What Do You Love About Your Library? Library Love Superlatives

Reaching Forward North is a professional development conference for library support staff in central and northern Illinois put on by the Illinois Library Association. This took place on May 1, 2025. The staff at RAILS operated a booth at the conference and hosted a giveaway. Participants of the conference entered to win a $50 Bookshop.org gift card by submitting what they love about their library. We had an overwhelming number of responses about library love. We have taken some responses and categorized them into superlatives!

Most Adaptable

Franklin Park Public Library

"I love that all my coworkers are willing to jump in and help with anything. A program, clean up, weeding, or advice." - Alyssa

Bartlett Public Library District 

"I love our staff and patrons! As a staff, we work together to help each other and our patrons as much as possible. All of us are willing to jump in at any time, especially in a bind. Wouldn’t ask for a better team to work with!" - Katie C.

Fishiest

Woodstock Public Library  

"[I love...] our 400-gallon saltwater tank aquarium and all our fishy friends." - Carrie

Most Storybook

Lisle Library District

"[I love... ] Our staff! (Including our two library turtles – Jack & Jill)"  - Karalyn C. 

Eisenhower Public Library District

"I love working at my library as a children’s librarian because every day feels like stepping into a storybook, where I get to be part guide, part magician, and part co adventurer in a world where imaginations run wild, and every question is a doorway." - Victoria L.

Most to the Point  

Messenger Public Library

"[I love...] our teamwork" - Dawn R. 

Harper College  

"I work there and my team is the best!" - Christine K.

Craftiest

Skokie Public Library

"[I love...] Everything. The Studio Makerspace. 😊" - Adnana M.

Most Emphatic

Riverdale Public Library District

"[I love...] my community. THE BOOKS!!" -Ehron B.

Best Customer Service

Schaumburg Library

"#1 customer services" -Vishal

Coziest

Indian Prairie Public Library

"I love the physical spaces in our library that are crafted for individuals to gather or hide away, socialize or get cozy, or even game and come together." - Monet

Prospect Heights Public Library

"We are a small, cozy library with a dedicated, talented staff!" - Terri M.

Most Dreams Realized

Helen Plum Library

"I love the atmosphere and the inclusivity. It was my childhood library and now I work there. 🧡 📚" - Jenn

Coolest with the Teens

Naperville Public Library

"I love the intergenerational programming we offer and how much respect and love we show to our teenagers as they are a major part of our community!" - Emma Y.

Most Vicissitudinal

Gail Borden Public Library

"[I love...] the way we support our patron at each stage of their life. Our kids programs ranging from story time to coming to their schools. Having events where adults can learn new skills. Promoting our older patrons to remain connected by bringing them books and encouraging visits from retirement homes." - Ramiro A.

Most We're All in This Together

Fox River Valley Library

"[I love...] the YS [Youth Services] department specifically is so collaborative. We can all have fun while also working together to provide the best programming and experience for our patrons." -Danielle

Round Lake Area Public Library

"[I love...] the opportunity to collaborate with other departments and that we provide bilingual programs." -Julie

Third Space Approved 

Indian Trails Public Library District

"I love that we’re a third space for our community, and I love how many different ways people use the library! It’s great to see how active and collaborative our space can be!" -Juli W.

Thank you so much to everyone who shared their library love. We didn't feature every comment in this post, but please continue sharing your library appreciation with your coworkers and patrons!