The staff at the Fort Lee Public Library is absolutely wonderful. The natigation on the new website is terrible. Even the wonderful staff in Fort Lee has trouble try as they may to help the caller. I'm sticking to my Kindle! read more

Fort lee public library dies a great job at community engagement. They host regular weekly programming as well as special events, which they advertise in their news bulletin. Some events are for certain age groups/ populations, like seniors, teens, parents. Etc, while others are open to the general public. Activities range from practice career guidance to social events like movie screenings and even wine tasting. Every time I come to the library, the staff at the front desk is always very friendly and helpful. The librarian is also knowledgeable and able to point me In the right direction whenever I have a specific topic or title I'm looking for. I'm a big fan of the inter-library book exchange. You're able to place a request online for almost any book and pick it up at the Fort Lee branch when it becomes available. It's super convenient. Another great feature of this library is their partnership with museums in nyc. As a former NYC resident i was worried about missing out on some of the perks of being an NYC resident, but I found out that you actually get free access to to several museums with your Fort Lee Library card and you can request passes for a few guests as well. Overall, this library isn't the largestor necessarily the most modern, but it has mostly everything you could need or want from a local library. It's certainly nicer than my local library growing up and the service is always friendly. 4.5 stars read more

I have not been to the library yet, but I wanted to highlight an amazing employee Francesca, who i had a pleasure of communicating with. I called in to ask about ESL classes for my parents who recently arrived from Ukraine and basically don't speak English - Francesca was very kind and explained all options possible for us. She further followed up with me over email and we could see how much she genuinely cared for us and was doing her best to help. Dear Francesca, thank you for doing an excellent job and being a wonderful human being. read more

There are tons of free programs almost every week for kids and adults, plus a bunch of classes (ESL, foreign languages, computers, etc) and special talks by authors, experts, etc. The summer reading programs for both children and adults have good incentives for prizes and participation. There's free WiFi throughout the library, two rows of computers with internet on the main floor, a young adults' section downstairs for the teens to study, talk, do homework; a Sunday Music series much of the year, and cultural events for the various communities of Fort Lee. The biggest cultural event has been Lunar New Year. There are free movies once a week, a quiet reading section on the top floor (where the foreign language books are), and the research librarians are particularly helpful if you really need help researching a topic or question. When I've had specific research to do, they've even helped me get non-BCCLS books to borrow. Finally, Hoopla, Libby, Overdrive, and all the online online services (NY Times, Ancestry, etc) mean that you can access books, graphic novels, magazines, music, etc from home. read more

The good: the library is clean, it is part of BCCLS, parking is ample and free, and it's in a central location. The bad: it is just too noisy for a library. While I understand that a lot of tutoring goes on in libraries now, the main noise comes from people just having rambunctious conversations (staff included) and students (elementary through high school) coming in after school and running around, shrieking and giggling. There is nothing the library does to discourage such behavior. There is a designated quiet zone, but the library is a pretty open space, and noise travels. Plus, the quiet zone is near some offices and the library staff have no problems having loud, prolonged conversations even though they are a few feet away from the designated quiet zone. They also, for some reason, seem to think that library hours are an appropriate time to do really loud hammering on metal, like installing bookshelves or banging on what sounds like bathroom pipes. read more

Needed to do a quick internet search to shop airline flights while in the neighborhood. After a 10 minute wait, the research librarian booked a time to use the public access computers. The library was packed but I was able to get online in 20 minutes and gather info for a trip to use later for booking at my own home ip when done with fact finding and finally ready to commit. read more

I agree with the other reviews. This library is more day care like compared to others in the area. Lots of small kids running around and older kids sitting at tables goofing off. Not a good place for studying or getting work done. read more

Great library. These old reviews do not describe the library it is today. It. could be noisy on the lower levels, but very friendly staff, an abundance of books and other services outweigh the negatives. read more

