The Bay Ridge branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is a nice sized space and conveniently located in the immediate vicinity of a number of schools which allows the flow of traffic of students to be rather consistent. The library has two floors and the second is designated to be the Children's Library with reading content suitable for the younger set. The main floor has computer access and complimentary WiFi for those who wish to bring their own device in and have some relative quiet surroundings. It's not too quiet on the Children's floor I am afraid and it made me laugh at how much has changed on that since I was that age and in the library. I've not taken any books out of a library in many years but still have a library card just in case I need something. My reason for being here was for the WiFi and to sit for a few minutes to update my work laptop with some information on the work I was doing. The staff seems very friendly and helpful which is always good to observe. read more

I saw a bunch of reviews highlighting how loud this library is--it's true! Came to get my daughter a few books and loom for alone for myself. When I approached the employee about getting a replacement card, she didn't seem overly eager to assist. Nonetheless I got my replacement and when I went upstairs, I noticed how loud it was. Kids running around, loud voices from kids and parents, one person cells was going off very loudly. I ventilations I got fed up, and departed ewrlier than I had anticipated. In my former library staff would gently walk around and ask people to please lower their voices, maybe said policy needs to implemented here because this isn't an environment that would allow kids to be in a peaceful and normal library setting. read more

This is my tenth time trying to register for English classes but it always tells me the spots are already full for next season, when is the next one? read more

They close library with no signs on the front. And taking construction time for non certain time every year with no actual construction changes after. Staff is rude, especially very young girl and older guy. This library staff just taking their sweet time and acting very annoyed read more

Loud and always noisy. Do not come here if you are seeking to study in a quiet place. Also, I feel like a lot of homeless people come here to sleep and keep warm as the couches there smells like them.... I use to love this library..came here everyday after soon. However, recently when I come, everyone talks in their outside voice that it makes it hard to concentrate. I wish they would make a room for people who wants to talk or getting tutored so it wouldn't disrespect the other people seeking solace in a quiet library.... read more

I usually come here to bring my toddler for Storytime on Tuesday mornings. I don't like that the library opens at 10 am on most days. One one other day it opens at 1:00 pm so be sure to double check the schedules. It would be nice if the library would open at 9 am for those early birds like myself. Anyway, I prefer this location over Dyker. The kids room is spacious with lots of light and they have lots of board books for kids to easily reach and read. They also have a train set for kids to play with also. read more

The librarian was very kind and sweet, over the phone and in person. She was also very helpful to me and my children.

I have to agree with Diana, they took forever on the remodeling. I think the delay was because fixing the wiring for upgrading the library to being computer friendly. But before the remodeling, I use to come here as a child. I use to love how this library was bigger than Sunset Park's branch library, and that the children section was actually on the second floor. On the first floor now, with the second that took over the newspaper microfilm area is a computer lab. read more

HUGE and beautiful. Has that "old library" smell. Love that there's a cafe in the front where you can eat, read, and rest.

I came here to study for a huge exam purposely to concentrate and not be distracted. HUGE MISTAKE! This has got to be one of the worst libraries in terms of least possible noise ever. I wound up leaving after 25 minutes. The first floor was relatively occupied; ok no problem. However there was a man talking extremely loud in full conversation mode with someone. I'm completely distracted and wait for one of the employees to ask if he would lower his voice Never happened,. I went upstairs hoping for more of a quiet environment and it was no better. I was better off trying to study at home, my home distractions and all. I do not recommend if you need some sort of quietude to study.. read more

This library is not too bad. Children books is upstairs and the Adult books are on the main floor. Both floors have computers to use for up to 30 minutes of use if there is people waiting to use it. You can certainly bring your laptop as they have free WIFI. The staff are helpful, but yet sometimes busy. Most of the time, I see them fixing library card issues. The only problem, I have with this place is when the children come here. They are making a ton of noise. Yo, parents control your kids. You are disturbing the other adults. This is a library and not a school lunchroom. Please tell me if this makes sense. One girl and her friend said they are ran out of printing ink at home, so they spend $50 plus to print whatever they need to print at the library. IDIOTS!!!! Not only that they caused a line for people who needed to print out stuff and made them wait. IDIOTS x 2!!! They also broke the printer IDIOTS x 3!!! You just can't make this stuff up. End of story. read more

Way back when I used to cut school and hang out here when my friends house wasnt available. You know what I mean who hasnt cut school and used some library to hide in until the coast was clear. Lol Well stopping by here recently I noticed this place has changed. Since the last time I was here like 30 years ago. I needed a book to study for a civil service test and someone told me check out the local library. The librarian was friendly and kind she showed me the books and they didnt have the one I was looking for. When she asked for my library card, the card I showed was long out dated. So I got a new and updated library card on the spot even though my book wasnt available. read more

