I have many fond memories of the Lake Forest Library, so I love taking my kids there for a day trip. Growing up in Lake Forest I spent lots of time at the library, and I always felt like the library was a super important place. I also love the architecture at the Lake Forest Library. Upstairs, it's very official and library-looking with fancy reading rooms and tall ceilings. But downstairs, you'll find a magical children's section. The Children's Library was most recently renovated in 2009, and it's gorgeous.

From the outside, the Lake Forest Library looks like a regular building, but as soon as you walk in, you can choose to turn to your left or your right, and you'll find staircases leading down to the Children's Library.

At the bottom of the stairs is the official entrance to the Children's Library. The murals and artwork are amazing. Before you enter, you'll see that there are four bathrooms. Be sure to ask for the bathroom keys inside at the front desk. You don't want to miss the bathrooms here. They are beautiful and season themed. This may sound silly, but we love to check out bathrooms with our kids. It's a fun way to get them excited about making a bathroom stop.

Inside, you'll notice lots of books! There is also a beautiful bronze and wood sculpture by Sylvia Shaw Judson of kids climbing a tree to read.

Past that, you'll find a stage with lots of puppets for kids to put on a show.

Throughout the rest of the library, you'll find lots of little cozy spots for reading and absolutely beautiful decor and artwork throughout.

Our family loves sitting and snuggling up with books and enjoying stories together in the library so Lake Forest Library is one of our favorite libraries to visit!

Of course, if you get hungry or would like a treat, once you are at the library, you aren't far from downtown Lake Forest where there are plenty of places to stop to eat or grab a treat. We like to stop at the ice cream counter at Sweet's of Lake Forest because it's been around since I was little, but you can also find lots of options for treats at Sweet Pete's! See Little Lake County's review of Sweet Pete's for a sneak peek inside!

In 2016, Lake Forest Library responded with outstanding programs, resources and services to nearly 1,300 daily visitors pursuing information, education, entertainment and community. In addition to print and electronic resources, the Library offered one-on-one technology help, book selection assistance, book discussions, homebound services, music circles, reading programs and hundreds of children’s programs.

Lake Forest Library has been named a “star library” for the fifth consecutive year by Library Journal. The Library is one of 260 libraries (19 in Illinois) to receive this national recognition. Star ratings are based on the annual number of library visits, materials checked out, electronic circulation, program attendance and public internet computer use.

Kids gathered on the lawn of the Lake Forest Library on July 28 to paint on canvas boards, which they were able to take home.

Reptomania, a program presented by The Science Alliance, came to the Lake Forest Library on Thursday, July 7. Kids were able to handle and learn about a variety of reptiles from presenter Steve Schindler.