Indian Trails Public Library District - Wheeling, Illinois

P V.

I have been going to this library for over 15 years, before the remodel, since I was a minor. Lately, in the last few years its been really taxing to try to go to the library to get work done. Each visit here always brings some kind of noise pollution and it's very upsetting to have to play librarian and tell someone to close the door to their meeting room or ask a parent to tell their screaming child to stop. A complete and total lack of decorum from the public- child or adult- how do you not understand how to behave in a library? No amount of headphones is going to cancel out the fact that you have a noise problem. Outside of helping with books, I was under the impression that a library and the librarians in it would want to actually, actively maintain a quiet space. The library is so essential in a community, so it really upsetting that the library isn't actively sushing people. If someone is talking so loudly that the entire floor can hear them... why not respectfully tell them to use an indoor voice? Why am I doing your job when I come here?
Bring back the shushing library stereotype that actually allows people to do the most important thing in a library: read!

Clara K.

It’s a nice library, clean, and a nice area to get some work done if you can find a table. However, the “quiet zone” is not very quiet. The couches right infront of the private rooms have people often talking very loudly and the private rooms themselves are not sound proofed at all so you can hear everything in the “quiet zone”. I wish there was a true “quiet zone” in this library. Shouldn’t every library have an actual separate quiet space? If anyone there reads this please consider a change!

W O.

I was donating some books in the donation box by the front door. These books held a lot of sentimental value, especially from when my kids were babies.

Suddenly, a man approached me and my daughter. He invaded my personal space, his face red with anger, and he stared at me aggressively. Without introducing himself or identifying himself as a library employee, he rudely demanded, “Did you put a piece of paper in there?”

I had no idea who this person was or what he was referring to. I wondered if he might be homeless or mentally ill.

I said, “What?”

Still glaring at me, he repeated, “Did you put a piece of paper in there?’"

Unsure of what he might do, especially with my daughter there, I squared off with him and said, “Why do you ask?”

He replied, “This is a book depository.”

I responded, “I see that. And who are you? Do you work here?”

He grunted, “Yeah.”

At this point, I was so furious with his rudeness I wasn’t going to explain anything to him.

So I replied, “Ok, fine. Then open the box and I will take all my books back,”

He said, “I cant, we’re closing.”

To which I replied, “Well then stop bitching.” And I told him he was one rude dude.

At this point he walked away. He was a white male, about 5’7” in his late 40 to early 50s, with short grey hair.

Let me tell you, everything about this man was confrontational and I wasn’t going to put up with his BS.

In addition to donating around 40 books, I also donated about five educational workbook packets, for grades 1-3, covering subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic—each packet about 12 pages long. These were printed on heavy stock paper. I thought the library might find them useful, so I placed them in the depository. The 'paper' I’m guessing this knucklehead was referring to was a multiplication table, also printed on heavy stock. My thinking was, if the library couldn’t use these educational items, they could easily toss them in the recycling bin. How hard is that?

Listen Indian Trails Public Library—you need to hire people with customer service skills, who know how to communicate POLITELY with patrons, rather than berating a member of the community who’s simply trying to do some good. You might want to start by assuming POSITIVE INTENT from the very people who support your organization and GIVE you employment, instead of treating them horribly.

Furthermore, I read many of the other reviews and based on Karolina Bukowski's review, it sounds like, as I suspected, Indian Trails Public Library supports sick, wacko, leftist’s ideologies.

SHAME ON YOU for placing such harmful, inappropriate, evil, garbage in the CHILDREN’S section. Now I’m certain I’ll never set foot in this place again. Trust me, I will be loud and clear in telling others to avoid it as well.

Ricky roach’s post hit the nail on the head- “Ever since the pandemic, the people who work there became insane and filled with totalitarianism.”

By the way, I have also experienced this totalitarian, snobby, pretentious attitude in the Barrington Area Public Library (go figure). By the way, I've lived in much wealthier areas than Barrington (including S. Barrington), so go stuff a sock in it—you’re not all that.

I’m in agreement with Brenda Sanchez who said “Big library but most of the people working there not very friendly.”

On a positive note, however, I will give credit to where credit is due: The lady in the drive up window was very kind and helpful. She was the one that directed me to the donation box in the first place.

In conclusion: David Modlin’s post said it best, “The best thing you can do with your Indian Trails Public Library card is register it with the Mount Prospect Public Library.”

I agree. I've been there many times, and in my experience, the staff are much friendlier and understand that their main role is to serve the community.

Игорь ?.

This place has a very nice interior, fast Wi-Fi and all the conditions for studying or working, except for one thing - the staff does not monitor the silence even in the Silent Zone. It often happens that 2 teenagers come, lock themselves in the classroom and yell, make phone pranks and laugh very loudly. You yourself make comments to them, but this is effective for 3 minutes. As a result, you are forced to go to another place to continue studying. For this, I give 3 stars in the review, not 5.

Murad A.

It’s a great place to do your own homework and study. They have some very good study rooms upstairs. Also the desktop computers (Mac or PC), printers, and DVD movies are free.
Recently they’ve added MacBooks, IPads, and kindles for rental purposes which is a great addition for the community in need.

Aishwarya R.

A great library with plenty of space! An awesome collection of books to start your little ones on their journey to reading. Age appropriate reading programs and prizes, very committed librarians always ready to help! The summer challenges and DIY go kits makes kids & grow ups cultivate a love for reading and keeps them engaged in activities!

Edit 06/07/22: The kids play area is open!!

priestlla A.

It's a great place to study and meet people. ITPLD has lot of facilities and interesting activities. Recently, I joined Shiitake mushroom cultivation program, it was informative program. The welcoming environment motivates me to spend more time on reading.

Elizabeth S. T.

Love the new setup, it was worth the wait! Now you can sit any where and not worry about your cel, tablet or laptop running low on battery. Just hoping that someday they'll considered having all those awesome programs and activities on weekends and evenings, most people work during the day and miss out all the amazing programs offer by Indian Trails