New York Public Library – Ottendorfer Library

BO smell permeates the library from table to table.

don’t use the bathroom.
nice staff. pretty good selection of books.
don’t use the bathroom.
lovely design.
don’t use the bathroom.
great location.
don’t use the bathroom.
four stars for moonlighting as a shooting gallery/​homeless shelter.

Not a fan of this location. It closes early, it’s cramped, the staff isn’t the best, a very limited catalog… I’d go Tompkins square if I were in the EV

I loved the library. However, there was a stench downstairs in the computer lab that made me want to vomit. Very nice minus the smell downstairs, the elevator works in slow motion. I can run to the Bronx and back b4 it gets to the basement. lol. The staff was very helpful. Basement needs renovation.

Fine enough library except for a consistent slightly odd and unappetizing smell.
Lovely façade.
A small branch library that while busy is not overwhelmingly populated by noisy rude patrons — just the occasional ones.
Quite nice for a branch but will never supplant the quiet elegant opulence of the Stephen Schwartz library building at Bryant Park in my heart — though that may be a fairly hard standard to live up to.
For what it is, I adore it, and am so glad that despite all the budget cuts this wonderful institution is here.

Small but busy library. Mainly being used for computer and Internet access. If you can find a seat, you can also study although there isn’t a dedicated study area or enclosure. Good fast wifi and it’s all free. A little chilly here with the air conditioning so plan for that. If you are in this part of the city and want a few hours of studying, visit this place

Fairly basic library set into an old brownstone of some sort. It’s very quiet and has just the right atmosphere (other than the groups of smelly people who gather here).
I like this library because it is all about the books. Very few other media items (i.e. DVD) are available. Also there is a good rotation of new releases that come in so it makes it one of my go-​to locations to stop and pick up something I didn’t even know came out. However because it is a smaller space don’t expect huge varieties of books.

Friendly staff and very convenient but a limited selection leaves this with only three stars.

**LALALALALA I love the LIBRARY!**
As a teacher (whoops, don’t tell anyone what I do) and a nerd (I take pride in it) I spend lots of time in the library. Mostly the kids section due to the fact that I don’t teach adults.
This library’s children section is pretty cool! Mats for babies, free classes/​events from babies, toddlers, and older kids. Awesome stuff.
Librarian is always for personable and accommodating– even gave me her card just in case I ever needed anything they didn’t currently have.
I realize that the NYPL can be a haven for people seeking refuge and aren’t interested in reading– But don’t be afraid of your local library! It’s a great resource, FREE, and overall awesome.
Visit
to reserve books, donate, or see a listing of free events.
Now I sound like their spokesperson. Yikes!
I LOVE THE LIBRARY. and this branch is pretty darn cool.

I love that the Ottendorfer is my local branch. It is so quaint and cozy. My favorite part of the interior is the spiral cast iron staircase which leads to the upper level of books. I feel like I’m stepping back in time while I’m browsing for something new to read.
There isn’t too big of a selection, but it doesn’t really matter because anything can be delivered to this location. The employees are always pretty friendly and helpful.
The only downside is that now, in order to get to the computer lab, which is one floor down, you have to take the elevator instead of the stairs. This can take a really long time, as the elevator is probably in the running for world’s slowest.

I love the building itself… returning books/​picking up books usually goes pretty smoothly… not very spacious, but still has a pretty good selection of books. Tip: Request your books online if they’re not available directly through the Ottendorfer branch!

Small branch in the East Village just off St. Mark’s Place. Usually crowded and has a pretty good selection. I love the architecture of this branch. I read somewhere that it used to be a German reading society (maybe on a plaque somewhere on the building). Needless to say, it has beautiful woodwork, doors, an ornate staircase and the front entrance has this stunning porch area that is encased in cast iron.
It’s not the biggest NYPL branch and it doesn’t have a lot but what it does have, makes it worth the trip especially if you live or work in the area. I usually stop in to return or renew items and browse their audio-​video collection. I’ve even purchased from their book sale.
It seems pretty popular with laptop users so I can attest that I’ve seen people using their computers there without a problem, but I haven’t done so myself.
They are the only branch that has a strict policy on the number of CDs and DVDs you can borrow (only 10 at a time), but I didn’t mind that. Of course, I’ll be back. I can’t seem to resist books.

I can’t vouch for its actual book collection here but I can vouch for the services that I used, which was (is) the «laptop charging stations.» They’re essentially the area where laptop owners can plug in and work/​study at the library with its free wifi.
So I give this place a great big toothy grin because they let me plug in my computer! Considering my battery is shot and I can only last for about 2 mins without being plugged in (I know, what’s the point) this place was fantastic. Everyone there (patrons) were friendly, nice, and helpful.
It is admittedly a little noisy with the kids section right upstairs but the location and convenience of the location makes it worth it. The wifi is pretty fast though not secure, and they have a collection of magazines and newspapers for your reading pleasure if you feel like getting updated with the big, bad world.
Yay for libraries!

This library does a good job of obtaining materials you order from other libraries within a couple of days (so easy through the NYPL website!), but it’s true that their on-​site stock is limited.