Omg. This was my childhood library where I got my 1st public library card and would come so often once I discovered free books. This library helped me not go crazy as a kid because I was the child of immigrants who struggled financially as well as not knowing navigating the USA. My 3rd grade friend informed me of free libarary because she was an avid reader. I still remember we had a book worm in class and she surpassed everyone with her love of reading. I was in second. I finally walked in today to check out since the library's renovation - haven't been back since high school when my parents moved us out of Elmhurst and it was BEAUTIFUL! I was amazed how modern, bright, airy and just so peaceful with lots of seats as well as plenty of people doing work/reading. Definitely will be back. read more

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Very nice staff, they were very helpful helping me find a book, and gave me the titles of other books by that author. It also a very beautiful faiand facility. read more

I was here earlier doing research on a project. Was reviewing some Children's books up on the third floor. Took the books into the Children's Meeting area where there were many empty tables and chairs, so I sat down to go through the materials. A class had just finished. Parents had started to leave with their kids. A staff member asked the librarian, who is that person in the blue shirt. She came over and asked me where my kid was. I said I do not have a child with me. She said I can not sit here. I asked her where do I go? She said you have to go to the adult section. I was going to leave the books on the table. Staff goes it's a library take the books with and after you finish leave it on the table. Went down to the second floor it said Teen section- Confused was I not suppose to be there too. Had no teenager with me. There were tables at the media area. Sat there reviewed all the materials. Took books back to third floor and placed books outside of the Children's area. Where is the adult area? First floor? I see computers and people of all ages there. I did not see a sign. This is a very small library. People sitting on benches by elevator. Only three floors on this site. Had been here one time just to get catalog of activities at this library for family member. Tried to take pictures to post with review. Staff said you are not allowed to take pictures. Some of the staff is very abrupt and not the friendliest. Will I be back? Probably not. I am use to going to the libraries in Manhattan for they are bigger and staff are much more welcoming. read more

Awesome! Grateful for libraries being open during times of Covid because I have discovered that I love reading and I can borrow books for free. Elmhurst library is clean and really spacious so perfect place to sit in and get some reading in. Also perfect place to study if you're still in school, or just a perfect place to get work done in general. It is also quiet which is exactly what we need. Since it's still during the pandemic, Queens public libraries make sure that if covid cases have increased or gotten more serious, they will take precautions and close the sitting area. However, drop offs are 24/7 so you can return your books without any late fees (though I believe they have removed any fees) and you can still request books online to be picked up in the library. Just gotta be on the lookout for updates on the website! read more

This library is huge! I haven't been back since they renovated a few years ago. I love how they reinvented the indoor and outdoor space. Whenever I walk by, I see a lot of people sitting in front of the library in the many benches and sitting areas. There is an outdoor reading garden and roof area. The roof area requires someone with an ID to swipe the door open so I'm guessing it's off limits. At first glance, the inside looks very spacious and with lots of windows-- it makes for a very bright and inviting space. Everything looks very clean and organized. But I actually find the layout of the building somewhat awkward. It feels very spacious but the reading and sitting areas are small. And most times it's hard to find seats to read in. The building is three floors and bathrooms are in the lower level. The kids section is at the top floor. Again, even though the building is large, the kids section feels very small. In fact, they even require parents to leave their strollers outside in the hallway. My favorite section of the library is the second floor where they have huge floor to ceiling glass windows with a small sitting area that has great views of Broadway. The windows let in a lot of natural light and it's a great area to sit and read or take pictures. It does get very hot here though when the sun streams in through the windows. They offer lots of activities and classes for children (toddler dancing, chess, music classes) and adults (ballroom dancing, ESL). A great library for the community. read more

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As someone who's just in and out to grab books and occasionally print on the 2nd floor, I don't have issues with the library. Most, if not all, of the adult books I borrow are on the first floor. Sometimes after I pick up holds, I walk around the nearby aisles to grab some other well-known reads. There are tables and chairs to study, etc. Sometimes the checkout machines malfunction and cause the monitor to beep, but you just have to come back for the staff to fix things. If you're using the computer and printing on the second floor, then you scan your card at the desk and wait for the computer assignment. At the computer, you insert your password. I forget the time limit, but you can print in black and white with 20 free pages per day. It's useful if you need to print shipping labels and don't have a printer. read more

