This is beautiful large library, with floor to ceiling windows that let in a lot of natural light…read more The children's section is very spacious and has a lot of areas for kids to read comfortably. The staff was very helpful! I would recommend to any parents in the area to take advantage of the library and bring their kids to enjoy some reading.

This NYPL branch gets 5 stars for the building and its resources, and 2 for customer service/ease…read moreof use. I believe it's the Bronx's biggest branch--its 5 stories include a children and teen floor, space for concerts, film screenings and other events, a huge circulating collection, outdoor reading terrace, and many tables and chairs at which to read or study. The books are neatly kept and there are many more sections to peruse than at other branches. This is also one of the few locations in the Bronx at which you can apply for an ID NYC card. That being said, the flow of helping patrons is abysmal. I had an appointment to apply for my ID NYC card this morning that I arrived on time for. The office is on the 5th floor. When I reached it, I was ordered by a cantankerous security guard to stand in a specific spot. When I wasn't at the precise spot where she wanted me, she made a rude gesture to indicate that to me. Other applicants were complaining in Spanish behind her back about what a high and mighty b-word she was, so I guess it wasn't personal at least. I was eventually given a pager and was told I could wait on any other floor until I was called. After an hour of waiting (with an appointment!) and no page, I went back up to ask how much longer it would be. An apologetic worker told me to wait behind the first woman in line and said I would be seen shortly. Of course the security guard had a problem with me standing where I was told and put me in the back of the line despite my explanation of what the other worker had told me to do. Five minutes later, the other worker comes out and tells me I'm standing at the back and I should be in front. Can y'all make up your minds?!?! Once I was seen the process took all of five minutes. Ugh. Afterward, I decided to check out a book that I'd picked up while waiting. There were two librarians at the circulation desk and about five patrons ahead of me in line, so I figured it shouldn't take more than maybe two minutes. I have no idea why it took ten minutes; I felt like I was at the post office. All this to say, please demand to your city and state legislators not to cut library funds!! They are an amazing resource when they can operate on more than a shoestring budget. There's little point in having a beautiful shiny new building if it's not able to help patrons because it's understaffed. You can't just give a community this space if you aren't going to train its staff to actually help people.

Love this library, nice and clean as well as organized with the best staff ever. Awesome calendar…read moreevents indoors and out. Welcoming and very nicely set up. Love how their book displays are set up and the vast selection of books are excellent.

Serving the Co-op City section of the Bronx, this New York Public Library branch is located in the…read moreBartow Plaza Shopping Center located between Asch Loop and Bartow Avenue. With a nice selection of books, periodicals, and videos, this location serves the community extremely well. Clean, free Wi-Fi, and a great staff that really cares about the library (especially as they try to find additional revenue after budget cuts due to the bad economy), the Baychester Library is an important partner in this community.

When i stay in the area with my aunt i always take my daughter to this library. Its really nice…read moreand sweet place. I enjoy the children's section and i enjoy just going and reading with her. The staff is really nice and welcoming.

A quite, humble library on a somewhat bustling Bronx block. They have some good selections and it…read morefeels like a place to duck out for quiet nearby.

Not opened to the public. I specifically went because I read it was opened to the public on a…read moreSunday. When i got there i was told otherwise. Apparently only opened to students. This was on a Sunday, i found it online and it said it was opened on Sunday to to the public. Personally I think I was prejudged by security. It is what it is.

Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library has been turning up since 1968! The Big 50th Birthday Bash &Reading…read moreBonanza kicked off today. 1968 Film Festival started at 10:30 am- 1 pm. A selection of short documentary films from NYPL's Reserve Film & Video Collection reflecting the events, attitudes, and styles of New York City in 1968. Music, Bubbles and Comedy Show runs from 1pm-2pm. The 1960's Teen Arcade is something to checkout. I am at this location because children are able to read to Therapy dogs. This is an unique event that ONLY happens at this location.

