Indian Trails Public Library serves residents of Buffalo Grove and neighboring communities. The library boasts a collection of 200,000 books and 50,000 audio/visual items, including DVDs, CDs and audio books.
Dixon Public Library is situated in the beautiful downtown. The library was established in 1911 and opened its doors in 1913. Patrons can choose from among 50,000 books, audio books, CDs and DVDs or use one of the library's eight computers to access the Web.
The library opened its children's wing in 1958 and maintains its collections to the delight of the dozens of children who visit the library each day. Dixon Public Library has 7,500 registered borrowers and is part of the SNAP network.
SNAP comprises Dixon Public Library, Solano County Library, Benicia Public Library, Napa City-County Library, St. Helena Public Library, Solano Community College Library and Napa Valley College Library.
The library offers two special collections: one that focuses on the history of Dixon and the other on California's history. A wheelchair lift allows access to the library's computer wing.
The staff at the library includes five librarians, four circulation staff, six student aides, one archivist, one network administrator and one administrative support manager.
The first large, free municipal library in the country, the Boston Public Library was established in 1848 and has been in its current location since 1895. It remains a vital resource center for Bostonians as well as a popular tourist destination. Designed by Charles Follen McKim, the library is one example of the architectural marvels the city has to offer and, with its impressive collection of murals and sculptures, a hidden gem for art lovers.
Parking and public transportation at the Boston Public Library
Though there is parking behind the Westin Copley Place (kitty-corner from the library) and just two blocks east at Boylston and Berkeley, the BPL is most easily accessible by MBTA, as it sits right on top of Copley Station on the green line.
Best and worst time to go to the Boston Public Library
The library is open seven days a week. There is no truly bad time to go, though exploring the library's endless architectural, artistic, and (of course) literary gems does make for a fun indoor activity on a winter day.
Admission to the Boston Public Library
Admission is completely free! But note that the Map Room Café is just inside the library's center courtyard, should you find yourself hungry or thirsty on your visit.
Must see/do at the Boston Public Library
The McKim building, facing Copley Square, is full of historical wonders. Be sure to visit the John Singer Sargent Gallery on the 3rd floor. The Johnson building, facing Boylston, houses circulating materials and provides cozy reading spots. Don't miss the newly renovated teen room on the 2nd floor, but be aware: don't linger if you're over 18 or they'll kick you out.
Other places to visit near the Boston Public Library
Just across Copley Square is another architectural and historical landmark: Trinity Church, founded in 1773. If you're looking to spend an afternoon shopping, walk one block north to Newbury Street or a few blocks west to the Prudential Mall and Copley Place. If the weather is nice, head three blocks east and spend the afternoon in the Boston Public Garden.
Insider tip for visitors to Boston Public Library
The library offers free, hour-long tours once a day, and provides handbooks for self-guided tours at other times. These are a great way to get acquainted with the building's illustrious history. Check the BPL website for schedules.
Author's Bio: Sarah Weber is a 20-something publishing professional and freelance writer in the Boston area. In her spare time she plays tourist in her own city and blogs about books at sarahmweber715.wordpress.com.
The White Oak Library District serves more than 75,000 residents in Romeoville, Lockport and Crest Hill. It was established as a volunteer library in 1921, becoming the tax-supported Lockport Township Free Public Library eight years later. A Crest Hill branch was established in 1969. In 1981, the libraries separated from Lockport Township to form the Des Plaines Valley Public Library District, eventually adding a third branch in Romeoville. In July 2011, the district underwent a name change, officially becoming the White Oak Library District.
Today, patrons have access to more than 250,000 items, from books to DVDs, CDs, newspapers, magazines and more, as well as inter-library loan rentals, online databases, programs, activities and public meeting rooms.
Christian Science Reading Room is operated by the Church of Christ, Scientist, and is open to the public. The books and publications sold at this location include the Bible, Bible stories for children, The Christian Science Monitor and writings by Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. There is comfortable space available to read, study and pray. The Christian Science Reading Room was founded in Boston in 1888 and is currently located on Massachusetts Avenue.