For college students, the public library might bring back childhood memories. 

But Evanston Public Library boasts more than just storytime. With more than a thousand programs per year, on-call tech support and an on-site social worker, the library offers something for every Northwestern student. There are two locations: the Main Library, which is a quick walk from campus, and the Robert Crown Branch Library, located a little further south.

“The cool thing about the public library is that it’s really a hub for resources,” said Jenette Sturges, the EPL’s communications and marketing manager. “We aim to be the heart of the Evanston community by connecting people to each other and to the resources our community offers.” 

The easiest way to begin your journey at the library is by applying for a library card. The process is simple: Bring your Wildcard and a form of photo identification to the circulation desk, answer some questions and walk out of the door with a card in hand.

Besides letting users check out books, EPL’s library card grants access to a digital, downloadable collection of eBooks and audiobooks, and cardholders have access to streamable movies on Kanopy and free language learning software on Mango.

NU students can also sign up for a temporary eCard to access the physical and digital library by filling out this form. The library also has an app where you can search for books, DVDs and more, according to the website. 

Using computers, study rooms and open seating are also popular ways to take advantage of the library, according to Susan Markwell, Interim Manager of Lifelong Learning and Literacy.

“Some of these spaces are equipped with video-conferencing tech in order to facilitate interviews and meetings over Zoom,” she said.

Beyond selecting books to take home, the library hosts monthly book discussions on certain genres, like sci-fi or LGBTQ+ literature. 

Through a partnership with Transmasculine Alliance of Chicago, the Main Library staff invites non-binary, gender non-conforming, assigned-female-at birth trans or questioning adults to discuss books by trans authors on the fourth Friday of every month.

But, there are also other ways to use the library besides books. Current programming is largely focused on topics like climate action and health. 

“For example, students could attend one of our Narcan training sessions and learn how to administer the life-saving anti-overdose drug Naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose,” Markwell said.

In the name of providing useful resources to residents, you’ll find a full-time social worker at both branches who helps with locating mental health treatment, applying for housing, finding a job and providing legal aid, according to the website.

The library is also actively expanding programming and collections to better reflect Evanston’s makeup. When an NU student applies for a library card, they’ll be asked for their race, ethnicity and languages spoken at home, according to Sturges. 

“We’re learning a lot about the community and who’s actually using the library and what languages they speak and where we’re doing well in terms of reaching people, and where we can be doing better,” she said.

Though NU students have access to libraries on campus, the EPL is an excellent — and close — way to engage with the local community and find useful resources.

“If you want to get a taste of Evanston and want to understand the community in one spot, the library is that spot,” Sturges said.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @charlottehrlich

Related Stories: 

— Evanston Public Library to host LGBTQ+ Book Swap with Evanston Pride

— Moran Center and Evanston Public Library partner to provide eviction expungement

— Evanston Public Library announces summer reading programs for children