This is by far my favorite neighborhood library from all the libraries I've been to. The staff is…read moreso welcoming and nice to my kids and myself. Everyone had a smile on their face. The one thing I value besides the books is the kiddie area. It's is phenomenal and Jay is amazing as well. Jay keeps it clean and organize. Jay plays with the kids and he has value conversations with them as well. Jay does a baby group which I go to with my 15 month old daughter she loves it. At baby group Jay does songs, music and art time before the library is open to the public on Thursdays. (That's jay in the blue shirt) I enjoy the library and all jay does for the kids.

Get a library card at any nypl location. Log on to the website, select books, place a hold. Give it…read moresome time depending on the title's popularity (I got "Liberty and tyranny" in six weeks). Receive a notification via email. Go to the library, front desk is 7 feet from the entrance. Patiently wait for an ancient lady in front of you taking forever. Pick up a book. Go home. Renew multiple times online when you realize you have absolutely no time to read it. The crowd is exactly the same as it's at any free venue with seats and restrooms though I saw some students with laptops. A quick glance - overall the selection is pretty scarce. But thanks to one of those travel guides (there's a whole shelf) my vacation trip was very enjoyable.

This library is old, with dark wood shelving and stairs, seeming to have more space than books…read more there was a decent crowd when I went in, mainly people sitting and reading and people at the computers. The collection of cookbooks and craft books are somewhat minimal, which may be because it's on the edges of East Harlem at 125 close to not much of anything, much less people who want to take out cookbooks. There was a decent collection of dvds. The librarians seemed friendly. Worth 3 stars because it's NYPL and free and seems to have updated computers and free WIFI and serves the nabe. Definitely not a destination library like MId Manhattan or Grand Army Plaza. I popped in to check out the collections and zipped right out. Still, it's great to see any library.

The toddler story time was really nice. They give away books and learning materials, and they have…read moreplenty of musical instruments and songs to sing. The woman who runs it is very nice and knowledgeable about children. I didn't use the rest of the library, but if you have a wee one, drag them over there on Tuesday at 11:15 AM.

A+ for convenience, especially for picking up reserved books which I do every week…read more A+ for friendly staff and clean bathroom. A+ for quiet surroundings. And I'm happy to learn about the outdoor terrace from the other reviews here. The Muhlenberg used to be my branch, I switched here during its repair, and I am now sticking with Andrew Heiskell.

NYPL resonates good reads and appreciation for books. Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book…read moreLibrary targets the blind and visually impaired, but the public is welcome. This branch may be small in size but it has a strong presence to the visually impaired and to the public. Since childhood I always admire libraries for the tranquility and space for studying and working in solitude. Modern cushion chairs and lounge couches are ample available. Clean and welcoming environment. In the 2015 digital age era, sadly, no one value traditional libraries and books but I am unique and still patronize libraries. Information is power and knowledge is rooted in books. Come book worm hungry. From now until it is now again as my library card expiration of three year draws near, renewal was simple and quick. Note: NYPL library card is valid for three years which all library card holders must renew in person.

What a fun and unique library right next to Lincoln Center and the Julliard school. I had a very…read morepleasant experience during my visit. There was security at the entrance and it was easy to manage. On the lower levels of the library there is a very interesting magician exhibit, with real artifacts from Houdini, Kellar, and other notable magic performers. Such a fun spot to spend 30 minutes or so reading about the history of the magic community. The library even gave out free postcards at this exhibit. Cute! On a higher level of the library, you can make an appointment or walk in to watch, original tapings of musicals and movies. I did not do this during my visit, but my friend signed up to enjoy the original taping of Wicked in the future. Although they take walk-ins for this, it is best to make an appointment in advance in case they are busy.

This is a wonderful haven for study and experience and enjoyment I have been watching old operas…read moreand plays on good quality monitors. There are plenty of DVDs and CD's in general circulation. Great for free home entertainment. A very friendly and helpful staff. The video room staff is great. I'm sure the other departments are too. They have many live performances and events as well. Plenty of indoor and outdoor space for lounging. Just a great place to discover after many years in the city

Great library has been a great help for me in so many ways!polite wonderful atmosphere…read more Charles is very helpful with all my computer needs Thank you very much for the much needed support!

