Queens Library – Sunnyside Branch

I’ve been to other libraries in Manhattan and Brooklyn and so far this has been the only library where the librarians are unhelpful and rude. So not nice it makes one cringe.

Goodness, how can this lovely little library get anything less than 4 stars? It’s easily traversed, being only on one floor, with adults on one side and kiddies on the other. It’s not the largest library, but it has a decent collection of books I like to browse through, cooking and crafts. The librarian who helped me checkout the origami book was quite sweet and patient, as the machines in Queens differ from the Manhattan ones. Who knew? ;) These Sunnyside folks not only boast great ethnic eats but also a clean, tidy library staffed with people who prefer not to stair their noses down at you (like in some Manhattan branches because you don’t have that Masters in Library Studies). I wouldn’t make this my destination library due to the distance and size, but I would stop in again during another walkabout in the nabe and Greenpoint Avenue.

Librarian was terribly unhelpful and would not do a library card because it was 15 minutes to closing time. Bad customer service!

this is not about the library itself. sunnyside is ok. this is about their website… its the pits. tried for 5 days now to see my account. I tried from home and from work. Nothing the timer just keeps spinning.
I have complained and have been told its my fault? how so? two different systems and I still cannot bring up my account. they need to upgrade their people. someone hired incompentent IT people.

I come here since its very close to me and after the renovation its a really nice library. They have a good selections of books but limited DVDs. The people that work here are helpful and there is never too much wait.
What I usually do is request the items I want online and just pick them up at this branch and its a breeze.

Decent library. Some staff is very helpful, others have an attitude. Quite small but if you are using it for a place to pick up and drop off books, it works fine. Has a nice community feel, almost always at least 75% packed. If you go midday during the week, you may encounter some crazy homeless people.
Wifi free with membership, as with all branches, I think.

Over the last ten years I’ve been to the Sunnyside Branch Library many times (before and after renovation) however, today I had computer issues and I decided I would take advantage of my own local library’s offering of free computer time.
The first employee of the library was attentive. I stated that it had been awhile since I’ve used my card and I was unaware of their computers usage system. She promptly and politely guided me through the process.
The second employee I approached was quite different. She was abrupt, rude, bossy and publicly shamed me for my lack of knowledge of their system. She seemed angry that I was a bit confused and she had no interest in knowing what I was trying to achieve. She would talk over me saying” how could you not know this”. I had to raise my voice to get her attention to stop insulting me. At that moment I decided to leave, but not before I made sure she knew how poorly she had just treated a local resident who has great reverence for our public library’s.
On a side note, I was impressed with the other employee (the good one) attempt in trying to create a buffer from employee #2’s inappropriate behavior. She tried to explain to her the situation, however, there was no stopping # 2, she just didn’t want hear it, not even from a fellow employee. I could tell on the face of employee #1, that clearly this has happened before.
One final note:
Dear branch manager, how could you possibly assume that this women (#2) was the right ambassador for your Library. She so poorly represented your branch today that I’m embarrassed for you. Is this employee really the best that your branch can provide for our local Sunnyside community?

This library is small, but that’s usually how it goes — some branches are bigger than others. It was the same way in my town in VA. I haven’t had any problems with the staff like some reviewers have mentioned below. But I have noticed that many of the patrons are rude which is frustrating and there are always a lot of children around. It’d be nice if parents could have them run their energy at the park across the street instead of inside the library.
They do have a decent selection considering how small they are, but I also use the online option to get books brought over from other branches. Sometimes it takes a few days, but it’s been useful and convenient so far!

This is not the place to go to if you’re a student and need to study. There are ALWAYS kids there running around screaming. This library is also very small. But, it’s right by where I live so location is very convenient and I always put my books on hold online and pick it up here with no problem. Librarians are nice too.

NOTE: I’ve only been here on the weekends.
Rampant children, rude patrons, overwhelmed librarians. It’s certainly not a pleasant atmosphere.
While I’m impressed by the technological capabilities of the library (electronic self-​serve check-​out and returns), I’m disappointed by the limited selection, limited hours, and the stressful environment. The customers interrupt the librarians even if they’re busy with another customer. I’ve ordered items online that say they’re ready for pick up, but the librarians and I can’t find them. A librarian once coughed right in my face as she was walking by. Like a nasty, super germy cough. She didn’t realize it because she was a walking zombie, an overworked slave of the library kids and parents.
*sigh*
Do your library book/​DVD/​music hunting online and just pick up at the library. The less time you have to spend in here the better.

A million little kids running around and screaming like animals and some books.

95% of the staff are ridiculous rude, no smile, bad attitude, the worst library branch I’ve ever experienced.
Plus if you ever have overdue late fee, they do NOT help you at all, trust me, don’t go there. It seems like most of the staff there hates their jobs, i don’t think this is how you should work in public service/​job if you are miserable of your job, please quit and go home.
I will rather walk 30 mins to go other branch that i feel 100% respect and being in a friendly library environment!!!
Sunnyside library staff SUCKS!!!
When state cutting off the budget, this is the place should be shut down to save our state for a better public service for our residents.

On the contrary to the other reviewer~
I like this library. it has been recently renovated, the staff are helpful and they have a good kids section! I’m not all obsessed with the «DVD» section, as I am NOT going to blockbuster to rent movies! People go there to read! Dvd’s are just an addition! And there are computers there that you can use… you just need to sign up for it. I wouldn’t say that this is the best library branch in the world but I believe that it is good for at least our community!

No laptop section. You got no plugs. The dvd selection is nearly pathetic. They put them on the shelves Blockbuster style face out. This is incredibly inefficient. There are about 30 titles of each genre and 6 sides of shelving. Someone decided this was the most efficient use of space. If they only stacked them sideways like every other library on earth, they could fit all their dvds on one shelf. But they wouldn’t want to do that, right?