Glenview Public Library
Glenview Public Library is a publicly funded Illinois library district serving Glenview residents with free physical and digital collections, an Innovation Center makerspace, community programs, and mobile and online access via BiblioCommons, Libby, hoopla, and kanopy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersGlenview, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Glenview Public Library does
Glenview Public Library (GPL) is a public library district organized under Illinois law, serving the residents of incorporated Glenview, Illinois, from its main facility at 1930 Glenview Road. It is governed by a seven-member elected Board of Trustees under the Illinois Library Act, with no parent company or private ownership. The library is led by Executive Library Director Lindsey Dorfman, supported by Deputy Director Teri Room and Outreach Manager Janet McIntyre. GPL functions as a free, publicly funded community institution rather than a commercial enterprise, distributing services through its physical location, a BiblioCommons-powered website (launched January 2023), iOS/Android mobile app, drive-up window, and partner networks including CCS and interlibrary loan.
The library's product and service portfolio spans physical lending collections (where children's materials represent 66% of all checkouts), a comprehensive digital library ecosystem (Libby/OverDrive, hoopla, kanopy, Creativebug, Flipster, PressReader, Mango Languages, SORA, TumbleBooks, Comics Plus), an Innovation Center makerspace offering 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, sublimation, and embroidery on a pay-per-use material basis, and a Library of Things. Community programming includes the Glenview Reads Together annual citywide read, Summer @ GPL, Community Connections panel series, youth and teen services, educator outreach to Glenview School District 34 and Glenbrook South High School, and ancillary public services such as notary, passport acceptance, and test proctoring. Accessibility infrastructure includes hearing loops, TTY, ADA workstations, a Merlin HD video magnifier, and wheelchair availability.
GPL's economic model is tax-revenue funded as a public institution, supplemented by donations, grants, and minor transactional fees. Capital improvements totaling approximately $1,756,000 (lobby café, Youth Services Play Space, seven new study rooms) are funded through special reserves, the GPL Foundation capital campaign, and approximately $70,000 from the Illinois Public Library Construction Grant Program. The library partners with Glenview Bank & Trust as primary corporate sponsor, the Friends of GPL (which operates the Used Bookstore and recently donated $25,000 for Lucky Day eBooks), and the GPL Foundation (which funds Glenview Reads Together at $9,000 annually and the Summer Reading Program at $3,000). Digital content accounted for 32% of the collections budget in 2025, with digital checkouts up 72% since 2021, indicating meaningful channel mix evolution within the publicly funded operating model.
Glenview Public Library firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Glenview Public Library
- Legal name
- Glenview Public Library
- Website
- https://glenviewpl.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Glenview Public Library is a publicly funded Illinois library district serving Glenview residents with free physical and digital collections, an Innovation Center makerspace, community programs, and mobile and online access via BiblioCommons, Libby, hoopla, and kanopy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Glenview Public Library industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL)
Keywords
Where Glenview Public Library is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Glenview
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Glenview Public Library business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Public Funding (Tax Revenue): Glenview Public Library is a public institution primarily funded through local tax revenue, serving residents of incorporated Glenview.
- Donations and Grants: The library receives support through the Glenview Public Library Foundation and Friends of GPL, including grants for specific programs and capital improvements.
- Fines and Fees: Library eliminated overdue fines in 2020 but charges replacement fees for lost or damaged items and billing for materials not returned after 45 days past due date. Collections fee of $10 may be assessed after 66 days.
- Innovation Center Materials: Fees charged for materials used in the Innovation Center including 3D prints (5 cents/gram), laser cutting materials, vinyl sheets, and craft supplies.
- Used Bookstore Sales: The Friends of GPL Used Bookstore sells donated materials with proceeds supporting library programs and services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Annual | Standard Library Services - Free with Card |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Innovation Center Material Fees |
| Freemium | Monthly | Digital Content Platforms |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Glenview Public Library product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Glenview Public Library is a publicly funded public library district that lends physical and digital materials (books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines) to Glenview residents via a library card, and operates community programs, study/meeting rooms, and an Innovation Center makerspace. It also offers public services such as notary, passport acceptance, test proctoring, museum passes, and accessibility accommodations, supported by BiblioCommons catalog technology and a mobile app.
Product overview
Glenview Public Library operates as a unified public library system offering physical and digital collections, facilities, and programs. The core offering includes traditional library lending (books, DVDs, CDs) supplemented by a digital ecosystem powered by BiblioCommons for catalog management and user accounts. Digital content is delivered through multiple platforms including Libby/OverDrive for eBooks and audiobooks, hoopla for streaming media, kanopy for video, and Creativebug for crafting tutorials. The library maintains specialized facilities including an Innovation Center (makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters), a Library of Things lending collection, and recently expanded Youth Services play space. Community programs include Glenview Reads Together annual reading program, Community Connections panel discussions, and extensive youth services with storytimes and classroom visits. The library serves over 325,000 annual visitors with 66% of checkouts being children's materials.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Glenview Reads Together: Annual community-wide reading program encouraging community members to read the same book, connect with neighbors, and engage in thought-provoking conversations.