New, clean, and shiny! They have a 24-hour book return deposit, which I appreciate. I do not care for the staff. They are rude and unhelpful and act annoyed when you ask questions. I got there at 5:30 when they close at six and they were rushing people to leave and check out at 5:45 pm. I was literally checking out my books and they were all huddled around the front double doors glaring at me to hurry up when I still had several minutes left before 6 pm. The palpable tension in the air turned me off completely from this location. If my taxes are paying your salary, please at least TRY to be pleasant. read more

Almost five years after construction was initially billed to be complete, this long-awaited branch finally opened, exemplifying once again it is unreasonable to expect public building projects to be finished on time. With bated breath I watched each step of construction, wondering what the exterior and interior would look like, and I have to say "wow" it's not disappointing. This modern building features a expansive check out counter (6-7 stations), fully glass enclosed lobby space allowing ample sunlight, several open seating areas, a multi-language reading/reference material area, a kids/youth space, a large 30+ computer workspace, and media center. Gone are the days of wandering around the library waiting for an open seat only to revel in another patron's person space. The revamped building is a much-needed community resource, holding art, dance, language and other educational classes too. read more

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Location: in the heart of elmhurst. You can get there by the r train. Floors: there are two floors. Space is limited but it is not crowded like the flushing library. Hour: hours vary depending on the day but open Monday to Saturday. Crowd: typically library crowd. Students doing homework, studying, reading and going on their laptops. Building: building is fairly new. Everything is nice clean and modern. Librarian: the few librarian I spoke to were fairly nice and helpful. I would definitely stop by if you are in the area and need to find a book. However I would not go out of my way to stop here. Library card: you need a library card to borrow books and get on their WiFi. Library card is free. read more

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Elmhurst library hold near and dear to my heart. I was born and raised in Elmhurst so I remembered coming here on school trips and signing up for my first library card. And eventually the library got a huge makeover which has made it so modern looking. Overall it's organized and clean and new. However, the librarian in the children section is miserable, condescending, unfriendly and the most unhelpful person I have ever met. I have two young children and it makes me so reluctant to go because her presence and her attitude towards everyone are horrifying! If you ask her a question, she looks at you like you have 3 heads. She expects us to know the answer already. For example, not everyone knows where the bathroom key is, she can simply point and say "it's right here" next to her desk. Instead, she doesn't even look at you and or respond and EXPECTS you and other first-comers to know! And when my daughter wants crayons to color, she is reluctant to let children borrow and says, "you need to color at the table". No really?! Am I suppose to sit on the floor and color?! Where else are we going to take your precious crayons? I don't understand why can't she just leave them out like Maspeth library. She hides her precious crayons in her locked drawer. Next time I bringing my own box! And beware, if you or your kid are a fast walker, mostly likely she will tell you to stop running! And if you breathe too loud over a certain decibel, she will most likely to tell you to quiet down! Skipping to the best part and I cannot make this sh!t up, her name is Karen!! Karen, please shift your miserable duties from the children section to the adult self-help section downstairs. You are ruining all these bright and inquisitive children's experience in this wonderful Elmhurst Library! read more

I rather go to any other queens library. The children's room is not set in order for children. If you take out a book to read, don't try to put it back, if so the librarian will yell at you because she wants to do it herself. No soft padding on the floor for toddlers. Don't ask questions to the librarian because they don't know any of the activities that take place at the library such as the summer reading program. Just walk to Maspeth. read more

A beautiful building with plenty of space and light. Excellent public programs. Staff is extremely helpful. Thank you so much for this library! read more

One of the best public library in NYC. Elmhurst library has recently been renovated with LEED certification (energy efficiency). The building is beautiful and full of natural light with three floors and a lower level. It is spacious with plenty of seats and not as crowded the Flushing branch. It is relatively quiet and clean (although I did see a small cockroach). There is reliable internet and clean restrooms. There is also an outdoor garden that is open during the warmer months. read more

Queens library is big and clean and hopefully it will be maintain. I always come here for my son's free music class every wednesday. I love that its free and get to hang out with lots of moms and babies his age but the teacher is not so friendly. They have this teacher every wednesday that tells us don't keep on taking pictures and if I feel like shes always in a hurry. This type of job is for people who love kids and also if you work in places like this you have to be friendly. I'm just glad its free. read more

If you have children, this location is NOT the one for you. The staff for the children's room located on the third floor are not equipped to handle kids. They conduct storytime which requires a ticket, after 20 kids no one is allowed inside the room. If you're two minutes late, they will tell you to you cannot join and make your child watch the other children have fun through the glass doors. They made up another rule where you cannot go to story time twice in a day, no matter what the size of the class is. And if you bring a stroller inside they will yell at you to leave your personal belongings in a hallway outside. I've been to all the libraries in queens, but this by far is the WORST library for kids. read more

