Glenview Public Library — Attraction in Northfield Township

I rarely ever feel the need to write a public review but I am deeply disturbed by how the Glenview Library staff handled a racist hate incident that I witnessed today (3.14.25). While at the library, a white man began provoking an African American patron, making unnecessary complaints about something as trivial as 'mouse clicking too loud.' The Black patron responded verbally, and the situation escalated but instead of keeping it at words, the white man turned it into full-blown racist hate speech. He began loudly calling the Black man the N-word, telling him to 'go back to Africa,' and making other racist remarks. Despite this clear, explicit racism, the library staff failed to take strong action. They treated this situation as if it were an equal conflict rather than what it actually was—racial harassment. Instead of immediately removing the racist aggressor, one of the staff members walked up to him to inquire about what happened, as if he were a misbehaving child in need of sympathy. I understand that the library has protocols to de-escalate situations and that staff do not want to cause harm or make things worse. But this approach was not effective either. Allowing someone to remain in a space after spewing racial slurs and harassment isn’t de-escalation—it’s enabling. If there was a policy in place for handling incidents like this, it clearly was not strong enough. I know the police arrived later and given the place where this happened this situation will most likely be swept...

the staff was really helpful and very pleasant. you can tell they must have good leadership because every staff member was radiating with positive energy. just being here it made me feel like i was a warm apple pie on thanksgiving(if thats even possible). this library truly is ran by angels hand picked by God himself. i know this review may seem over the top but words alone cant express how lovely of a library this is. its almost the first time since i was a kid that i walked into a library that wasn't bleak and boring. for the first time I walked into this library my life was instantly filled with joy and color and inspired me to read read read. u can tell people may get this same feeling unconsciously because everyone is walking around with a smile and it literally seams like a happier place even than disney. in fact when i have kids i will bring them to the beautiful glenview...

The library is nicely remodeled however: --the available room on desks (in my case for studying) is terrible (who thought putting a huge lamp (that is glued to the table cant move it) right in the middle of small tiny table is a bright idea - I cant even put a book or use a laptop because it won't fit?? yes, they do have little bigger desks but than those uncomfy chairs come into picture --OR why are the tables in private rooms so narrow and small). I think I can say in general that a lot of people who study or work on project do need some space - you can barely fit a 2 laptops and perhaps 3 books -- next I do study for longer periods soo sitting on those wooden chairs is a torture ( not comfy what so ever) -- lastly I can say that they do have pretty nice computer area and space in...