New York Public Library

Three helpful hints about all NYPLs:
1.
lists all the branches’ hours and locations.
2. Inter-​library loan is very useful and relatively quick (about a week), so if you don’t see something, they can request it from another branch. This is especially useful if the book you want is two boroughs away.
3. Get a card and set up your online account. I spoke to a librarian to do this, but it might be possible to do it yourself with just your card ID number. The online account is useful for requesting holds and inter-​library loans and for tracking the status of your requests.
My notes on this branch:
The most important thing to know about this library is that it is not going to be here in 2012. Or possibly earlier. Why? Because of the apocalypse? No, because it is moving across the street to its new digs, currently under construction (as of fall 2010).
This library is friendlier than most and less smelly than most. Nonetheless I have encountered «semi-​permanent residents» on the upper level.
I was surprised that they had some recent non-​fiction here. They have various community and kids’ events and readings. During the school year a lot of middle and high school kids hang out here (or at least out in front of the building, maybe they are scared of books).
I look forward to the new building, but I hope the librarians will somehow limit the amount of loiterers and rowdy school kids.