The West Chicago Public Library District is committed to helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits thrive in the West Chicago area. With a wide range of resources and services, the library could be an invaluable asset for businesses in our Western DuPage County community, and beyond. From market research tools and expert-led workshops, to networking events and access to crucial legal and financial guidance, the library offers the support that both established businesses and new startups need. Whether you’re seeking practical advice, a collaborative space to work, or tools to help with in-depth research, the library is here to help you grow and succeed!
Your Comprehensive Business Resource Center in West Chicago
As your small business hub in West Chicago, the Public Library unites essential resources entrepreneurs could leverage to succeed, providing support and guidance to help DuPage County businesses flourish. We are proud to offer small business owners access to vital tools, current market research, industry databases, and professional development resources that could help you transform entrepreneurial ideas into thriving businesses.
Whether you’re launching a new business or looking for ways to expand, West Chicago’s library offers business development resources including:
- Free business programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Access to valuable market research and business data
- Subscriptions to essential business tools and databases
- Dedicated spaces for meetings and collaboration
Get Started With a Business Library Card
If your business operates within the West Chicago Library District’s boundaries, you may be eligible for a Business Library Card, even if you don’t personally live in the area!
Business Library Cards are available to businesses and organizations located within the district when requested by an authorized representative. Applications are available at the circulation desk and must be completed in person.
To apply, you’ll need to provide current documentation (dated within the last year) showing the business name and address. Acceptable documents include a business license, a property tax bill, or utility bill in the name of the business owner or manager.
Business Library Cards are valid for one year and allow the cardholder and up to three authorized employees to use library services, just like a standard library card! If you have any questions about eligibility or documentation, library staff are happy to help walk you through the process.
Book a Librarian For Your Business
Get professional assistance with Business Resources at West Chicago Public Library.
Our Adult Services team is ready to help you maximize the potential of the library’s business resources. Book an appointment today to receive personalized assistance and learn how to leverage our resources for your business in West Chicago.
Databases for Business Use
Running a small business often means handling many different tasks and keeping day-to-day operations moving. There isn’t always time to look for additional help or sort through available resources, especially when they’re not easy to find. The good news is that our staff are standing by, ready to help you access the resources we have available. Here’s a quick look at some of the databases the library offers that can actually help your business.
A to Z Databases is great if you need real information about the people and businesses around you. You could build mailing lists, research neighborhoods, look for potential customers, or even explore hiring leads.
A to Z DatabasesCheck Illinois through Record Information Services comes in handy when you need to verify details. Property records, contact info, background details. Things you might want to double-check before signing a lease, choosing a vendor, or entering into a partnership. Record Information Service gives you deeper access to Illinois public records, particularly those related to real estate. If your company interacts with real estate in any way, or if you simply want a better understanding of what’s happening locally, this can be helpful.
Illinois Record Information ServicesEBSCOhost gives you access to business books and journals that normally cost a significant amount of money. If you want to read about marketing, management, finance, or workplace trends without paying for multiple subscriptions, the library provides access to many of these powerful materials.
EBSCOhostExplora works well when you’re researching something new and don’t want to wade through unreliable search results. It’s a practical place to get background information or explore an idea without distractions or ads.
ExploraFinancialFit focuses on money, but in a way that’s readily approachable. Budgeting, credit, debt, planning ahead. Much of what business owners deal with, especially when personal and business finances overlap.
FinancialFitOne of the most useful tools listed here, however, is Fox Valley SCORE. You get access to experienced business mentors for free. Having someone to talk things through with could potentially save you loads of time and stress.
Fox Valley SCOREThe U.S. Small Business Administration is a reliable source for straightforward and official information. Loans, grants, planning help, along with the rules and regulations every business owner needs to understand.
U.S.S.B.A.Small Business Source is built specifically for small business owners. It contains useful tools, videos, and books that guide you through tasks like creating a business plan or enhancing day-to-day operations. Whether you’re new or just trying to tighten things up, it’s helpful.
Small Business SourceTaken together, these resources offer research, guidance, and support that would normally come with a large price-tag, or take a significant time investment to figure out on your own. These tools won’t run your business for you, but they might make routine tasks and decisions easier, more effective, or more efficient.
Library of Things
As a small business owner in West Chicago, you might not be aware of the our unique Library of Things: a collection of tools and equipment available for checkout that could possibly help your business grow. From Chromebooks and portable scanner kits to tripods, projectors, screens, and even a wireless remote presenter, the library offers resources that support a variety of common business needs.
