I first came to the library to take Chinese Mandarin lessons after work in the basement where events are held. While, this class is no longer offered because the teacher went back to Taiwan, I wouldn't mind coming back for any other interesting library events. When coming from the east, I take the Jackie Robinson Parkway, exit 4, and then loop around Forrest Park Drive until I reach a traffic light, which is on Park Ln South. It always takes more than a few traffic changes to get through the traffic light, and go straight but the wait time in between is probably less than a minute. Afterwards, I would make a left at 85th drive, the third block up with the library at the corner. There are usually parking spots in the early evening near the school.
The Woodhaven library is a very tiny library and as the plaque in the front of the library says, Woodhaven library is the last library to be built by Carnegie funds. There is a historic value to this place and I feel like I am stepping onto history. Inside, I can definitely tell the type of patrons who visit this library. Chinese DVDs and Chinese books are situated near the main entrance on the left and right sections. The adult library section is further left. If I walk a few more steps forward from the main entrance, there's the children's library. It's a tiny library and the only thing I ever borrowed was a audio cassette tape to learn Chinese. I don't find any other books interesting and I don't see any overly fantastic collections that stand out.
One odd thing is that in order to go to the basement of this library for events, I must walk around the outside. The librarians are very strict about letting people go down the "library stairs" that are only reserved for staff members. Sometimes, in the winter, I don't feel like making the trip around the outside, but the librarian tell me to walk around. I don't understand why because I'm not going to steal anything going down the stairs if that's what they are thinking. This is not the Central library where they need security guards. Yet, our Chinese teacher, unaware of the rule, goes down the staff stairs every time and I don't think anyone says anything to him. In the Poppenhusen branch library, the stairs are not in "staff" territory, but rather next to "staff" territory so everyone can go up and down the stairs. Perhaps, he is considered a "staff" member.
When we're downstairs taking a Chinese class, there is always a staff member who comes down to check on us. Because of the stairs issue, I already think security is tight around here, but I can't see the reason for it. I guess, the staff member wanted to make sure we're not doing anything wrong, because that's how it seemed instead of general concern. When we are put in a smaller classroom area, the library patrol doesn't come as often and is not noticeable.
The librarians here in general don't seem to be the nicest librarians compared to the Pomonok branch (which currently is my top choice for customer service). When I tried to check out my audio tape, I wanted to pay my overdue fines and patiently waited while the librarian finished up with the previous customer. The librarian saw me, but did not say anything to indicate that she was taking the next customer. Afterwards, she took a different customer who simply walked up to the counter. I then waited for them to finish and this time I spoke up because she probably thinks I'm standing around. Instead of a smile or even a pleasant attitude, she stoically served me. It wasn't wrong, but it didn't make me feel comfortable.
As I've been saying, I'd come back to this library for future events, knowing I can easily get a parking spot, but I wouldn't come back to look for books. Besides, I can always request them online at the Queens Library website.
PROS: Historic value
CONS: Could use more customer service skills and attitude, security is tight for mysterious reasons read more
