6 must-see libraries in the Northwest suburbs

Explore the wealth of libraries in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. As you can see, these libraries offer more than just books but also fun places to play and learn.

So what are you waiting for? Go and check these out for yourself!

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Located in downtown Arlington Heights, this is a fun family favorite library. A large portion of the first floor is designed for kids. Older children can lounge in colorful seating or play computer games in the computer room, while younger kids can play with toys such as Legos, sensory activities, blocks, puppets and puzzles. Budding architects are invited to create their latest masterpiece with large wooden blocks.

Schaumburg Library – Central Library

As the second largest public library in Illinois, I had expected more activities for kids besides a few wooden activity cubes and a dollhouse. However, this library takes the cake for cutest play area. Kids will love stepping into the magical Enchanted Forest and revisiting characters from their favorite fairytales and books such as the Hungry Caterpillar or Winnie the Pooh. It’s the perfect setting to get lost in a story, so grab a book, and sit on any one of the reading nooks located at the perimeter of the room.

Elk Grove Village Public Library

Imaginations fly at this library with two play castles, a Lego table, kid’s kitchen, large waffle blocks and a wide assortment of toy animals and dinosaurs. The wooden puppet theater, complete with pint-sized seating for the audience, is also a fun option.

Algonquin Area Public Library

The entire lower level of the Algonquin Library is dedicated to kids. They will love gazing at the fish in the saltwater tank. And while the play area isn’t the largest we’ve seen, it does house a lot of fun options, including a house, play kitchen, train table, car and Legos. Pack a lunch, head outside for a picnic and walk along the trail.

Gail Borden Library

My kids can spend hours at this hidden gem located in Elgin. The wooden play structure is the first thing the kids see when they walk into the Kids Space. With windows all around, tons of natural light pours into the circular play room and offers fantastic views of the Fox River. If they listen closely, kids can also hear the choo choo of the trains chugging by. The play area has a wooden play kitchen, puzzles, dinosaurs, fish tank and more.

Barrington Area Library

Simply put—this library rocks! Think children’s museum within a library. What kid wouldn’t love a huge Lite Brite wall, a separate Lego room with Lego walls, a bakery/supermarket/construction site and iPads full of fun, educational games? Kiddos can doodle on the large magnetic chalkboard or build with the large foam blocks. The real showstopper is the slide located in the middle of the area. Yes, I said slide! My kids fell in love with this library, and I’m sure yours will too.

Follow me on my blog O the Places We Go as we explore these libraries in detail for National Library Week. What is your favorite library?

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