It's a good resource in a neighborhood like this. I used to check out books a lot when I was a…read morechild, but now, not so much. I usually check out books during the summer. When ever I'm inside, the staff is very helpful and friendly. They will help you find the book you're looking for and if it's not available, you can always order it and pick it up later. Inside, there are tables and seats for people who want to read the newspaper or books. I think the place is used a lot by local families and senior citizens. There are also computers available for people who don't have access to one. Every month, there is at least one event like book discussion or art related project. The NYPL system is a great resource for families and individuals who need help with the job search, health or legal issues (there are pamphlets near the front desk), or book recommendations.

Usually a nice place to visit but the last few days, it has been HOOOTTT!!! No AC!!! You ask staff…read morewhy there is no AC and no one seems to know why...SMH....and this is suppose to be a cooling center....haha!!

I thought i had entered a zoo. little kids were screaming while their parents were on the phones…read more the kids on laptops were playing games and hogging them for people who needed them. a random little boy slammed my laptop shut. do not recommend.

The library caters to the wee babies with their Storytelling time. One cannot help but sing along…read moreto the ABC song or Bingo was his name Yo! (A New Yorker additive there) A neighborhood library with a great mix of cultures and ages The book selection in sparse but one can order whatever you like and have it shipped there. They have adult bead jewelry, crochet basics, and old school coloring time. For the sophisticated teens there are events like Superhero Illustrations and Computer Coding Basics. Their weekend movies includes hits like Bridge of Spies and Selma. Their Wifi is consistent. But outlets can be an issue. I will carry a juice pack just in case.

Great selection in books and there are tons of areas throughout the establishment to grab a book…read moreand relax. Although I must say that the customer service in this place is appalling. Unfortunately, I had to use the library's services to print and copy a few documents and almost everyone behind the desk looked miserable and as if I were bothersome for asking questions. Great location Bad service

Fantastic library for myself and my kids. Everyone knows me there. I played their as a child and…read morewas there in my young adult like for the AC to cool off in the summer.

Great neighborhood library. The children library is upstairs. So is the only bathroom. The teen…read morecorner is the opposite side of the library. Towards the popular books one can catch a chess game while the longer tables host the charge strips for laptops and such. Martinez, the Library Manager, spearheads great networking events and nonprofit meet and greets. This branch has a great mix of people. It is not the most quiet library. And that is ok. It has a caring and knowledgeable staff.

Stopped in for a break during my walk and used the restroom. The staff was so pleasant and…read morefriendly; greeted me with a smile. Although the library is small, it's clean and a decent size to get some work done. The air conditioner was working well. I can see myself stopping in again in the future whenever I'm in City Island again.

The library is small,but it does have interesting books on boats & photos of City Islandread more

Although I live closer to the Parkchester NYPL, I like coming to the Castle Hill branch on days…read morethat I really need to focus and work undisturbed. While it could definitely use some TLC, and isn't nearly as modern/updated as other locations (which is a shame!) it gets the job done. In my experience, the library staff is always pleasant, greeting everyone who enters, and eager to assist.

On my latest visit I went to change my library card to the new limited special edition "Black…read moreCard"... Knowledge is Power! This is a local neighborhood library, opened to 7pm weekdays, that has a very small square footage compared to most other locations. The librarians and other staff are always pleasant and very helpful. There is virtually no separation from the adult section and the kid's area. The size may seem like a negative but I have found on the occasions that I have ventured in (mainly to print a page or two because I ran out of ink, plz don't judge me. Lol) it's virtually completely silent. This is one library where people actually obey library etiquette probably due to size, but I can appreciate it. I don't think I ever borrowed a book from this location and to be honest can not remember the last time I borrowed a book from any location. Nonetheless because of it's size, if what you are looking for is not available you can always just request it and then come here for pick-up. Just A Note: Depending on what you need this library is worth utilizing because it allows you to avoid the masses.