About the Library
General information about Skokie Public Library and its services
via email
| Library hours Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 9:00pm Saturday: 9:00am to 6:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm |
| Bookmobile schedule |
Want to learn about new books and authors, as well as upcoming films, performances, lectures, and kids' events at the Library? Sign up for our Library newsletters!
Contact Information
| Skokie
Public Library 5215 Oakton Street Skokie, Illinois 60077 847.673.7774 main phone 847.673.2675 phone renewal 847.673.8926 TDD 847.673.7797 fax |
Reference 847.673.3733 After hours reference 847.673.7778 Adult computers 847.324.3179 Readers' Services 847.324.3200 Youth Services 847.324.3149 Youth computers 847.324.3186 |
Library administration |
Facilities and floor plans |
Library Administration
In Memoriam: Mary Radmacher, Chief Librarian of Skokie Public Library from 1956 to 1985, died June 9, 2008. We honor her years of service to the Library.
Trustees and Director
Diana Hunter, President/President Emerita
John J. Graham, Vice President
Dayle Zelenka, Secretary
Richard Basofin
Susan Greer
Zelda Rich
John M. Wozniak
Carolyn A. Anthony, Director
NSLS Public Library Staff Member of the Year 2004
Illinois Librarian of the Year 2003
The Board of Trustees of Skokie Public Library meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm in the Board Room on the third floor. The public is welcome to attend.
Agenda for the July 9, 2008 meeting
Minutes of the June 11, 2008 meeting
Minutes of the 2008 annual meeting
Minutes of the May 14, 2008 meeting
Library management |
|
| Bruce Brigell | Coordinator of Information Services |
| Camille Cleland | Assistant Director for Technical Services |
| Elizabeth Dostert | Manager of Human Resources |
| Deborah Grodinsky | Head of Adult Services |
| Pat Groh | Coordinator of Community Services |
| Barbara Kozlowski | Associate Director for Public Services |
| Ricki Nordmeyer | Manager of Adult Popular Services |
| Tobi Oberman | Head of Circulation Services |
| Christie Robinson | Manager of Public Information and Programs |
| Teri Room | Coordinator of Collection Development |
| Richard Simon | Head of Maintenance |
| Jan Watkins | Head of Youth Services |
Vision Statement
Skokie Public Library is essential to a vibrant and diverse community where individuals of all ages and families freely engage in lifelong learning and discovery, and enjoyment of popular culture and the arts. Residents have many opportunities to become well-informed, with their intellectual freedom and privacy protected, to benefit from cultural diversity, and to actively participate in the life of the community.
Mission Statement
Skokie Public Library supports lifelong learning, discovery and enrichment through a broad spectrum of materials, technologies and experiences. Serving a diverse population, the Library facilitates access to information, the exchange of ideas and the building of community.
Programs and Events
From classical music to author readings, the Library's calendar is filled with diverse programming for all ages, including:
- Book discussions
- Educational and entertaining lectures
- Feature films and film discussions
- Performing arts - music, dance, theatre in the 200-seat Petty Auditorium
- Library Cable Network, Channel 24, has original programs, movies, educational fare, and listings of upcoming events
Are you a musician or have a program you'd like to present at the Library? Information regarding applying to perform or speak is available online. For information or questions, .
Computer Resources
Computers resources for adults and teens (9th grade and older) are available throughout the Library and wireless Internet access is available at no charge on the second floor. Computer resources for children in kindergarten through 8th grade are available in the Youth Services Department on the first floor of the Library.
Resources for Adults
The Library has a wealth of resources available to help you with everything from serious research to contemporary bestsellers. Many of our resources are now available on our Web site -- or you can stop by the service desks and ask a librarian for assistance.
- Information Services -- Our
expert librarians can help you find the information you need quickly
and efficiently.
- Employment Resource Center -- Find information on career development, job opportunities, and self-employment.
- Illinois Documents -- Find federal, state, and local documents in the Library's collection and on the Web.
- Literacy materials for English as a Second Language students -- Learn more about the Library's ESL collection.
- Night Owl Reference will answer reference questions seven days a week from Library closing until midnight. The service is free to Skokie Public Library cardholders.
- AskAway Illinois -- Ask questions and get answers in real time from the staff of participating North Suburban Library System libraries.
- Computers with Internet access, office software, multimedia capabilities, and research databases are available throughout the Library. Internet classes for adults are scheduled each month to provide you with basic information about using the World Wide Web. One-on-one assistance with using Library computer resources is available by appointment.
