New York Public Library

The librarians are soooo nice, considering this is New York and everything, and you know they must be overworked, or at least ready to go home after a long day. For its size they always seem to have the book that I am looking for, or at least something close. Waiting to make it to a book discussion, in fact I am putting that on the list right now. Right now!

This branch location is convenient and the staff is pleasant. However, after I returned four large childrens books on 10÷15÷14, my account indicates I still have one checked out. I went back on 10÷16÷14 to resolve and was told they would put a dispute on book. The librarian found the other three books but missing book could not be located and I didn’t find it on shelves. It is a mystery how one large book can be lost when it was returned together with 3 others at the same time. If book is not located in a month I will be required to pay for it. I try to save time/​environment but will request a receipt for returns from now on to protect myself.
Update: book removed from my checked out section on ¹⁰⁄₁₇ so a quick response.

This is a functional space. It’s smaller than many other locations I’ve been to, but it has the essentials: some DVDs, CDs, and audio books; a children’s corner with books and DVDs; a magazine area and computers; a bathroom I’ve never dared venture into; and a selection of new and old fiction, non-​fiction, biographies, and everything in between on the Dewey Decimal system.
The reason I say this is a functional space is because of the magic of the NYPL app and website, and the ability to pick up DVDs, CDs, and books from a requested location. As this is right between work and home, I send everything here and NYPL emails me a notice when it’s ready for pick up. No searching, no hassle.
The employees are nice, the lines are never too long, and the hours are adequate, given the budget cuts NYPL has faced over the years. It’s air conditioned in the summer, quiet, and clean.
When used appropriately, this library is as good as any other.

This NYPL branch is surrounded by many large buildings, but the library itself is quite small. There are a couple of comfy-​looking couch chairs near the front windows, and a few tables and chairs in the back of the room, but I usually just browse the DVD, fiction, and new releases sections.
— Monthly book discussions on the second Wednesday of each month
— Bi-​weekly film screenings at 2pm on Fridays
— Plenty of computer classes
Likelihood of another visit:
Very likely. While small, this location surprisingly carries many items that I like, so the wait time after holding items to this location is short.

It’s the library.
Decent staff.
You can pick up and drop your stuff.
Nothing much else to say

This isn’t the prettiest library branch. But, the staff is helpful and on the 2^nd Wednesday of every month, they host a book club upstairs led by one of the librarians.

This is a review of the free tax preparation service offered by AARP at this location. First off, it’s free, which is great. The preparers were patient and knowledgable.
The negatives are that some of the clients are unpleasant and very demanding, which is really something considering they were being given a free service. The other negative is that I was there for 5 hours. This is due to cutbacks, so there are fewer preparers and fewer locations.
Still, I am thankful for the service because I would have been mired in tax forms for days if it weren’t for them.

If you want to have your tax returns prepared for FREE by reliable preparers, qualified AARP volunteers are there twice a week from Feb.- April (tax day) to assist the public with preparing their tax returns. There is a supervisor who double checks, and they tell you how much of a return to expect. You may have to wait on line (get there 1.5 hrs. ahead), but you will get efficient and cordial service.

I’m becoming a connoisseur of the New York Public Library System. There are three types of libraries in NYC.
1. The first kind was built during an age when grand architecture, arts, and literature were highly valued and understood to be intertwined and integral to society at every level.
2. The second kind, happening since around the 1970s, sees the library as an unfortunate public service for the unwashed masses that is begrudgingly allotted only the small and undecorated space it absolutely requires.
3. The third is a mix between the two, in which grand public buildings are sliced and diced in unfortunate ways to accomodate as many separate processes and people as possible.
This branch of the NYPL is unfortunately of the 2^nd, and most depressing variety. It consists of one low ceilinged room with furniture that looks like it was rescued from my 4^th grade classroom.
I am a really big fan of the public library, and the relative efficiency and accessibility of the NY system (you can get kindle books & JSTOR access now too!). Which is why branches like this make me sad and happy at the same time. On one hand I’m glad branches like this plug along as best they can to avoid closure and provide a necessary local service. On the other hand, this one clearly isn’t getting the funding or attention it deserves, and probably never has.

Libraries are awesome. All of them!
This place is small, but it offers a bunch of stuff. If they don’t have the book you want, the odds are you can order it and have it shipped to this (or any, really) location.
There are a bunch of computers and some spots for sitting and hanging out. Somewhere, I’m sure, is a mysterious public bathroom.
It is irksome that you can’t return books 24hrs (oh the fines) and the cut in library hours is something I know is beyond their control.

Small in size and variety. But it still serves my purposes.
It’s conveniently located for my needs. I love the NYPL services of requesting items to be shipped to your location if you can’t find it on the shelves.
The staff is friendly when you’re nice to them. I can see the frustration on their faces when you have knuckle heads asking ridiculous questions, demanding service, being rude, and walking around with a sense of entitlement.
Free wi-​fi is a plus. I can bring my laptop and get some work done.

I thought this place would be really nice inside since the outdoor interior looks really nice and the location, but it’s not. It’s like going to an old office, basically. The staff, on the other hand, are very helpful, especially Gary, who left his checkout counter to help me find a book. You don’t see people do that anymore for you. But their CD & DVD sections are great. I know, I know, looks can be deceiving. What can I say.

Although the 58^th Street branch is fairly small, it is in a very convenient location. The selection may be limited, but you can always order whatever book you want from another branch using their online database.
My one complaint about the NY Public Library system is that they have the option for renew, however if you book has the unfortunate chance of being popular, and someone else puts a hold on it, they library will not allow you to renew it. I dont like feeling like I have to rush to finish a book.
So boo to you for not allowing me to renew my book NYPL!

Decent branch.
Most branches do not have slots today and most have limited hours, though soon they will be expanding again.

Request your book online. Wait until they send you the notification that it has arrived. Pick it up. Easy as pie.
Two caveats:
1. Limited hours.
2. No 24hr book return slot.
(I walked by one morning on my way to the subway to LaGuardia. I wanted to return my book before I went on vacation. Problem: The book drop slot was behind the locked door. I had to take the book on vacation AND renew it.)