The Crystal Lake Library, located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a public library that serves the community by providing access to a wide range of materials, programs, and services. The library's mission is to provide equal access to information, ideas, and entertainment for all members of the community, and to promote a love of reading and learning. With a collection of over 200,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, and DVDs, the library offers something for everyone.
History of the Crystal Lake Library
The Crystal Lake Library was established in 1913, with a small collection of books and a dedicated staff. Over the years, the library has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. In 1978, the library moved to its current location, a 35,000 square foot building that provides ample space for materials, programs, and services. In 2013, the library underwent a major renovation, which added new meeting rooms, a makerspace, and a children’s area.
Services and Programs
The Crystal Lake Library offers a wide range of services and programs for adults, teens, and children. These include author readings, book clubs, children’s storytime, and other educational and recreational programs. The library also provides access to digital media, including e-books, audiobooks, and streaming services. Additionally, the library offers research assistance, interlibrary loan services, and test preparation materials. The library’s website provides online access to the catalog, research databases, and other resources.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Author Readings | Meet and greet with local and national authors |
| Book Clubs | Discussion groups for adults and teens |
| Children's Storytime | Reading and activities for young children |
| Digital Media | Access to e-books, audiobooks, and streaming services |
The library also offers a variety of programs and services for children and teens, including summer reading programs, homework help, and college prep services. The library's children's area is designed to be a welcoming and engaging space for young children, with a play area, reading nooks, and a variety of books and materials.
Collection and Resources
The Crystal Lake Library’s collection includes a wide range of materials, including fiction and nonfiction books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, and DVDs. The library also provides access to online research databases, including databases for genealogy, business, and health. The library’s website provides online access to the catalog, research databases, and other resources.
In addition to its physical collection, the library also offers a variety of digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and streaming services. The library's digital collection is available 24/7, and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Community Involvement
The Crystal Lake Library is committed to being an active and engaged member of the community. The library partners with local organizations and businesses to provide programs and services that meet the needs of the community. The library also hosts a variety of events and activities, including author readings, book festivals, and other cultural events.
The library's community room is available for use by local organizations and community groups, and the library offers a variety of meeting rooms and study spaces for individuals and groups. The library also provides outreach services to seniors, people with disabilities, and other underserved populations.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
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The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
Does the library offer free Wi-Fi?
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Yes, the library offers free Wi-Fi to all visitors.
Can I borrow materials from other libraries?
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Yes, the library participates in the Illinois Heartland Library System, which allows patrons to borrow materials from other libraries in the system.