- Search reference resources of business information, health care facts, the full text of articles from many newspapers and magazines, and electronic encyclopedias, almanacs, and literature resources. Remote access to many of these databases from your home or business is available to Skokie Public Library cardholders through our website.
- Search unique Library-authored databases including the digitized collection of newspaper articles and other information sources related to the Attempted Nazi March of 1978 in Skokie, and an index to Skokie newspaper articles and obituaries.
- Readers' Services -- Not sure what to read? Our librarians can help you find the perfect book.
- Movies, music, and multimedia -- The Library's collection includes feature films, nonfiction videos, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, audiocassettes, and CD-ROMs, which can be checked out or used in the Library at our listening and viewing stations.
- Bookmobile service -- Our bookmobile makes seventeen weekly stops at locations all over Skokie.
- Online catalog -- Search the 480,000+ items in the Library's collection. The Library's collection includes books and videos in more than fifteen foreign languages.
- Used book sale room -- Browse shelves containing thousands of recent hardcover fiction bestsellers, children’s books, nonfiction books (including travel guides), and youth, adult, and teen paperbacks.
Resources for People with Disabilities
Skokie Public Library welcomes people with physical disabilities. SALS (Skokie Accessible Library Services) offers adaptive equipment such as electronic magnifiers, closed caption decoders, and a public TDD, as well as materials in special formats, programs and services for people with visual impairments, mobility-impairments, and hearing impairments, and for children with special needs. SALS has periodicals and newsletters, books, directories, and catalogs on a range of subjects related to disabilities. One need not be a Skokie resident to become a SALS user.
Resources for Teens
Skokie Public Library works with the TAG Team, our Teen Advisory Group, to plan programs, services, and events that appeal to people ages 12 through 18. TAG Team members meet friends, learn about new ideas, and receive volunteer credit. To become involved, .
- The first floor of the Library features a special Teen Corner collection of fiction and nonfiction books for teens.
- The Teens section of our Web site lists great resources including web links, good reading ideas, and high school and college issues.
Resources for Kids
Read, Imagine, and Explore in the new Youth Services Department! Our cheerful new space features brightly painted walls, more natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy study rooms, a Computer Lab, and a Craft Room. A new Program Room features a magical lighting system that can reflect the light of a sunny day, the twinkle of a starry evening, and the constellations of a night sky.
The Youth Services Department offers programs, services, and a vast collection of materials for children from infancy through eighth grade.
- An inviting preschool area includes a music listening station, comfy couches, books, videos, and computer software selected especially for our youngest patrons.
- Storytimes, reading clubs, and other activities offer year-round opportunities for kids of all ages to share the joy of reading with friends and family.
- Internet classes help kids and parents learn how to safely use online resources for entertainment and school projects.
- A year-round program and activity calendar offers complete information about Library programs, activities, and special events for kids and families.
- A modern Computer Lab provides young patrons with Internet access, online research resources, word processing software, and other tools for homework and school projects.
- A Junior High area furnished with comfortable seating and a music listening station provides middle school students a special place to read, study, and relax.
- The Ardell Faulhaber Parent-Teacher collection includes books and other resources that address issues of child development and learning.
- The Jeanne and Paul Simon Braille Book Collection offers books for pre-readers through eighth grade. The collection includes more than 160 titles, with two copies of each available so that children can read with a tutor, parent, or friend.
- A Homeschool Resource file is available in the Youth Services reference area to provide home educators with information, support, and resources.
- Many teacher resources and classroom services are available to Skokie schools. for more information about the Library’s resources for teachers.
- Come On In! offers a Special Needs Collection, an adapted computer, activity bins, and programs for children with disabilities. Resource books and videos for parents and professionals who care for children with special needs are available in the Parent-Teacher and Adult Nonfiction collections.
- The Bookmobile makes seventeen weekly stops, carrying Library materials to locations all over Skokie.
Policies and Services for Borrowing Materials
Applications for library borrower's cards are available at the Circulation Desks, or online. Two forms of identification, such as a current driver's license, voter registration card, lease, or utility bill to demonstrate Skokie residency are required. Applicants aged 16 and under need the signature of a parent or guardian. Current Skokie library cardholders are also entitled to basic borrowing privileges at any of the forty-four North Suburban Library System member public libraries.
| Library cards | Non-Skokie residents | Material barcodes |
| Loan periods | Extended loan fees | Interlibrary loan |
| Renewals | Lost materials | Library Express |
| Reserves | Lost Library cards | LINKin |