There’s so much to do for kids at the Main Library! Let’s take a look around.
Visiting for the first time?
Check out our social narrative virtual tutorial and/or download a print version (pdf).
For babies, toddlers & caregivers
New! Baby Garden
A space for our youngest children to explore in a contained area.
Nursing pod
Caregivers looking for a space to breastfeed, pump, or bottle feed are welcome to use our Mamava lactation suite. The ADA-compliant nursing pod accommodates wheelchairs, and inside users will find grab bars, benches, a mirror, a shelf, coat hooks, a USB port, and outlets. (Plus select library books!)
Those who wish to use the pod can request the keypad code to open the pod at the service desk in the Children’s Services area. Users also can download the Mamava app to unlock the pod, as well as find other user-submitted lactation spaces.
Nursing mothers are welcome—and have the right—to breastfeed anywhere in the library. More about Illinois breastfeeding laws »
The nursing pod was financed through proceeds from the Fallon Family Fund, an endowment fund focused on helping deliver cutting-edge projects and resources for all of our community’s children and families.
For preschoolers
New! Play areas
Engage in imaginative play with our new diner and interactive walls, perfect for preschoolers.
For grade schoolers
Acorn Lab
Create, explore, and play inside this mini makerspace for ages 4+ with adult supervision. Stop in Monday-Friday, 3-6 pm, and for occasional pop-up programs!
Computers
Use one of 8 computers to access the internet—check out our list of kid-friendly websites, curated by librarians. Visit the service desk to reserve a computer for up to 45 minutes (can request more time if no one is waiting).
Study rooms
Study inside one of two study rooms, especially for grades K-5. To reserve, call 708.383.8200 (select option 3) or visit the service desk (reserve up to two hours at a time, up to one week in advance, once per week).
All ages
- Check out toys and games at the service desk.
- Use fidgets, DIY visual schedules, and core language boards for successful visits, available at the service desk.
- Complete a scavenger hunt (new each month!).
- Visit our fish—they’re all named Jenny.