- Summer @ GPL
- Community Connections
Products and services
- GPL App Mobile application available on Apple App Store and Google Play for Android that enables Glenview Public Library patrons to discover new titles, place holds, manage accounts, register for events, access digital library cards, and manage multiple family library accounts.
- Digital Library (Libby/OverDrive) eBook and audiobook lending service accessible via Libby app or dlil.overdrive.com. Patrons can borrow up to 10 titles for 21 days, with magazines checked out for 14 days. Includes Lucky Day collection for instant no-wait titles.
- hoopla Streaming and download platform for eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, TV shows, magazines, and videos. Borrowers can check out up to 10 items per month with loan periods of 3 days for movies/TV, 7 days for music, and 21 days for eBooks/comics/audiobooks.
- Creativebug Online crafting classes taught by professional artists and designers. Includes patterns, templates, and recipes available for download, accessible free with a library card.
- kanopy Streaming video service offering movies, documentaries, and educational content. Users receive 24 tickets monthly to borrow titles; titles have varying ticket values based on licensing costs.
- Innovation Center Makerspace facility offering equipment including 3D printers, embroidery machines, vinyl cutters, and laser cutters. Patrons receive hands-on instruction and can schedule appointments, with materials available for purchase.
- Library of Things Lending collection of specialized items for entertainment, hobbies, and projects. Includes Backyard Theater Bundle, J Kit STEAM items, Launchpads, Playaway View, and other circulating equipment.
- Youth Services Department Comprehensive children's services including storytimes (drop-in and registered), classroom visits, field trips, play space, and educational programs. Features new picture book categories for browsing.
- Meeting & Study Rooms Public meeting rooms and technology lab available for reservation. Study rooms bookable online up to one week in advance by GPL cardholders. New study rooms for 1-2 people added as part of space improvements.
- Used Book Store Bookstore operated by Friends of GPL accepting gently used books, DVDs, CDs, video games, and LPs. Located in southwest corner of library lobby. Proceeds support library programs.
- Museum Passes Program offering passes to local museums for patron checkout, expanding access to cultural institutions.
- Interlibrary Loan Service enabling patrons to obtain books, articles, and audiovisual items from other libraries when not available in local catalog. Follows policies agreed upon by cooperating libraries.
- Flipster Digital magazine platform offering over 15 popular titles including Better Homes & Gardens, Bloomberg Businessweek, Consumer Reports, People, The Atlantic, and Time. No checkout limits or holds required.
- Glenview Reads Together Annual community-wide reading program encouraging residents to read the same book and engage in discussions. Features author events, book discussions, and related activities.
- Community Connections Panel discussion series facilitating conversations on important community topics and providing opportunities for learning from diverse experiences.
- Notary Public Service Notary services available for patrons requiring document notarization.
- Passport Services Acceptance facility for passport applications, providing convenience for community members.
- Test Proctoring Exam administration service for students and professionals requiring proctored testing environments.
- Accessibility Services Assistive technology services including hearing loop in Community Room and Multipurpose Room, TTY for patron use, ADA Computer Workstation with large print keyboard and trackball mouse, Merlin HD video magnifier, and wheelchair availability.
- Educator Services Services for teachers including classroom visits for grades K-12, field trips, customized digital resource orientations, and STEM education program outreach to K-8th grade classrooms.
- Youth Services Play Space Redesigned children's department space combining books with play-based learning. First major update to the children's department since the library was built in 2010, featuring new play structures and updated furniture.
- New Website and Catalog (BiblioCommons) Library website and catalog platform powered by BiblioCommons, providing enhanced search using natural language, improved browsing for best sellers and award winners, integrated catalog and events calendar, social features for rating/reviewing titles and sharing recommendations, and a mobile-friendly design.
Quantifiable outcome
- 325,000+ annual visitors representing significant community usage
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Glenview Public Library
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Glenview Public Library technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
Feature4 records
Glenview Public Library partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- CATCH (Community Action Together for Children's Health)minorNon-profit organization partnering with library to enhance mental health coping kits distributed to incoming Glenbrook South freshmen. Library contributes relevant resources to kits.
- Glenview Public Library FoundationcorePrimary fundraising arm of the library that invests in new programs and services. Provides grants for Glenview Reads Together ($9,000 annually), Summer Reading Program ($3,000), Youth Services Play Space, and capital improvements. Website: gplfoundation.com
- Friends of Glenview Public LibrarycoreVolunteer organization operating the Used Bookstore in the library lobby. Supports library programs through donations and bookstore proceeds. Recently donated $25,000 for Lucky Day eBook collection.