With all these resources available for checkout, you can access the latest technology without large upfront costs. Instead of buying expensive capital on your own, you could try things out first and see what actually works for you, potentially saving time and money as your business grows.
Magazines & Newspapers
West Chicago offers a range of magazines and newspapers that provide business information and industry reporting. Our collection includes some of the most reputable publications like Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Forbes, Fortune, and WSJ Magazine. These resources provide market data, industry reporting, and practical guidance for small businesses, whether you operate locally or are planning to expand.
A West Chicago Library card is more powerful than most people realize. More than just access to books, it gives you practical tools, research, and support that could possibly help your business run smoother, make smarter decisions, and save money along the way.
Programs and Events
The West Chicago Public Library offers business development programs and career advancement workshops on a regular basis to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners. To find out more about upcoming business workshops and programs, check out our Events Calendar.
Meeting and Private Work Spaces
Not every business meeting needs to be held at a coffee shop. Sometimes you need privacy, a screen, or just a quiet room where everyone can focus and talk things through without distractions.
The West Chicago Public Library offers meeting and study rooms that work well for small business needs.
The conference room is designed for small group meetings and holds 1 to 10 people. The room measures 11’2” x 19’2” and includes a flat screen with an HDMI hookup, making it easy to connect a laptop for presentations or video calls.
The room may be reserved for up to two hours, with extensions possible depending on demand. Reservations can be made up to one week in advance online, by phone, or in person. The room may be reserved by those ages 12 and older.
If a reservation is not filled within thirty minutes of the scheduled start time, it may be removed.
Reserve the Conference Room!Study Room 1 is ideal for small group work, holding 1 to 6 people. The room measures 13’7” x 12’2” and includes a whiteboard, which is useful for brainstorming, outlining ideas, or working through plans together.
Reservations follow the same guidelines as the conference room and may be made for up to two hours, with possible extensions based on availability.
Reserve Study Room 1!Study Room 2 is suited for slightly smaller groups of 1 to 5 people. The room measures 11’1” x 9’10” and also includes a whiteboard.
Reservations are available up to one week in advance and follow the same time limits and age requirements. As with other rooms, reservations may be removed if not filled within thirty minutes of the reserved time.
Reserve Study Room 2For larger meetings or public-facing events, the library offers a program room on the first floor that can hold up to 60 people. This space is best suited for presentations or informational programs that are open to the public.
Local businesses may use the program room for free educational or informational events that align with the library’s mission including seminars, demonstrations, or community-focused programs where the goal is to share information (rather than sell products or services).
The program room is available by reservation during regular library hours and must be requested at least two weeks in advance. Reservations are handled through the library’s Public Relations Specialist, and an application is required. A $10 per hour reservation fee applies for business use for a maximum of 3 hours per month, with some limited exceptions for library partnerships.
The room includes tables, chairs, a large television with HDMI connection, a podium, and basic amenities. Room setup must be arranged in advance, and meetings must end before the library closes.
If you’re unsure whether your event qualifies, library staff can help you review the guidelines before you apply.
Program Room Policy & Application!These rooms could give business owners a flexible option for meeting and working without the cost of renting space elsewhere. They’re practical, easy to reserve, and right around the corner!
One-on-One Computer Help for Businesses and Staff
The West Chicago Public Library offers personalized, one-on-one computer instruction designed to support business owners and their employees. Sessions are led by the library’s IT Librarian and can be tailored to your specific needs, from improving basic computer skills to learning how to work more efficiently with the tools you already have!
Appointments can focus on everyday workplace tasks like managing email, organizing files, using the internet more effectively, and creating documents or spreadsheets. More advanced help is also available, including support with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, whether you are on a Mac or using Windows. We now also offer assistance with Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel!
This service could assist business owners who want to streamline their own workflow, as well as for employees who need extra support or training to feel more confident with technology.
If you’re unsure whether this service is a good fit for your business or your staff, library staff are happy to talk it through with you! Appointments can be scheduled through the library’s website.
Supporting West Chicago Businesses with Library Resources
Running a business means making decisions every day, often without much guidance. The West Chicago Public Library offers information, technology, training, meeting spaces, and quiet areas for getting work done. You don’t need to have everything figured out to get started with our services. Bring a question, explore a resource, attend a program, or talk with a librarian. However you choose to begin, we are here to support your work and your growth, right here in West Chicago. Contact us to get started today!