I love the amenities that the public library offers these days, and I don't feel cheated that my tax money actually was put into good use by the community! there's limited DVD selections, but you can always request books and DVD that's on their catalog but not physically on this library online and pick up when it's available, there's email system to remind you that it's arriving and when your items are about due. There's also limited online ebook selection that you can download. their operating hours are very reasonable, not typical 9-5 so it's good for people w different schedules. I rarely spend much time in the library, but i know there's wifi and good AC during summer, lots of sun during daytime! The only thing i dislike is there's no book slot that we can return our items when the library is closed. read more

What's up with the modernist architecture? So out of place in Bay Ridge (but in a good way!) Let's keep the synthetic stucco guys away from this one... read more

This is not a library. It is fish market. Employees are not professional at all. They are very loud. I came here to study and I cant even focus. People come here, talk like they are in the park. And workers there dont do anything about it. It was really awful experience. I will not come here again. It not the place to go and study. read more

Helpful staff, great event boards posted outside, diverse collection reflective of the surrounding area. I'm hoping that this library will expand again one day because it's a great resource to the community of Bay Ridge. Hooray for this branch and all branches of the wonderful Brooklyn Public Library!!! read more

They keep the children on the second floor. The first floor is good. Around the neighborhood this is the only public library that has a quiet zone for people to read and work. Not enough outlets so it's a good idea to charge your laptop first. read more

I actually really like this library. The staff members are very helpful and they have an automated check out system. Unfortunately you can only use their automated system so sometimes there's a line to check out books and DVDs. I love that they have a book drop so I dont have to wait in line to return books but they do not have an overnight drop. read more

I'm really sad to see so many one-star reviews for this terrific library. OK, I will admit that it can be a bit noisy -- but that's because this library serves as a community center for the children and families of Bay Ridge. They have a wonderful selection of children's books, and offer FREE classes, activities and music programs (and I think tutoring) for children virtually every single day that they are open. Moreover, every employee I've ever interacted with here has been nothing but kind and helpful, and the ones who do the "Babies and Books" and "Toddlers and Books" storytimes --especially Katia -- are wonderful with children. In Brooklyn, many music classes or activities for young kids cost $10-25 per class -- at the library these classes are all 100% FREE. I have also come here to check out books for myself, and they generally have a fair amount of new releases (and if they don't have something, they will help you order it from another branch). I highly recommend this library -- especially to parents looking for things to do with their young kids -- and I'm thrilled that my tax dollars are supporting this institution. My 18 month old son loves it here! read more

This is my closest local library branch. I used to come all the time as child and belonged to the local RIF program. Back they used to give free books. They remodeled this branch a few year ago. Which took forever by the way. But I must say after they remodeled it, the place became a lot brighter and open. It's a pretty good branch decent sized. Though it's across the street from from a school so after three it can get packed with kids. The one good thing is that they have the whole second floor so they won't be completely in your way. read more

I really wanted to bring my child here to read him some books.... Problem is if you have a car and try to go after 6pm, (that's when I went) you will never find parking . Even if you drive for many blocks..... Why anyone would want to live here and own a car is puzzling. So maybe this is an unfair review towards the library but if you want to go here take a bike, walk, taxi . Leave the car read more

All things considered, this is a really good public library. Looks gorgeous, has a massive, well-organized library with books, audiobooks, and even some good DVDs. Best part for a a college student like me looking for a free, quiet place to do work on my resume or do some coursework over the summer is that the bottom floor is pretty much adults-only. The kids get the second floor to themselves. I cannot express enough how good of a layout this is. Kids are noisy and annoying to teens/adults trying to read or do productive tasks. Giving them a second floor to themselves is a win-win. My sisters love the second floor section and their selection of books. On the bottom floor, two tables that seat eight people have a couple of extension chords that provide chargers for laptops, phones, e-readers. Good place for laptoppers looking for a free alternative to typing away at a Starbucks. Only major flaw in my opinion is the absence of a water fountain. I remember there being one before the remodel. Instead we get a broken vending machine. Not having a water fountain in a public library, especially on a hot summer day, should be illegal. The have a nice bathroom, so why not throw in a water fountain next to it? read more

They need to extend the hours more if people want to actually read and be a more well-rounded individual but the library in bay ridge is good itself, it does have some good collection and is huge. i would like to see more psychology books but thats more of a me problem. the bathrooms also need to be a bit more cleaned. read more

I recently went to this library to work on my resume, thinking I'd have a nice, quiet space to concentrate. I would have been better off going to Grand Central for peace and quiet. I have never been in such a noisy library and I don't know why the librarians don't have things under control. I'm not a violent person but I wanted to punch most of the people there. People's cell phones were going off, two people constantly had IM chimes dinging, kids and adults were yelling and old men were burping, sniffling and snoring. I left needing an Advil for my headache. read more