Bookstores & Libraries
Barnes and Noble
- 102 Commons Drive, Geneva (in Geneva Commons)
- 630-262-8568
- Admission Charged: Free
- www.barnesandnoble.com
- Notes: A reader points out that this bookstore has a train table
Batavia Public Library
- 10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia
- 630-879-1393
- Admission Charged: Free
- http://www.bataviapubliclibrary.org/
- Notes: The play area here is more spacious than at many libraries. There are games, puzzles and a playhouse.
Gail Borden Public Library
- 270 N. Grove, Elgin
- 847-742-2411
- Admission Charged: Free
- www.gailborden.info
- Notes: The main branch of the library in Elgin has a children’s area more like an indoor play space than what you’d expect in a typical library. There is a large wooden play structure -- almost like an indoor tree house, plus a large play kitchen. There are plenty of tables at which to play games and puzzles and costumes to play dress-up in, too.
Geneva Public Library
- 127 James St., Geneva
- 630-232-0780
- Admission Charged: Free
- http://www.geneva.lib.il.us/
- Notes: This library offers a small sunken area where kids can read books and play with puzzles, plus a gerbil to visit.
Glen Ellyn Public Library
- 400 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn
- 630-469-0879
- Admission Charged: Free
- http://www.gepl.org/
- Notes: A reader says, "There is a train table, puzzles, animal figures, and blocks to play with in a nice space. They also have drop in storytimes Tuesday through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. open to everyone." (Check the library's website for details and the schedule. This reader also says the library sponsors a vast amount of drop-in activities open to anyone, despite where you live.)
Oswego Public Library District
- 111 Reading Drive, Montgomery
- 630-554-3150
- Admission Charged: Free
- www.oswego.lib.il.us
- Notes: A reader says, "The brand new Montgomery library has a large, bright and spacious children's section with lots of room for (quiet!) play and reading." Read about a Go West visit to the Montgomery campus by clicking here.
Oswego Public Library District
- 32 W. Jefferson St., Oswego
- 630-554-3150
- Admission Charged: Free
- www.oswego.lib.il.us
- Notes: A reader says, "The newly renovated Oswego library has a large children's play and reading area, and even features a wall of windows that looks out over the Waubonsie Creek valley."
St. Charles Public Library
- One South 6th Ave., St. Charles
- 630-584-0076
- Admission Charged: Free
- www.stcharleslibrary.org
- Notes: This library has a cool table where kids can play with a number of puzzles, along with a train car (decorated like it’s used by a circus) they can read books inside.