It's a beautiful building, but bc of COVID-19, understandably you can't stay there to do work. You can borrow books but can't stay there. My main usage is to do work outside my house so that's why I gave it one star for people who needs a place to work with wifi. Check on their queens library website to see which libraries are fully opened before you head to one. read more

Queens Yelpers are definitely a tough bunch, as evidenced by the average 3 star rating for what I consider is a stellar branch of the Queens library network. I'm not sure why this Leed Silver certified library got such low stars from some. Newly renovated, it's has a lovely reading atrium, huge windows that let in light and four floors for your educational pleasure. Because of the makeup of the neighborhood, there is a large selection of international books and rarely any computer books to check out(at least when I came in). All those budding geniuses must have borrowed the computer books. Libraries over the years have evolved into more community centers. Proof is seen by the elderly who have seem to have turned atrium area into a bedroom. Like getting a beach cabana at a resort, I guess you have to wake up early. Activities and programs abound here--flyers advise on classes on naturalization and literacy classes, and there was even a Lunar New Year Festival held at the library. One Yelper didn't like the noise due to the masses of teens. I can understand that but I would prefer to see children in libraries than on the streets. And they are actually checking out books here! The lines weren't as long as at the Holiday Hangover, but still, when you get lines of kids checking out library materials, there's hope for that the US might rise in its global education ranking. I just try to go when the kids are in school if possible! I like the computerized return process here that you don't get in Manhattan, available 24/7, so if you get out late out work, you don't have to pay that $3 overdue fine on your DVD. The library provides plenty of seating, by the elevators, in the reading rooms. There also appears to be a garden outside. It's not the most spacious feeling library, despite the atrium, and the holdings aren't as vast as at Mid-Manhattan library. The computers usually seem all occupied. I haven't had any interaction with the staff here to say if there are rude or not but I have noticed that Queens library staff in general seem a bit less eager than their Manhattan counterparts. But this library doesn't have the homeless found in many Manhattan libraries, which does make the air in them sometimes difficult to breathe. And, you are close to so many eateries here and just a few minutes from the train station. Beautiful, clean and free. What's not to like? read more

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I haven't been to this library since 2016 and it was undergoing renovations until recently. This library outclasses all other libraries in terms accessibility and available working space for the public. While it is not as book stockpiled as one would think for the library, the environment is amazingly well done to accommodate the needs of the community. The computer is classic dell windows set up with library login and its streamlined book checking is seamless. The atmosphere has that google/tech college campus vibe with the exception to all the Asian elderly there cause it's in the middle of Elmhurst. Overall it's a great place to work and focus in case your Starbucks is packed with no available seats to work or charge your electronics XD read more

I used to work around the neighborhood. And I would come by to pick requested materials. Today I came by here again because I had to meet up with someone. I really had my eyes opened for sure. That short asian lady with eyeglasses was screaming at some kids in teen room.. All the adults who were using computers, had line of sights to see what was going on. If you didn't like the kids went beyond their times on computers, then tried to talk some senses to them at least. But you didn't had to scream at kids. Besides that, that short old white lady who was at the front on the first floor, she was at the media center today. I asked her nicely for the bathroom key. She said key is there by the checkout computers with attitude. I hated her every time I came to this location when I was working in the neighborhood. read more

I moved to Queens *cringe* from Manhattan last summer. It's been a year, but when people ask me where I live, I still lie and tell them I live in Manhattan. I see it like this: if I come to terms with it, then it can only be the beginning of something truly bad. But the first thing I located in my new abode was the local library. I'm a hardcore abuser of the NYPL system, but I have to admit, the Queens library branches are slowly winning me over. The primary reason is that the hours are quite nice--they open most days at 10AM and also on SUNDAYS! The Elmhurst Branch is small but has a great collection of Chinese and Spanish films, and in general, a sufficient collection of new releases. Their fiction/non-fiction is lacking. And the service is questionable. On most days, they're nice. Sometimes, they just want to be total bitches and will glare/yell at you for vague things. Maybe it's just me. Bottom line: this is an okay library. Satisfactory at best, but not the best place to study since they don't have many chairs and tables, and the ones they do have are uncomfortable and crowded. But, there are benches outside of the library...where stalkers sit and watch your every move. I shit you not. This one time, I was just sitting there, reading something, and this shady looking guy came up to me, and gave me a sleazy look. I left without wanting to appear alarmed. But he followed me and I had to duck into the deli to get rid of him. The other thing about the Queens library system is, you can't put holds on videos, which really just tickles my nipples in an unpleasant way. Being a film addict, I depend on the library for my weekly fix. Also, an overdue video is $3/day as opposed to $1/day in Manhattan. You can take out a film and renew it twice (for a total of nine days), but because the initial due date--within three days--is so short, you end up, like me, logging into your account and realizing that you owe something like $21 for a dvd you forgot all about and never bothered to watch anyway. read more

