Queens Borough Public Library – Astoria

This is a small library but the customer service is really good and so are the resources. There have been plenty of times when the only places I could find a particular movie or book were the Central Library or here. Bravo to the staff here. It’s a neighborhood gem.

I just got back from this library (my first time there) and it was horrible. After I return this book, I am done. I had put a book on hold (which, actually, a nice and friendly man put on hold when I called earlier this week). When I approached the front desk and told her I had a book on hold she gave me a weird look (do people not put books on hold in a LIBRARY??). Anyway, after I gave her my name, she seemed bothered and overall annoyed as she went to some random area to retrieve my book. I told her I needed a library card too (which I had said initially) and she mumbled something about seeing some other woman about that. What women?! Where?! Was not told until some woman approached the other desk area. She was EVEN WORSE. She gave me an application and said I would need ID. So I started filling out the application and she barked at me to give her my ID (which I thought I’d do all at the same time when I finished the application).
I was getting so annoyed at this point. Finally, she didn’t print my card and just stared at me as I waited for my card. Ok, I thought, maybe they just keep my name in the system. So I said I have a book on hold. She said where is it so I told her it should be at the desk (considering the woman made a whole fuss about retrieving it). Well guess what? The book wasn’t there it was put back in the same spot across the room far far away from the desk to process taking it out! Because that made a lot of sense… So the other woman gets me the book and I thought the woman who got me the book could process it (I mean she clearly was very busy), but no I had to go back to the card lady for that. So I finally have my book and said I“d like to check it out. What does she say: Where is your card? REALLY. JUST REALLY. I finally was so fed up I told said in an annoyed tone «you didn’t GIVE me a card!». She was clearly embarrassed and finally gave me the card. Yeah, because I came all the way there to give the woman my contact info for nothing– no card, no book. I will not be returning. I understand the books are free and these librarians probably make very little, but come on– a little courtesy goes a long way!

quiet, small its great. only thing, bathroom could be cleaner