Worst library in NYPL... I wanted to use a computer bit the mouse did not work. Told the librarian(?) about it and gave me one where the computer was sbut off.Which was was okay because the person(?) next was coughing and spreading legionnaires disease everywher.. Now I know the homeless need a place to be but why can't we all share the amenities we are afforded. And by the way, when I suggested that the computer with the the non working mouse be put out of e, she looked at as if I five heads. read more

Pretty small branch of the NYPL located in the Upper West Side. I think the main highlight is the kid's library on the 2nd floor. The main floor is pretty small. I wasn't really here to read library books, but rather get a little bit of work done. There are a few tables, but do be warned that there are no outlets to charge your laptops or your phones. For that, you have to go to one of the larger libraries in Midtown. Wasn't the biggest of deals as I merely used the stop to get some cool air, of which there was plenty. But if you need to study or read books (without needing to be on the laptop), this isn't a bad alternative. read more

I sat in the back near the magazines because the front door where the desk is, in fits and starts, quite noisy. I ended up with my back to the magazine rack, at the end of the space, facing front. After an hour, someone loudly stomped over, plopped down facing me, shaking the table, plopped down a laptop and actually threw her phone down onto the table. I thought it was an angry male teenager but when I finally peeked up, it was a young woman with long straight hair wearing a sweatshirt with the logo from the U of Penn, ironically, where the killer caught today is from. I put on my earbuds and pretended to be listening to something on my own laptop, but it was just to plug up my ears, and as her friend joined, they proceeded to noisily engage in a mutual tutoring session. At one point, a woman from the next table turned to them, and I didn't hear what she said, but these two "elite" young women started laughing uproariously. Throughout the hour I sat there, one or the other of them regularly turned to look behind them at that woman whose back was usually turned to them, anxious to be glared at again. They laughed each time, pantomiming a glare at no one, just for show. I ignored them but I was in shock. I finally moved tables, and believe it or not, could still hear them from way across the room. They were studying for medical school, it seemed, and I hope I don't live long enough to experience them at another kind of table. A library, with a monitor who patrols the floor but says nothing with regard to noise is such a disappointment. The homeless people there were perfectly quiet, I might add. That's probably what the monitor is told to police. I expect the occasional whisper or text between table-mates, but this is my local library, where I, myself, want to read or even study, in peace. Not too much to ask for, is it? At a library? read more

This is a pretty decent library right near Julliard. Not like my other favorite library in midtown east but this one gets the job done when searching for the right book. Also, alot of computers that you can use for internet access, it is not that crowded before the afternoon school kids I guess rush in. The staff here seems pretty nice as well, better than most other libraries I have been to. *I was just there earlier this morning killing some time before a television show appearance that I never got to make. read more

Fancy lookin' library for the performing arts, right next to Julliard. Ah, to go to school in this area...you've got the beautiful Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle. Free wifi, books, a mini museum...I dig it! read more

This is a fun library branch located in Amsterdam Ave between W 65th St and W 66th St. The main focus of this review will be on the second floor: the kid's library. There is a staircase or an elevator that lead up to this floor. The elevator may seem a little hidden, but it's on the back wall, after you walk in. Our toddler loves the big open space in the kid's section, and all of the board books they have. They have some comfy seats and cushions as well. Along the walls there are some small toys that kids can interact with. They also have some tables and chairs for kids a bit older than a toddler. This place is always fun to visit and it's hard to pull our son away from it. A few notes: the kid's floor closes at 4:45 pm everyday. They are also closed Sunday. If I had to nitpick one thing, it would be the fact that the library isn't open on Sundays. Given that my wife and I work during the work, it isn't easy for us to get to the library. Weekends work best, and it would be amazing if they were open both days. read more

I am totally in love with this library. After living across the street for over a year, I finally decided to get a NYPL card and start reading again. The actual library is very small, and doesn't seem to have much of a selection. I think people just come here to work and read. The second story is a children's area, where they do readings and playtime, etc. But the reason I like the library so much is that you can order a book from anywhere in the NYPL system and get it sent to your local library. So that's what I do. I get an email when my books are ready, and I go pick them off the shelf, do self checkout, and I'm on my way in two minutes. I haven't used these yet, but the library also offers free events, like Saturday morning yoga. Definitely plan to check that out one day. read more

MISTAKE: The two above reviews refer to the Lincoln Ctr. Libe for the Perf. Arts. Small but newish branch with regular used book sales and a decent collection. Neat kids' room upstairs with AV items and books. It's actually in a Lincoln Center building, near Walter Reade Theatre and near a fire station which lost a lot of men on 9/11; plaques in front. read more

The Children's Section is great And good spots for Working on the laptop by a window. read more

This branch actually feels like a small-town library--in a good way. I find a lot of great things just browsing (especially in the just-returned carts) and, unlike with the Mid-Manhattan branch, when you get an email saying a hold item is ready--it's actually ready. And it now has a book drop-off AND a self-checkout machine. YES. I find the majority of the staff members to be incredibly kind and accommodating. I also really like that there are carts out for recently returned materials, separated by genre. The YA, fiction, and new nonfiction sections are excellent. Minus one star for two snarky staff members. One demands all of your fines before she'll let you have your books (even if the amount is under the $15 limit AND even if other employees are happy to give you your books). So, a word to the wise: if you owe even $.25, do NOT check out your books with the woman with reddish braids. It's totally worth putting on "I forgot something!" face and meandering until someone else is checking out books. Unless, you know, you like getting snarked at. read more