The last time I used my public library card was when I was 17 (a book report of sorts). Beforehand, I didn't realize that you could be entertained with a library. My recent revisit unearthed quite a few treasures... - All the (car, food, tech, fashion) magazines that you can read, without the hassle of subscriptions, lifetime credit car charges, or recycling - What's for dinner?: you'll find your answer with an array of cookbooks here - Dvd rentals.., this comes in handy when I don't feel like pirating movies online - Cute nerdy girls?, hmm.. :-o read more

I love love love this temporary library. Sure, the actual library was supposed to be built last year, but I'll ignore that for now. This place gets the best books. I'm serious. The Astronaut Wives Club had just come out and Elmhurst had it. Neil Patrick Harris's Autobiography? Had it. Emily Griffin's The One and Only? Had it. When new books come out, surprisingly Elmhurst gets them first. It freaks me out. There are 3 self-check out machines inside - and you can pay your fees at 2. The request section is in the back left corner, which gives you the perfect amount of space to look for your book. I haven't been lucky with the magazines, though - usually the most recent ones are already borrowed. I really wanted to give this place 5 stars but I unfortunately had to take one off because of the staff. 99% of the time I love going to this library, but every so often someone is just rude to me for no reason. One time I finished scanning my books at the self-check out machine, and as I was leaving, a staff member looked up at me and asked, "Did you scan your books?" I replied, "Yes, I did just at this machine." She asked, "Are you sure?" After I assured her that I did check out my books properly (it was probably my 3rd visit there so I was a pro at those machines), she commented, "Okay, fine, but if you leave here and set the alarm off, it's going to be your fault." What? And when I left, the alarm didn't go off. I'm just trying to help the public library system - because I love it - but it honestly would not hurt if the staff was friendlier. But there are younger students inside the library who help you find books and they are really nice! read more

One of the best library dvd selections out there plus a good amount of 7-day rental documentaries. Small space though. No place to plug in laptops and getting on a computer via a sign-up sheet is a complete calamity. There are a lot of people reading newspapers, and it's a nice community feeling there. More personal contact here than other libraries, but that's a taxpayer-expensive thing that can only be attributed to not upgrading their resources. Although, it probably costs millions to put in 4 checkout computers to make the process more streamlined, reminds me of the differences in executing a man and keeping him in prison for a lifetime due to legal fees (an expensive system which makes what's right arbitrary because cost is the ultimate decider). Out front, there are either kids playing or senile, old people yelling at each other. It's kind of endearing, but at length it gets annoying. The food cart people on the street corner gives some home-like street food - if only my home had parents who were chinese and good cooks. read more

Looks like a more modern and smaller version of the Flushing branch. Since its still new, the construction smell still lingers. The international titles, teen section and media center are on the second floor while the adult section and self help books are on the first floor. They also have a sun reading room! It looks realy nice to just sit there and soak some rays while reading. read more

I was passing by and walked in to check the new library building it's trendy and well organized. I picked few travel books that were new editions. Perfect spot for research librarians are very helpful and kind. read more

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omgosh, this was the first American Library i've ever been to back 15 years ago. Lots of good memories at this place. Okay, This place is pretty spacious when their children section takes up 50 percent of the entire library. It's not a peaceful library since children and the staff constantly makes noise. The adult section doesnt really have much selections; the foreign language section is a joke and it's only good for foreign adults. Also, I believe that they have a English class down in their basement so check it out if you cant read my review. Well, come if you live in the area or if you really want to, it's not impressive and there arent much selections in books, if you want a good quality library, might I recommend the Flushing Library. Otherwise, this place is average. read more

beautiful library unfortunately not kid friendly, I can't go in the kid section because they won't allow me to bring my stroller with my newborn inside meanwhile my son is only 7 and he can't go in by himself. i wish they were more kid friendly like the other libraries. the librarians are very nice though it's not their fault those crummy rules were made. read more

Love this place. Spacious, clean & professional staff. There isn't a lot of books because apparently libraries are evolving into community spaces more than just places for books. That said, you can reserve any books in the Queens library system and it gets delivered to this (or any other) branch. read more

