Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch, Chicago Public Library — Attraction in Hyde Park Township

I have been to this library twice within the last week. I have lived in the area for 20 years (yeah, I have not been good at using this as a resource). This library is nice, bright, clean and the staff that works there are super nice and helpful. There is a parking lot and plenty of parking. The temperature was appropriate for the weather. I haven't utilized a CPL since high school (a very long time ago) and my experience is not that experience. Going to this library made me want to connect more to it as well as other CPL. The other patrons there were doing their business as well. The security guard greeted me upon entering and exiting. There are a lot of resources on display and available to take. I am so ashamed I have not been to the library as long as I have. This is a great library with staff ready to assist with a smile. While I was there today, one of the staff was asking all patrons to complete a survey (I did). Her delivery was done in a vested way meaning, it wasn't just a task but something of value to her. Many of the patrons completed them and it says a lot to her asking. So, don't be like I was...use this and many other libraries for what it is there for, to be a resource to the community. It is more than a place to go to every election...it really is a good and safe place to be...not the dimmed lighted library of...

In what world is it possible that a man professionally dressed can't set up a computer in a library and have a few hours of uninterrupted work? In Chicago, at this Chicago Public Library, that's where. I walked in today and looked around for a comfortable place to sit because I had intended on being there working for about an hour. All of the chairs that surrounded the tables were not sturdy enough for my size or the length of time I planned on being there. To my joy, I found several high backed hairs that would be perfect. I sat down, got all set up and just as I was about the start my work a security guard comes over to inform me that I couldn't sit there, you need to sit over there....pointing to the small chairs. I explained to her that this area was fine for me and her reply was "I sorry you got all set up but if I wasn't on my break I would have told you that you couldn't sit here". I packed my things and left, and I'll not be returning to that location again.... imagine sitting down in a library only to be told you can't sit here. Do better Chicago public...

I’ve never walked into such a unwelcoming library before. I always thought of libraries to be these friendly resourceful places that a lot of adults and children often go for educational or advancement purposes, however this was the complete opposite, not a friendly place. The guy at the front day clearly was having a bad morning and took his attitude out on me when all I wanted was my library card number to print. Wish libraries were how they used to be well atleast this one. Never will return bad vibes...