WHAT? OH, I'M SORRY I'LL HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE SO I CAN HEAR MYSELF THINK OUT THIS REVIEW.... Why on Earth would one place a reference desk in the middle of a "Quiet Study Area?" Amongst the clang of kids, senior citizens and employees themselves, I can honestly say, the library isn't quite what it used to be... I recently had to get some work done outside my apt. and thought "Hey, the library seems like a place conducive to 'studying' of sorts." NOPE. What a zoo. And whoever designed the newer wing/ children's room, obviously doesn't a) need to read quietly b) have kids because the contemporary divider panels allow cheery little shrills to echo throughout the entire first and second floor of the wing. Unfortunately, the other wing of the library has no internet signal. So, byo-wireless or muster up the courage for a game of tag with the kiddies, while pondering in frustration, "God, are you there? It's me, Krystal. I want some silence..you know where." Perhaps relocating the reference desk and some functional walls could have saved this place, but as The Decemberists said, "Here I dreamt I was an architect..." read more

I have only used the library as a place to study so my review is from this perspective. I know the library does a lot of community outreach and has events downstairs, but I have never taken part. As for a place to study, it's pretty bad. First, there's not enough outlets. The areas with outlets have tiny desks and uncomfortable wooden chairs without any padding. In there entire library, there is only one large table that has an outlet. Guess how often it is available. You guessed right. My second problem with this place is the noise. The library is loud and this applies to every square inch of the place. The worst part is that the loudest people in the library are the staff. They are so loud and care so little it's almost comical. Overall, I come here once in a while because our area just doesn't have a good place to study. I have started going to coffee shops simply because this place is so bad. read more

For a small town Fort Lee has an excellent Public Library, with courteous staff. It also offers a popular ESL program. The old negative reviews do not apply today. read more

A library is a library is a library... Except when you don't have any new books out there. Or if you don't have a large enough selection to satisfy a dude that reads 3-4 books a year. Or if you haven't remodeled in 10+ years and your interior still reminds people of the 90s. Other than those, this place sure is a library. read more

This library has a decent selection of foreign language DVDs. Their Sunday concerts are a pleasant type of entertainment and some of the performances have been incredible. However...this past summer I visited to see a children's film and was denied entry although their internet invitation stated open to all. The librarian from the children's department smiled like the Chesire cat from Alice in Wonderland and offered an "apology". She stated we were not caretakers and there might be a security problem although another older lady and myself were not carrying backpacks, wearing turbans with long robes, or sporting dark beards. There were very few spectators in the audience as well. Considering the wealth apparent in this area, this library deserves a TWO out of a TEN rating. Shame, shame.... read more

Let's get this straight it's public library not Barnes and nobles so its a little outdated in appearance and may not have all the new books but it does provide many services. Such as I was able to get Adele 21 cd and since it did not have it I put a request and was able to pick it up in a week or so and all this for free now mind you I probably did not do justice by not buying the cd where I feel I cheated the artist but I think she's rich enough now anyway but I can't help to wonder how much this transaction costed the taxpayers of NJ. Funny I was writing this to say what great service the puic library provides but instead I'm bashing it. Bottom line is for those that need it provides great service so make the best of it. read more

I'm giving it 3 stars for cleanliness and not much else. I asked the Librarian which computers were used for the card catalogue and she looked confused. I refuse to deal with idiocy... read more

Friendly and professional staff always willing to go the extra mile. My wife went in to get a certified copy of our marriage license so we can get our son his passport this year. She was in and out very quickly. filled out a few forms and was on her way. Thanks. read more

Fort Lee Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lee, New Jersey

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I've been a patron of this library for more than 25 years, and it's always been an excellent source of books, videos, and those expensive magazines I want to read, but can't afford. In recent years, however, the Fort Lee Library has become something more. It's become the heart of the community, thanks in large measure to its creative new director who's brought a fresh new approach and a host of new activities, things to do, and services. Want to learn another language? Learn to knit? Learn Tai Chi? Make a basket? Dance? Yoga? Attend a concert? Watch a movie? Join a book club? Fort Lee Library offers all these and more. They even installed a tiny cafe a few months ago so you don't have to go hungry. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to please. Everyone is friendly and more and more you find yourself attending activities and meeting your neighbors and making new friends. read more

Noisiest Library I've ever encountered. People don't even attempt to speak quietly, including the staff. Not a good place to seek refuge and study. read more

I've never come to a library where the staff was the loudest people there. They literally talk as if they're in their own living room, even in the "quiet" section. read more

Are all librarians so unhappy or is it just Fort Lee? I had one of the workers (I don't even know if she is a "librarian") but curse at me for unplugging the copy machine upstairs that no one uses. I really don't understand. Why are they so unhappy? This is such a great place to study and read, but the workers just make it so unpleasant! read more