I heart this library, but I hate that it doesn't have a book drop-off. Come on NYPL, if West 100th street can have one, this location can have one. It's nice and new inside, but god save you if you don't like little kids running all over the place. Seriously, you are on the UWS, and you will know it. First floor is all the adult and young adult books, second floor is children's section. Table seating is limited, but they have nice chairs at the end of the aisles where you can sit. There's also plenty of window seating. My experience with NYPLs is limited so I can only say it's newer looking than Chelsea, Yorkville, and mid-Manhattan, but about on par with Morningside. The people who work there were pretty friendly (for New Yorkers). read more

This particular branch used to be my local when I was growing up, however, back then it was located about 4 blocks more north in an older building ( an even older building, constructed with funds from Andrew Carnegie in 1905, housed the original branch at that same location ). "In September 1992, the Riverside Branch re-opened in a new building at 127 Amsterdam Avenue. The main floor features extensive collections for adults and teenagers. The Children's Room on the second floor combines materials from the Riverside Branch with the specialized children's collections formerly housed at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts." Back in the day I would do my research here for elementary school projects as this was before the internet ... how times have changed. Check their website for the current opening hours as budget cuts keep reducing the hours of operation. read more

Pretty nice library! I've come here many times to study. There are definitely a lot of spaces here to study. No one bothers you here-everyone does their own thing. It's quite peaceful. They have a decent selection of books. The areas are clearly labeled. The lighting is a bit dim. Some of the other libraries I have gone too have better collections of books and movies. This is more of a library to get a lot of work done in. The employees are pretty nice here. I'll definitely return here to get more work done. read more

Seems like a good enough library but every book that I wanted to check out required a hold and I'm still waiting almost a month for one of them. I don't know if this is typical of nyc or just this branch does not have a lot of titles readily available. read more

Pros: Many tables for sitting and studying, friendly employees, pretty good selection of books, restrooms, as well as a book drop outside for when the library is closed. Just down the block from the Performing Arts Library so if I'm going to be in the area I prefer to pick books up here because they do not make you go through a bag check on your way in and out like the Perf. Arts location. Cons: Need to get here early for seats near electrical outlets, because it is a very popular spot for homeless and down on their luck people. I don't fault these people for anything they're going through, and I'm happy the library gives them a place to have a sense of belonging. They, for the most part, are not bothersome - there's just more people than there are seats sometimes. read more

I brought my brother here to borrow and copy sheet music in preparation for an orchestra he'll be performing with; they had just about everything, some that were downloadable on CD-ROM. Great resource if you have nowhere else to go for ensemble music! Also nice to have the lincoln center/julliard back drop. read more

Next to Lincoln Center, this is quite a good place to keep dry in rainy season. Its allow me to get some reading done. There are quite some kids around here, so perfect for family learning. read more

This has to be one of the most unpleasant and frustrating libraries in NYC. The shelves are not alphabetized. It is impossible to find a book based on authors or titles because boks are haphazardly placed on shelves. The head librarian could not be more helpful but the young people who work the floor can be rude and with an attitude. I am a NYP donor but wonder why. I find myself traveling to other parts of the city to use the library rather than go to one across the street from my home. read more

They have just about anything on classical music so go check it out. Free wifi also~ Plenty of places to sit. The computers there have internet access also. Very quiet and a great place to study, right next to Juilliard. Plus the staff there are super nice. read more

I moved from the east side to the west side and I've been very disappointed by this library. I was a big fan of the East 79th street library and Webster. The selection of new books is very poor and rarely changes. The library is depressing on the inside and feels like a hospital or nursing home rather than a library. I have ended up going all the way to 42nd and 5th to get books (which will likely close unfortunately when it is sold) because they have plenty of best sellers rather than to this library 1 block away. read more

New, well maintained surprise across from Lincoln Center. Plenty of space with fine air-conditioning. In a word clean, comfortable, with good amenities and resources. read more

Libraries are one of my favorite things. This one is decent but doesn't have a particularly good selection of books. The last few times I've been in here I was interrupted by loud groups of teenagers, which made it impossible to read in peace. Nice light building though. read more

This library is a homeless convention. When the weather is bad many of NYC homeless come here to sleep and relax. The downstairs area smells like cheese and body odor. The library does not police it enough by asking them to wake up or don't talk. It's like a movie!! It's pretty gross to be honest with you. It's total comedy when the homeless start arguing over a newspaper and want to fight, that's when I usually say, what am I doing here. read more

It was a nice quiet place to just sit down and write in your journal/diary alone. I felt relaxed and cozy and i got a little bit of "me-time/alone-time" while writing in my diary/reading. I only went here once but so far i really like it. The only thing i want to change it that i think thet should put the shades down during the times school starts and ends because lag hs is right across the street and it can be distracting. But other than that, so far so good. read more