I seen a mean comment on Google try to downplay the far walk away public library saying it was…read moredirty and how they just had random people taking up space When I went there, it was the total opposite for me. They even had live music playing, and a small group from the community was watching as it was free Also there you did not make no sense. The public library is for everybody and if people choose to sit there, I do not see the problem it is as long as you're not making a ruckus. I do not see the problem. Secondly, the place was not. The bathroom were nice. The floors were nice. I said no trash no nothing minding their business or with a friend doing their thing. The only thing I do agree with that review is that there is a small selection of books, but they do have videos DVDs, which is pretty cool. All I can say is I think what time collection of books could possibly grow with donations and then buying more books. It also has a computer which is free because all you need to get a library card is your ID and that's it you're in.

The New York Public Library offers great spaces and resources across the city…read more This Harry Belafonte branch offers many tables with outlets, free Wifi, and computer stations for those to take advantage of - an important resource for the neighborhood! On the rare occasion that I've interacted with the staff, they've been friendly and helpful! While the branch's Adult media lending portion is relatively small, that's OK since you can order online from NYPL's spectacular, vast collection to pick up here! Upstairs, while I haven't visited, there's a Children's section. The only real negative for this location is that talking and other noises from the Children's section reverberate throughout the downstairs non-Children's space. A 2nd Floor noise barrier between the space and stairs might help alleviate the regular sounds of constant tumult heard by 1st Floor patrons. Also, I've noted some people who bring kids to this 1st Floor section to do homework can be quite chatty and, while fantastic and I absolutely commend them for helping kids, it's not always at a volume respectful of others who come there to use the facilities - preferably in a silent atmosphere. On the whole, it's awesome that NYPL maintains this W. 115th St. branch for the community! Thank you, NYPL!

New York Public Library the Harry Belafonte Branch opened two years after the book 'The Jungle' was…read morepublished in 1906. It's the classic architecture for libraries of the time it opened in 1908. This library is a nice walk from my apartment. The layout of reading material is by floor so you navigate upward for age appropriate reading materials. Last time I was in the neighborhood I forgot to stop in. I'm definitely going to return when I'm in the neighborhood. I know you want to see photos. Here's a photo of the book that changed the food industry. Or has it? Sometimes I feel that nothing really changes or we get lax. I recommend you read this book because it moved me. Look for it at the branch or NYPL online. The more you know........

I'm an avid library-goer, and I attended this branch recently and loved it. Although it was a rainy…read moreday, there were several people waiting outside, including myself, to enter the library minutes before 10 am. This facility is large and clean with plenty of workstations and outlets. There's also more than one floor at this branch. I found my new go-to library location and I'm excited

Updating my review because the new library location at One Clinton is fabulous. The space is a…read morelittle wonky shaped, kind of like an arrowhead as the space does occupy the corner of Cadman Plaza W and Clinton St. There is a children's section in the basement, a reading room with plenty of desks on one side of the first floor and a reading circle on the other side, and a teens space on the mezzanine level upstairs. As it is a fairly new and renovated space, everything is really nice and clean. The library itself is massive and houses so many books too. My only complaint is that I wish the desks in the reading room had outlets on both sides of the table and that there were more tables and desks near the reading circle as it is not the most comfortable place to sit and read.

Impressive library with many international books and an entire non fiction Chinese section! It…read moregoes with the territory of the area. When I walked in on this hot muggy day, many adults had found refuge in the cool library. Just about every seat was taken. Too bad they don't add a community center in here. Clean and comfortable along with free WiFi. Guards filter through the area to ensure safety of their patrons. Parking lot available a block away.

April 10, 2026: it has been years I visited this library. Today I went into library and the place…read morewas dirty , not quiet at all. Decided to go to the bathroom downstairs, men's bathroom was totally disgusting and it smelled. This place is going downhill. You have what appears like homeless individuals sitting on top of stairs. Place around outside library is dirty and disgusting. The building needs to be thoroughly redone and throughly cleaned. So sad for a beautiful building when it was built and upgraded.