I've seen reviews trashing the library cause of noise or lack of books. Here's my take: 1.) If you're in the children's portion of the library - well, yeah. But I don't think I've seen the library be noisy elsewhere, except maybe downstairs where they hold musical showings. 2.) The modern library is "connected". Unless it's magazines or CDs, you don't come to the library to browse. You can browse for books online, and make a request for it, and that book won't be coming from the local library. 3.) The resources provided by the library - PCs, printers, copiers, and Wifi -- I think it's a wonderful resource for the community, and very usable here. 4.) The library has "partnered" with a bunch of online vendors where you can check out a magazine and read it on your phone or tablet. This awesome. So I'm ok with this library. The three stars is ranking the facility - the resources it provides would certainly be higher. I do feel as though the facilities need a "refresh", but it's not bad. Little things like a "carousel" of selected books in the kids (or even adults) section would be nice (i think they had it, and then...well....it's not there anymore), or longer hours on a Friday or Sunday , or better "pipes" on their wifi/internet connection. But the way to look at the library I think now is it's a "community center" that can provide resources to the information you need /want for research through the "connected libraries", but it may no longer be the traditional library where all the resources are there for the taking and the research you may want to do. In the day of the Internet, the traditional library is changing, and why not. read more

The reference desk is very helpful and have gotten hold of a lot of academic textbooks for me. So, they get a 4 or 5 star rating. After that, the staff at the front desk are snotty (hi, my taxes pay your salary). They never seem to have the book that I need, so I have to order it- and that does work but it takes an extra week. Had to laugh at the comments about the kids below. One time, my cell phone rang and I thought I was going to get thrown to the ground and handcuffed by the staff. Hours could be longer-esp. on Sunday. read more

Since my last review, my experience with the library holds and reservation system has been smooth and without delays. Also, i just discovered that the BCCLS gives you access to Libby, one of my favorite things ever. It's an app on your phone that acts as the library for ebooks and audiobooks. I've now been able to listen to those books that have been on my to-read list on my commute to work (helping me take breaks from the news and the top 40 song cycle). It's been amazing; I'm so appreciative that we have this resource. read more

If you're hoping to focus on getting any academic work done whether it be reading, writing or research assignments, the Fort Public Library is not the place I would recommend. Their wifi network is very unreliable not to mention it's too noisy. There is zero respectability and mindfulness for others who are trying to study and get the work done. Smartphones beeping and ringing continuously. Staff members are friendly here but no one cares. In fact, they seem oblivious about it. This is not what a public library should be. You're better off at your local Starbucks. read more

I use the library often, at least once a week, and I haven't seen kids running amuck! Yes, there should be computers in children's room, and upgrade and more computers in rest of library. Funny to say, there should be more technology, less books! When was last time someone opened a enclyclopedia or phone book? Move them out. Move overstaffed reference desk to front desk, making room for more tables and chairs for study and/or laptop use. read more

Please do not take any children's book and or cd/DVD here,because when you return them they will say that the items are ruined for no cause and they will triple charge you for their value,make sure do return items to librarians not just drop them in their drop box,because they will charge you for lost books ect...If you want to study there the place is croudy with school kids in the afternoons during the week, is like being in a noisy class,no one will say anything,also the filters at the ceiling are plugged win mold and you are welcome to breathe the small mold particles in your lungs,and oh you will always get a virus and or feel sick each time you come out of there.....not a good place to be overall. read more

The library is frequently closed due to weather conditions. On January 5, 2013 the library closed due to icy condition during a day with temperatures reaching 40 degrees. The rest of the Fort Lee municipality appears to have found salt to address the icy conditions except for the library. You can call the library in advance to make sure that they are open. The number is 201 592 3614. read more

I agree with some of the reviews about this library been a lit loud, but there is a lots of teens studying and it's always pack, hard to keep it extremely quiet study place, but the staff in this location it's very friendly and always willing to assist the public . I gave it 4 star because, they have a good amount of good books and plenty of computers always working, and a staff that is helpful and friendly .! read more

A community centerpiece with programs catering to every segment and age groups across the spectrum. Well managed and knowledgeable staff.