Check the Library

Virtual Reality

Have you ever wanted to climb a mountain? Well, now you can! Try the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset and explore an underwater safari park, ride wild roller coasters, or fight a robot uprising.

  • Visitors age 13 and up may participate.
  • To reserve your one-hour VR session, please call the 2nd Floor Information Desk at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Participants, including all members of a participating group, must have signed waivers. Waivers of participants between the ages of 13 and 17 must be signed by a parent or legal guardian at the library and witnessed by a staff member.

Game with friends in The Middle

Middle school students are invited to play video games at the library! Visit the The Middle in the Youth Department to use an Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii.

Volunteers of all ages can help make our community a better place

The library has opportunities for students in middle school and high school, or adults 18 and older, to volunteer inside the library or locally in the community.

Your contributions will provide an enriching experience for you and your neighbors.

The Middle Squad

Join The Middle Squad to stay involved over summer break or keep busy during the school year.

  • Have fun while fulfilling service hour requirements
  • Want to get involved? Fill out an application today
  • Whether you volunteer during the school year or over summer break, we show our appreciation with end-of-program “thank you” parties!

For information regarding middle school volunteer opportunities, please contact our Middle School Librarian

High School Summer Volunteer Program

Learn new skills and build your résumé by joining the High School Summer Volunteer Program. Between June and August, gain experience with clerical tasks, create digital content, and earn the chance to write blog entries for the GEPL website. Fill out an application.

High School Leadership Council

The High School Leadership Council at Glen Ellyn Public Library meets September – May. Homeschool, Glenbard South, Glenbard West, St. Francis, Montini, Fenwick, Wheaton Academy, or Benet Academy students are invited to apply.

  • Develop leadership and teamwork skills in a supportive environment
  • Participate in activities like setting up long-term goals or completing one-day projects
  • Depending on your skills and interests, perform tasks that we think you’ll enjoy

For information regarding high school volunteer opportunities, please contact our Young Adult Librarian

Find additional opportunities for teenagers to volunteer outside the library.

Volunteer opportunities for adults include

Home Delivery

Help deliver library materials to members of the community who are permanently or temporarily unable to visit the library. Please fill out our volunteer application if you are interested in becoming a long-term home delivery volunteer. Please check “applying for specific position” and specify “home delivery.”

Next Chapter Book Club

Become a trained facilitator and volunteer to work with the Next Chapter Book Club.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

For more information regarding home delivery, materials processing, and other volunteer opportunities at the library, please contact the library by email at director followed by @gepl.org.

Join our email lists to stay informed

Our GEPL e-newsletters provide general and interest-specific information about the library. Join now!

  • Choose Bookmark It! and receive an email each Sunday evening about upcoming library events
  • Choose Meet the Artist and receive an invitation to our monthly Meet the Artist reception for personal interaction and viewing of the featured artwork
  • Choose The Middle Files and receive monthly emails that contain book reviews and suggestions, middle school member profiles, and activities for grades 6-8
  • Choose L2B Communications and receive monthly emails about tools that will help you start, improve, or grow your small business or non-profit

Browse youth display case collections when you visit the Youth Department

When you enter the Youth Department, you may notice the colorful display cases featuring the most prized possessions of our young GEPL members.

  • To queue your child’s collection, stop by the Youth Desk or send an email to gepldisplaycase followed by @gepl.org
  • Lots of children are eager to have their items put on display, so it may be a while before a collection gets its time to shine, but it’s worth the wait!
  • When it’s your child’s turn, a library staff member will send an email to confirm that you are still interested, and you will receive instructions for drop off and pick up

Get on our network

Access free Wi-Fi during library hours. Be sure to save your work periodically, as Wi-Fi access ends five minutes before closing time.

Learn More
  • For more information, please visit the 2nd Floor Information or Youth desk
  • For more detailed information, please contact our Information Technology Manager

The library is an ally to low-income families

The Open Books Open Doors Subsidy offers library cards to low-income families who live in unincorporated Glen Ellyn.

  • Library cards are also offered to those in unincorporated towns other than Glen Ellyn who have a student attending Glenbard West or Glenbard South or schools in District 41 or 89
  • Individuals living in unincorporated Glen Ellyn who have an Illinois LINK card also qualify for assistance
Learn More
  • If you believe that you qualify for our Open Books, Open Doors program, please see our Applicant Brochure
  • For more information, please contact Maria Tachna, Business Manager, by email at mtachna followed by @gepl.org or 630-790-6761

Take advantage of museum passes and plan a day of educational fun

‪With the library’s Museum Adventure Pass, you will find discounts to museums like the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn and LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg!

Learn More
  • For more information, any Circulation Department Librarian would be happy to assist

Skip your local coffee shop and make the library your only stop

Grab a freshly brewed coffee at The Cafe, located on the 1st floor near the Youth Department.

  • Indulge in a delicious soup, sandwich, or freshly-baked cookie
  • The Cafe serves tea and locally roasted coffee from I Have a Bean
  • The Cafe regularly offers new menu items. Stop by often so you don’t miss out on limited-time tasty treats
Learn More

Visit Us

Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 1-5 pm
400 Duane Street
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
630-469-0879

More Than Books

“More Than Books” is not just a catchy tag line—it’s a statement about our library and the value we provide to our community. But have you ever wondered just how we’re more than books?
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