I love the environment here but today when I came in to study. I noticed a new employee here working in the teens section who was rudely causing a commotion over some little kids spending more time then they should've on the computer. In my opinion I understand they shouldn't pass their time limit on the computer but she didn't need to yell at the kids and threatening them over something so small. read more

I've visited once, it's a pretty good place, but I did experience a very weak WiFi connection, I've tested the speed (upload & download) online and it was less than 1mbps, I would love to comeback again, but I'd the WiFi always like that? Thanks for your service read more

Well, as you all may know, all Queens libraries are now closed on Sundays. Since my last review, I have changed my outlook towards this library. I have since requested many books from other libraries to be picked up at the Elmhurst branch. Every time, the reference desk librarian, a different person than the one I mentioned in my previous review, would tell me to get the requested book off the shelf myself. The books are labeled with a piece of paper with the first three letters of my last name followed by the last four digits of my library card. When I check materials out, the librarians at checkout seem more nicer than I think. Perhaps, their hard exteriors had me fooled because once I speak to them, they turn friendly. Still, I better keep my guard up just in case. Sometimes, I wish as I walk past the library, that instead of having a garden outside, they would put more chairs and tables so people can sit outside, breath the fresh air, and read and relax. Ah. Otherwise, having flowers and trees there aren't doing much anyway since they aren't being tended enough to be as pretty as the Queens botanical garden. read more

Incoming Rant: For $30 MILLION WORTH OF RENOVATIONS COSTS, it's small for a public library (if you compare it with Flushing). The 3rd-floor kids' section is so BLOODY SMALL, there's barely any seating for kids and adults (compare this to the old Elmhurst library with the first-floor fireside children's lounge; kids sat everywhere). I also don't understand why the manga/comic books section is in the teenage lounge (most kids growing up reading this genre are all like working age 20-40 yr old now). Also, I don't understand why they removed the good comfy sofa chairs from the glass sky-view room with crappy plastic chairs. One final thing about the entire design (not worth 30$ M if you ask me): If you're not going to let people sit in the front and back garden spaces, then what was the point of making the entire library small just for some garden space??? I waited 5 years for this new library to get built (#bureaucracy), and it was wasted on some shit gardens. Good sides: Computer labs, movie rentals, foreign language section, etc. read more

It is good that you could print out 20 pages per day for free. It is a great location just 2 minutes walk from Grand Ave subway station. However, it is very noisy sometime and people are jam and "fighting" for the newspaper...:S other than that, no complain. Be aware there is only one restroom and sometimes there is a line for it. read more

How is this place still being built?! It was supposed to be completed 2013 which was already a long amount of time for a building to be finished. It looks nowhere close to being done and it's over a year from when it was supposed to be done. I've almost lived in the neighborhood for three years and I've never been to the library since it's been under construction the entire time. read more

tiny library, small selection of books, not much in the way of "new releases". but it's in walking distance and the staff is friendly! now get me my Tina Fey!!! :) (and p.s. regarding the other reviews mentioning the creepy old men sitting outside: they aren't kidding nor exaggerating. a few weeks ago, while waiting for the library to open, a man across from me began touching himself, licking his lips and making inappropriate gestures and noises towards me. even with me clearly letting him know that his actions were not ok, he continued. i had to leave. they really need to rethink that area. perhaps tables and chairs for readers and families.) read more

Expected for a looog time, finally construction done , and be here the 1st time. Disappointed ++++++ the kids section, why is so tiny!!! There even not enough seats for the kids! read more

I came here only one. That time I went there was when the Queens Library at Jackson Heights was closed for renovations and I had books to be returned. I came here to return some books and used the computer there. read more

The lady at the front desk was rude when I tried to sign up for a library card and sometimes there's people at the library that aren't even studying or reading they're just sitting there for no reason and there's also kids that take out like 20 books and they don't even read them read more

The library is small and doesn't have that many variety of books. They usually ask you to go to Flushing library or Jamaica library for books they don't have. They have a large collection of Chinese books on the mezzanine floor but no Japanese or Koreans. The staffs are nice and helpful when you have questions. They have many different events throughout the years for everyone. read more

No quiet room :( and I wish their open hours are from 9-5. People pick up their cell phones and talk in normal tone. People talk to each other too. Didn't get much done everytime I go here. I wish they also had more tables on the 2nd floor in the area with glass walls. The students kept fighting for the 2 tables. But other than that, the place is pretty. read more