Lake Forest Library is again open for brief visits by the public to browse the collections, check out items, copy and print documents, and more! Masks over your nose and mouth and social distancing are required while in the building. Please do not visit in groups.
Hours the building is open starting February 15
The first hour until 11:00 am is reserved for individuals with special health concerns.
Monday–Friday: 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Services available
More details below
- 30-minute visits per day
- Copiers and printer available
- Contactless holds pickup in the Library Foyer
- Print from Anywhere remote printing with pickup in the Library Foyer
- Contactless self-check option in the Library Rotunda
- 24/7 Digital Library with eBooks, streaming movies, database access, and more
- Reference assistance by email, phone, and chat
- Personal assistance in picking out materials via email, phone, or chat
- Virtual one-on-one Tech Help appointments
- Magazines checkout
- DVD2GO machine in the West Train Station
- Materials return in the outside bins at the Library and in the wall slots at the West Train Station
- Homebound delivery
On-site Services not yet available
- Public computer use
(One computer will be available with a 15 minute limit to print documents) - Media Lab appointments
- Extended stays for sitting, reading, and studying
Grab-and-Go Carry Out
Services include:
- DIGITAL LIBRARY: Library digital materials and virtual reference services continue to be available by phone and online. Visit www.lakeforestlibrary.org/digital.
- HOLDS: We encourage you to place items on hold for grab-and-go pickup in the Library Foyer. Access materials from 28 area libraries and place holds for pickup at Lake Forest Library using the online catalog at www.lakeforestlibrary.org/catalog.
- BRIEF VISITS: Starting Monday, February 15, we ask that your visits to the building last no longer than 30 minutes. You can browse the collections, but there will be no seating in extended reading or studying spaces and no access to public computers or the Media Lab. Masks and social distancing are required while in the building, and please do not visit in groups.
- SELF-CHECK: If you choose to browse in the building and would prefer a contactless checkout option, a self-check machine will be available in the Rotunda.
- COPIERS & PRINTING: Coin-operated copiers and one computer as a print station will be available. You can also continue to use our Print from Anywhere service and we will print your documents and leave them in the Foyer for you to pick up.
- VIRTUAL TECH HELP: Need help with your personal devices or using Library digital resources and apps? Make an appointment for one-on-one virtual Tech Help.
Lake Forest Library thanks you for your continued support as we work to reopen the building while keeping patrons and staff as safe as possible. By keeping your visits brief and focused on grab-and-go carry out service, we hope that we can continue to keep the building open. For the Library's current status, visit www.lakeforestlibrary.org/status.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has moved Region 9 (which includes Lake County) from Tier 1 mitigations to Phase 4 under the State's Restore Illinois Plan. "We're excited to see the transmission of the virus declining to allow for additional loosening of restrictions," said Melissa Adamson, Public Health Administrator for the McHenry County Department of Health. "The way forward, to Phase 5, will continue to demand that we practice the universal precautions to minimize the circulation of the virus. This includes staying home if you feel ill or were in contact with someone who is known to have the virus. Someone who gets the virus might be asymptomatic, but that individual is still able to pass the virus along to someone who might not be as fortunate."