Belleville Public Library — Attraction in Belleville

Much love always to the public library system. The services, materials, resources, and programs are endless at the Belleville Public Library, downtown branch.

Though the collection of books is not vast, at least in my favorite genre of fiction; they do participate in the inter-library loan system across the state of Illinois, which makes most any book, CD, or movie you could think of accessible at no cost to the borrower.

The children's, YA, media (CDs of music and audiobooks, DVDs and Blu-ray, and video games) and fiction sections are located on the main floor. The upstairs is home to nonfiction texts, magazines, a display case of local history, genealogical archives, computers, and the media lab. There's a couple of shelves of board games and puzzles that are available to borrow as well.

While exploring the genealogical archives on my most recent visit, I found myself peering through the window of the media lab because I'd never noticed it before. The supervisor upstairs, Frida, noticed us snooping and offered to give us a look inside. The media lab offers the use of various types of equipment. Like every piece of equipment you could think of to convert vinyls to CD, old home videos to DVD, old film to DVD, cassettes to CD, and so much more. There are two types of 3D printers in there, a telescope that can be borrowed for a week, a green screen, and even equipment to record music. All that's needed to utilize the space is a scheduled appointment and your own materials to convert (though they do offer materials for purchase). Frida was so helpful and friendly when showing us the space.

The local library is a treasure trove of local history. I'm excited to return and learn more about the area.

The BPL offers programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a summer reading program, a book club, a Manga club for young teenagers, and so many services. Information about all of the programs and services can be read about on the corkboards throughout.

The BPL utilizes an app for borrowing and renewing books and viewing due dates. They also offer Hoopla, a free app offering audio and e-books. There are parking spaces marked for curbside pickup (started during covid) and staff will deliver your book order to you right in your car during designated hours.

There are occasional fundraising events put on by the Friends of the BPL, like book sales and trivia night. The books sales are put on in the basement of the library- another space used for various events like A Local History Series and book talks.

The staff is also always helpful and courteous.

Only complaints- the color of the walls and carpet could be replaced to liven up the space and there isn't any comfortable seating available, only wooden chairs.

I'm so thankful for such a vast array of resources provided by the Belleville...

I am In town on vacation I went in this library to type up a resume, the lady on the first floor was very nice, but wen I got to the top of those stairs you can feel, & smell the stinch of prejudice, I was so taken on how the young lady said NO COMPUTERS ARE WORKING, I went to my truck. I said. I travel the world, never experienced this treatment at a library, So i went back in & said is this rule for black people, or everyone? before she can speak, the other lady said very hostile, & nasty ALL OUR COMPUTORS ARE BROKE!! first of all I was NOT talking to you. I told the lady downstairs they are rude as He'll upstairs. She said who I said both of them but mainly the lady thats clearly not well, the lady was shocked I knew that, it's heavy in her aura, being kind don't cost nothing, its actually Gods Medicine Be careful in any part of Illinois The hate it real & they are not afraid to display...

This is one of the best libraries I’ve been to and I’m not saying that because I work there. I’ve always loved the library, it was my comfort place growing up, so having the opportunity to work at the library is super exciting and working at the Belleville Public Library is a true blessing. Fabulous and caring staff, so many programs, the diaper program, passport processing (so you don’t have to go to the post office), notary, 3D printing, media center…..just so many resources. The library is awesome and has always been a staple in my life and now I have the opportunity to provide that library experience...