This library’s greatest feature is the floor-to-ceiling windows which are the perfect antidote for wintertime seasonal effective disorder. Sit in the comfortable red love seat or faux leather chairs and soak in the bright southern sun. A great spot for you to read, relax or just sunbathe while the kiddies play.
We haven’t seen it crowded. With the exception of times near their story time sessions or other classes, we are often by ourselves on weekdays, or with just one or two other kids. Oak Brook is a wealthy community with huge homes and a median age 17 years higher than all of Illinois (54 vs. 37). Most patrons there seem to be retirees keeping their minds stimulated, or college-aged studiers. So yeah, heads tend to turn when we roll in.
The library is one large space, a single floor that looks like one of those flower shaped butter cookies you can put on your finger. As with all “one big room” libraries, the potential for causing a noise distraction for others is a concern. You may have to shush the kiddies if they get too crazy, as the magazine reading lounge space is just 40 feet away from you.
The recent addition of a “choo choo table” changed this nearby library from an occasional visit to a go-to regular for us. The Thomas the Train railroad table has many buildings, ramps and bridges. Ask the friendly librarian at the nearby desk for the tin box of trains. In addition to the train table, there’s a quirky doghouse condo for little stuffed animal dogs with fabric store crafted beds. Plenty of puzzles and over-sized books, and a large storage bin of stuffed animals.
The entrance of the library reveals a cafe-like open seating area with vending and a bronze statue of Ronald McDonald accepting a flower from a child. (McDonald’s headquarters is next door.) A colorless, all bronze Ronald without his usual white face, yellow suit and red nose and hair seems to have the misplaced nobility of a firefighter or war hero.
Main bathrooms are in front so parents, pee first! There is an unlabeled children’s bathroom in the kid department that you need to ask to get into. But you can’t go by yourself, I tried once and was shut down! The potty is kid-sized and in retrospect, would have required considerable aiming accuracy.
Grown-up magazines and books are at a reasonable distance. You could dart off and collect materials for yourself with your kids still in earshot. Do so at your own discretion, please.
Beyond the windows is 31st street, followed by forest preserve. Across 31st is a walking path that leads to the Fullersburg Woods Nature Center and Graue Mill, great places to bring kids as well. Probably best to drive to them. Just take 31st east then turn right on York Road. You could definitely combine these places and make a great day of it.
