Why the Glen Ellyn Public Library is Special

Chief among the Village of Glen Ellyn’s many treasures are its schools, community spirit and the Glen Ellyn Public Library. GEPL provides the fertile ground to prepare the residents of our community to be informed citizens and leaders. We have evolved into the ultimate resource center for patrons of all ages. GEPL continues to offer unparalleled traditional library services like storytimes, knitting groups and book discussions, in addition to books, dozens of magazines, and print reference materials. In recent years, GEPL has evolved to meet the information and community needs of Glen Ellyn. Our computers, technology classes and WiFi connect users to the world of information. Our downloadable eBook and audiobook collections and online databases provide everyone in Glen Ellyn digital access to entertainment and reputable information.

The Glen Ellyn Public Library has been around for over a century, continually looking for ways to better serve Glen Ellyn. Library staff reach out to local schools of all levels, working with educators to establish enriching connections between institutions of formal and informal learning. “The youth department does a great job of making children feel special,” according to one mother. Approximately 400 storytimes are offered annually, for infants and toddlers through late elementary school. When patrons reach their tween and teen years, our staff specialists help them learn to discuss books, use library resources, prepare for college and master do-it-yourself projects. We also offer both tweens and teens a safe, secure environment in which to spend time with their friends and use the internet or even play videogames. Our tween area is set aside especially for sixth through eighth graders, and our teen space is just for high schoolers. Twelve-year-old Miles loves our “books, movies, toys, Trevor the dog (from the Reading to Dogs program), and the ice cream social.”

Adults who use the Glen Ellyn Public Library can make us their own. Patrons visit GEPL regularly for a variety of reasons. Some visit us to access technology not found at home or to take one of our dozens of computer literacy classes. Others stop by in the mornings to read the paper and meet with friends. Local clubs and organizations use our free meeting rooms for their gatherings and events. We facilitate local book groups by ordering copies of the current discussion title and making them available in one convenient location at our adult information desk.

According to regular patrons, “our knowledgeable and friendly staff” and unparalleled patron service are what set us apart. Residents, businesspeople and other community leaders agree that GEPL offers the community so much more than books. The Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn says, “The Glen Ellyn Library is special because they work hard to create a better sense of community.” One local parent noted, “Almost every time I am at the library, I see someone I know, which means that the library is really used by the community and is a center of activity.” Is the Glen Ellyn Public Library special to you? Tell us how in the comments!