58th Street Library is not one of my favorite branches. I rarely stop in here when I'm in the neighborhood. I'm still giving them Five Stars because they are part of the Greatest Library System in the World! I'm a huge fan of the New York Public Library. Cardholders can check out digital books online these days. Rarely have I been disappointed when I'm looking for a particular book. If I can't find what I'm looking for I go to a branch like this one when I'm in the neighborhood. The employees are usually helpful. Since this branch is close to my doctors offices I may stop in and pick up something to read. I recommend wherever you live that you support your public library. read more

58th Street Library - I recently received a Thank You for my support of my library. 03/14/23 - Libraries Near Me - New York, New York

On the way to an appointment, I dropped by to return a book. Then, I decided to browse the isles. The library is small but convenient. It is on the 58th between Lexington and Park Ave . The 4 5 6 train to Lexington will bring you right here. Their hours are 10 5 Supporting our local libraries is very important read more

A very sad looking branch surrounded by expensive real estate and touristy shops. I happened to be in the area and wondered if there was a local branch nearby with a catalog to browse. This branch is extremely small with a tiny inventory so all I did was place some holds and read a book in one of the very worn seats. I noticed that many people came in to read the paper or just get a respite from the rain; it's basically a heated plaza for the majority of the childless patrons from what I saw. Shame the way we're allowing so many of our branches to deteriorate! Libraries are important and should be nurtured, rather than be taken for granted. read more

If I could give this library a 0 rating, I would. Let me first start with the fact that every single time I have come to this library to study I find it plagued with homeless people. They should not allow them into the library. They use the bathroom inside, and destroy it. Water and urine on the floor, etc. They also smell disgusting. The last time I was there a homeless man smelled so bad that I asked the librarian for a mask. This is ridiculous. I should be able to study at the library closest to my apartment without having to deal with this. The homeless people that come to this library at times have made me feel unsafe; they talk to themselves, start bursting out random profanities, and all the above. I'm honestly never coming back here. I didn't have one peaceful experience at this establishment. I do NOT recommend. NYPL you can do better. Enforce a rule that only allows people being productive (studying, reading a book, newspaper, with their kid. Etc.) to use the library. Also the last few times I went the charging stations weren't working. read more

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.) read more

58th Street Library - Libraries Near Me - New York, New York

I'm really sickened by all the comments people reporting the hatred of the homeless finally having a place to stay, use the bathroom, and use resources without being harassed and forced into the wintry cold weather outside. (and stop saying they should just go to a homeless shelter. Do you how terrible those places can get ??) Lord knows anyone of you top money makers could end up like them and be wishing for the kindness of people to just let them have a place to get out of the harsh elements and rest. This is just a tiny library, one floor, not a lot of media, nothing special. Why not let them have it? There are dozens of libraries easily accessible in NYC and not overrun with your 'dreaded' homeless. Spend the 3 buck train fair and go there. read more

This branch use to be run by Mr. Bhagwandin who was very friendly and engaging toward staff and public. Now whoever runs this place certainly does next to nothing in that regard. They just seem to hide in the back room somewhere. Some of the female staffers are rude and not very professional. Add to this, yes, the homeless problem. I don't understand why so many are there. There aren't any homeless shelters around yet the same types are always there with their bad oders and attitudes. I would avoid this location mostly, or just use it as a book pick-up and return like I do. read more

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 2nd, and most depressing variety. It consists of one low ceilinged room with furniture that looks like it was rescued from my 4th 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. read more

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. read more

Although the 58th 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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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.. read more

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

The Worst NYPL ever! I stopped by to return a book since it's around the corner from the office. Holy molly, as soon as I walked in, I couldn't believe the sewer smell and not to mention, every chair was taken by homeless people who were sleeping -- since when did the NYPL become a homeless shelter? I guess I will have to walk down to the other NYPL by St Bart's on Lexington & 50th Street, which is much smaller, but clean and the staff is friendly. read more

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. read more

Gets the job done. I mostly use this branch to arrange for books to be held and to pick them up there. It's pretty small and never smells good, in fact today it smells downright terrible, but the employees are helpful. It is often very crowded, but I don't really hang around anyway. read more

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

Grimmest public library space I've been in. Crowded in the afternoon with patrons and others, and the periodicals section was a mess.

Definitely by far the worst library in the city. It should be quite place for people to study and read and people are playing movies in here and so loud but what's even more frustrating is that the loud people re not the public it's the staff team themselves. read more

It's tough to concentrate while using this library, lots of babies crying , toddlers running around. noticed this on many afternoons and now on Friday morning just after opening. read more

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. read more

I like that they got outlets at the table. Library is clean and got some nice seats.

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

Employees at this location are really nice. I was passing my exams at this location and never had any problems. Thanks John for having such a flexible schedule read more

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! read more

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. read more

I had to take four proctored, professional certification exams; after lots of searching and many disappointments (no public library in NJ would offer the service unless one is literally a resident of the town where the library is located at), the New York Public Library' branch at 58th Street Library had immediate openings and a very flexible schedule. The staff were extremely professional each and every time I contacted them, and the branch manager Mr Bhagwandin was most helpful, attentive and professional with arranging and handling the proctored exams (all four of them). I am most thankful and appreciative of the service and the people! Thank you for your great job! read more

This branch is conveniently located. It is pretty small and the setup is fairly basic - though I can't speak to the selection of books / DVDs, as I usually place a hold on what I want online and go in to collect it. I also really appreciate that they're open after 5pm on most weekday evenings. The staff is really nice, very efficient, and it seems well run. read more

The 58th St. library is a total embarrassment. I used to visit regularly back in the late 80's or early 90's, then stopped going for 20 years or so. The same managers that were there back then are still there. It is almost impossible to get old ineffectual staff out because they belong to the union, and firing them is very difficult. The first time I returned a couple of years ago, a homeless woman was banging on the bathroom door because she thought I was taking too long, and the staff said nothing to her. Recently, a homeless man has been hanging out, mumbling to himself and banging on the keyboard of a computer that he clearly has no idea how to use. When I called police after seeing him do this twice, the staff claimed that he was a really nice guy who never causes any trouble, which is clearly not true. Police did nothing. They didn't kick him out or even talk to him to ask him if he needed help, which I requested they do. One of them was laughing and joking with the librarians like they were amused that I bothered to call them. They claimed they couldn't do anything because he wasn't causing trouble while they were there, and the female officer actually said there's nothing wrong with talking to yourself in the library, which it clearly is. The library is supposed to be a quiet place to be proud of, not a homeless hangout or a place for kids to hang out every day after school making noise and disturbing the customers, which is another common problem at this library and most others. We must make our libraries great again. Please do something about this! read more

John the Manager is such a very nice guy and so personable and helpful. In the hustle and bustle of New York, it's nice to find a quiet place to learn, be engaged and still feel human. read more