks beautiful. It was great in high school but it’s even better now that I have a kid and can use all their kid resources. They always have stuff for the kids to do: crafts, puppets, group reading, movies, etc. book club is also a lot of fun and they have very good prizes. The themes are also very cool because they decorate the area and have a wall of theme related books — very well thought out and fun. They also have a new area with iPads to promote early literacy. So cool! They have the good apps like in the Apple Store and strong internet connection. My kid loves it. The iPad section is new so it’s our first time using it it usually my kid will play the puzzles, do the crafts, read books, go on a book hunt and play games on the computer. She’s 4 and she can enjoy every part of the library. She loves it.

The library is super nice. It reminds me of a nice college university library. I use tier apps to download books on my phone to read and audiobooks too. What I can’t stand is that they charge you to rent DVDs even children educational DVDs. They actually have a charge on new release books too. This is quite ridiculous. The idea that the library needs this income is just not true.

Its hard to believe that the current Northbrook Library is almost 15 years old, it still looks and functions like a brand new facility. This library has everything, an extensive selection if magazines, CDs, DVDs, foreign language tutorials and it’s all surrounded by 360 degree views of the treetops from floor to ceiling windows. The lighting is ideal for a library. Sunlight is EVERYWHERE, and when needed indirect lighting gives the library a warm feeling. Study rooms, 4 individual computer rooms complete with scanners that are usually available, plenty of computers, and combined printer/​copier make this an ideal location to use as a printing office.
The entire perimiter of the library offers an extensive assortment of comfortable seating, study stations and a variety of large tables complete with treetop views and tons of natural light. For those who tire of the dark, dreary basement of a nearby, newly renovated library, come to Northbrook!

I have been coming here to study, and so far, it hasn’t been too hard to focus. The library is large, bright, and reasonably quiet. There are three floors, free wifi, quiet study areas, and tons of resources if needed. The bathrooms are very clean, and the facility is fairly new. The people that come here have been respectful to others every time I have visited.

Probably one of the coolest library’s you will ever see!
Very sleek modern architecture, I couldn’t believe that this was a library the first time I saw it!
They have a great selection of books, Blu Rays, DVDs, CDs, and even VHS tapes.
They also offer free screenings of current movies!

This has been my favorite library since high school. First, i must admit that since then i have not checked out the new ones that have been remodeled or built in the area and there are a bunch that seem like they would be nice.
The design of this place is great. Looks fantastic and is very functional. they have a great selection of readings including periodicals and listening materials. There are great study rooms for groups to provide a closer working area and still accommodate silence. Check it out for yourself folks, cuz its boss!

I move a lot and I’ve had library cards in every place I’ve lived which includes two town in NH, Manhattan, three towns in MA, a town in NJ, and two in FL. This library is absolutely the best library I have ever been a member. Lots of tables and study places, a book selection that is well thought out, very quiet, every service under the sun, a modern comfortable feeling. I wasn’t happy that DVDs are a dollar each, but what I realized after is that it keeps people from ravaging the movie selection and now what I’m looking for is usually available (Orange County Florida’s library were horrible for this). I love this library and rave about it to anyone I know who would care.

Review of the auditorium space.
My first time to the Northbrook Public library, I recently attended a piano recital in the library auditorium. Aside from the fact that the modern building itself is gorgeous, the auditorium is state-​of-​the-​art with stadium seating (chairs) and wonderful acoustics… for a library!
Though the concert I attended was performed by young children, the more sophisticated and grown-​up line up includes opera lectures and small symphony performances. I am also pleasantly shocked to learn they play first-​run movies here (Hotel Transylvania just played yesterday… darn!).
The space feels clean and new. The temperature is comfortable. The main doors open and close quietly, but it was still so easy to be distracted by those coming in and going out. With the entrance very near to the stage, I’m wondering if it could have been designed differently.
Yep, I’ll be back for more exploring without a doubt! And, I’ll for sure see you at the movies!

A very open floor plan that makes it a great place to study or get work done. They have very large windows on the second and third floors that bring in plenty of light.
The periodical section also has printers and faxing available for a lost cost per page. You need to buy a card that only costs $ 1 that can be applied towards any copies or pages that need to be printed out.

Love this place! It’s staffed with very friendly, helpful people who will gladly make suggestions of books or movies based on what you tell them you like. They have loads of book club titles, newly released books, award winning authors and an amazing array of movies, magazines and study materials.
Lots of glass and natural light, great expansive views… and dedicated quiet zones for you hardcore crashers.
There’s a teeny café-​ish area on the first floor, with vending machines and a few chairs and tables, so you can break from your studying or research, or your kids… and have a nice cup of machine brewed coffee!
They offer lots of interesting programs for kids and adults… even current event discussions to keep you connected with people who may share your interests. One could easily spend an entire afternoon in this place… and it’s walking distance to lots of shopping if you need a distraction.

A GREAT library. Big as hell, lit up like xmas tree and impressive structure to see all lit up at night. front desk crew on ground floor are real hit and miss, sometimes old and grumpy, sometimes real nice and friendly. self check out machine needs help, apparently you have to have ‘the touch’. Great programs featured like most in Chi. Took the kids to see Guardians of G’hoole in the library theater (seriously a small theater) for free. Nice. It’s good to feel good about your tax dollars like this :-)

One of the better libraries I frequent, mainly due to their CD (yes…CD) selection. But you can only checkout 15 at a time, and they’re due back in one-​week.
The only thing else I don’t like iz ALL the damn stairs! So, my lazy ass takez the elevator.

A place of solace and knowledge.
I never have to subscribe to any of the nature/​environmental magazines because NPL has all of them!
There is a quiet room (no cell phones or computers allowed) which helps in those times when you can’t seem to focus.
Extensive books and materials collection– better than my University library (sad to say, isn’t it?!).
Great views on the second floor. love all the floor to ceiling glass windows. Good for spacing out or 5 minute mind breaks.

I don’t know why all the good reviews. I miss the old library with the 2 stair cases in the loby. Only 1 entrance and 1 elevator. 3^rd floor is small and not much study space. Only 1 row of computers (like about 10) and 45 minute limit.
The WIFI sucks. Can never connect and limited ethernet ports. They still use B routers and refuse to upgrade. I know it sounds silly but I spent 2 hours with the lady and she said well everyone else can connect.
Plus I’m afraid of heights and loby has no space to sit and use computers only 2^nd and very small 3^rd floor.
Not the place to study. The new glenview public library building opening today 10/​09/​2010 is much better even though no 3^rd floor more spacious and place to sit.
But at least Northbrook has clean bathrooms.

My study haven.
This library has a small ‘café’ with vending machines and tables, so you don’t have to starve during a marathon study session. You’re free to bring in whatever food you want, as long as you don’t eat it in the actual library. However, bottled drinks are allowed in the library!
They have tons of ‘study rooms’ that you can reserve ahead of time. Also, they even have this dedicated ‘quiet room’ with no laptops allowed, if you’re hardcore like that. Other than that, the other study carrels and tables are situated by the huge windows, so I can enjoy some sunlight (while it lasts.)
They have a wonderful selection of books and the interior/​staff are just so inviting. Also — you can link your Chicago Public Library card to the Northbrook Library system, so you can check out anything you want!