Lyons Public Library — Attraction in Lyons Township

My kids and I have been visiting the Lyons Library (they also frequent Riverside library but only are vocally disrespectful at Lyons because they are buddies with the director) for about two years. There’s a particular group of nannies that often gather there, and I've noticed some behavior that feels unkind and exclusive. Today, one of the nannies used a slur to describe my child to another nanny, right in front of the children. I decided to approach the director about it, as I believe it's important to address these situations. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time I’ve experienced issues; there have been instances where nannies have allowed their kids to hit my children or take things from them, and my attempts to speak to them directly haven’t been very effective.

When I spoke to Dan, he mentioned that he doesn’t see this as a problem and suggested that since these nannies have been coming for longer, I should consider going elsewhere. Even when I tried to express that Mr. Rogers or Daniel Tiger would be disappointed by such behavior, he didn’t seem to recognize the reference. It seems like a gentle reminder about kindness and compassion could really make a difference.

It’s important to remember that children are innocent and impressionable. If the adults around them display unkind behavior, the children may mimic that. Segregation and exclusion in a place like the library can deeply affect kids, especially those who may already feel different or marginalized. When certain groups are treated as outsiders, it can create feelings of isolation and inadequacy.

Children are very perceptive; they notice social cues and the dynamics at play. When they see some groups being favored while others are overlooked, it sends a message that they aren't valued.

The library is meant to be a safe space for learning and exploration, and it’s so important that all children feel included and accepted. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, have been a caregiver for over 10 years, and run a nonprofit that teaches inclusivity and kindness in children.

As a mother, I feel deeply for my kids when they are hurt, and I simply want to ask everyone to be mindful of their words and actions. A little kindness can go a long way in creating a welcoming...

Spoke to Dan Hilker library director after incident with my child. He was rude and uncaring. My child had an early dismissal and was trying to go study at the library. Unfortunately, as she walked in she was told she needed to have guardian to enter the premises. He advised me that “young adults’’ come into the library and are loud and distracting to others in the building. Which he never gave my child a chance to even fully enter the building. So to my surprise while he said that, they’re were small children there with their parents and were shouting and yelling. If he considers 13 years young adults then I don’t see why they would need a guardian with them to enter the library. He advised me he is the library director, and that is his policy upon asking where is this policy posted he said I had to email him to get it. Most current review that Lissa Tonka left is sooo spot on is understatement. I will be attending a town board meeting about this manner. All kids matter and Dan Hilker shouldn’t dictate who can or can’t enter a...

Spacious library, this place is big enough for littles to play, plenty of toys and well organized, we really liked it. The only thing I think it can have some improvement is their staff, they aren’t as friendly as other libraries, I saw the sign where they claim they give kids a prize if they tidy up the library so we cleaned up before leaving while there were still some other kids playing, the young girl that was at the front desk asked where did we cleaned up and when I explained she said in a rude tone that there were still toys in the floor, to which I replied that there were still kids playing with them, I wasn’t going to pick them up when kids where still using them, I know she wasn’t there watching everyone but it’s just common sense, we weren’t the first or the last ones there. I felt like I was asking for too much, like she buys these pencils to give away to the kids. The different girls at front desk are not so helpful and have...