- Glenview GrindcoreLocal coffee shop partnered with library for new lobby vending café offering hot and cold coffee drinks, with upgraded vending machines for fresh food options. Part of space improvement project.
- Glenview School District 34corePartnership with local school district for educator services, classroom visits, field trips, and outreach programs. Library staff visit classrooms for grades K-12 and host school field trips.
- Glenbrook South High SchoolminorLocal high school with partnership for CATCH mental health kits program and volunteer opportunities for students at the library.
- BiblioCommonscoreSoftware company providing the library's website and catalog platform with enhanced search, social features, event calendar integration, and mobile-friendly design. Launched new website January 2023.
- Youth Services of Glenview/NorthbrookminorCommunity organization partnered to create the Kindness Rock Garden at the library as part of volunteer Emi Lewis's mitzvah project.
- Village of GlenviewcoreLocal municipal government partner with strong collaboration on community programs, Reading Terrace at Jackman Park, and community resources.
- Glenview Park DistrictcoreLocal park district partner for community programs, outdoor events like Summer Reading kickoff concerts, and Reading Terrace partnership.
- Studio GC ArchitectsminorArchitecture firm engaged to develop plans for space improvement projects including Youth Services play space redesign, lobby café, and new study rooms.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Glenview Public Library competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Skokie Public Library: Suburban Chicago public library district serving a similarly sized community; offers comparable physical collections, digital lending platforms, and community programming, making it the closest operational peer to Glenview.
- Evanston Public Library: Illinois public library serving a comparable suburban municipality with strong community programming, makerspace offerings, and digital collections; directly comparable in governance model and funding structure.
- Arlington Heights Memorial Library: Suburban Chicago-area public library with comparable service population, makerspace offerings, and digital content investment; similar in funding model and program scope.
- Deerfield Public Library: Adjacent suburban Chicago library serving a similarly affluent community; comparable in scale, governance, and reliance on tax-based funding with strong youth services emphasis.
- Oak Park Public Library: Suburban Illinois public library of comparable scale with a strong focus on community programming, accessibility, and digital lending; very similar in operating model and patron demographics.
- Northbrook Public Library: Adjacent suburban Chicago library district serving a community of similar size and demographics to Glenview, with overlapping resident populations and shared CCS/Polaris consortium membership.
- Vernon Area Public Library: Recently joined the CCS consortium alongside Glenview, adding 179,700 items to the shared catalog; a directly comparable Illinois public library sharing infrastructure and patrons via the same network.
Broad incumbents
- Naperville Public Library: Larger Illinois public library system with multiple branches and broader program offerings; serves as a regional incumbent and scale benchmark for what a mature suburban Illinois library system can deliver.
- Schaumburg Township District Library: Large suburban Illinois library district with extensive programming, maker spaces, and digital services; provides a relevant incumbent benchmark for facility size, collections depth, and operational scale.
Others
- BiblioCommons: Technology vendor powering Glenview's catalog, website, and event calendar; not a competitor but a critical infrastructure and ecosystem peer that shapes the library's digital service delivery.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Glenview Public Library social profiles
Digital presenceGlenview Public Library financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Glenview Public Library leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Glenview Public Library funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Glenview Public Library M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Glenview Public Library
What does Glenview Public Library do?
Glenview Public Library is a publicly funded public library district that lends physical and digital materials (books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines) to Glenview residents via a library card, and operates community programs, study/meeting rooms, and an Innovation Center makerspace. It also offers public services such as notary, passport acceptance, test proctoring, museum passes, and accessibility accommodations, supported by BiblioCommons catalog technology and a mobile app.
Is Glenview Public Library a public or private company?
Glenview Public Library is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Glenview Public Library founded?
Glenview Public Library was founded in -1.
Where is Glenview Public Library based?
Glenview Public Library is headquartered in Glenview, United States, in the North America region.
How does Glenview Public Library make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Public Funding (Tax Revenue) is the primary driver. The others are donations and Grants, fines and Fees, innovation Center Materials and used Bookstore Sales.
Who are Glenview Public Library's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Skokie Public Library, Evanston Public Library, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Deerfield Public Library, Oak Park Public Library, Northbrook Public Library and Vernon Area Public Library. Broad incumbents are Naperville Public Library and Schaumburg Township District Library. BiblioCommons is listed as an others.
Does Glenview Public Library have an API?
No public API is recorded for Glenview Public Library.
What industry is Glenview Public Library in?
Glenview Public Library's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIACAO, Public Libraries & Information Services, with a secondary code of EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management. Its NAICS code is 519210 and its SIC code is 8200.