Reviews of Jersey City Free Public Library (Library)

steve mitchell

Jersey City Public Library is alone on the East Coast for not allowing people to just come in and use Wi-Fi - they're the only library system around that will not allow you to simply bring in a laptop and go online - it's idiotic. I always think it's a bit over-the-top to use words like "hate" when reviewing things and places on the internet, but if the shoe fits... The Greenville Branch is where this occurred - last summer - I live in Bayonne, but the library there is closed weekends during the summer, so I took my laptop to the Greenville Branch figuring the Wi-Fi would be accessible same as it is at the Bayonne Library and, like, EVERY Library branch in New York. I was told that I could NOT access the Wi-Fi without a library card. They did offer to let me log onto a JCPL computer even though I did not have a card, but I saw no point in that, as it's always a pain in the neck to sign into an email account from a computer you don't normally use (to say nothing of trying to shop online, visit FaceBook, etc.).

Kiran Lakkaraju

Great place to get some work done. Free wi-fi, and several floors with tables. As of Nov. 2015, the library is closed for renovations and will reopen in January of 2015. Also, there doesn't seem to be a book drop ( I don't believe any of the Jersey City Libraries have a book drop)

Dazine Rodriguez

Great staff

Bo Dai

Great place to be focused!!

Joan Anderson

Place was quite positive the atmosphere was calm. The book were here were interesting and well placed. The things i like about this place was their genuinity , positivity and decent staff . The management was good and the seats were also comfortable. so overall nice place

Emily Walsh

According to me it's the perfect place for readers because of their comfortable and positive atmosphere. All the book were well placed. The arrangement sitting was good.The staff here was very friendly and decent. Overall awesome place!!

Za M

Went here today to get my little one some books. There was a few for babies around 6 months. However, the selection was much wider as they get older with a lot of books suitable for around 1 year plus. Registration was very simple and quick.

S Wu

A convenient library around the corner. The staff was very friendly. I recently moved here and got my library card in 5 minutes. Their selection is not the biggest, so it would be wise to check online if they hold a specific book you are looking for.

Henny Saint

Absolutely awful customer service skills. Rude slow and unwilling to do their job. Place was empty and I sat for an entire hour to get a drug screen done for work. It’s absolutely insane

Natalie Pao

This is the main branch with the best hours for a working professional. The staff is nice, helpful, and call when your books are ready for pick up. They’re also flexible if you need another day or 2 to get down there to pick up your book. The library system transfers books between branches so if it’s not at this library, they can always send it over from other branches. They also just opened up the computer room which is beautiful and another nice addition to the community.

Saneisha Mainor

Nice Library!!!!!

Craig Corbeels

My paradise. I am so happy that it's back open after renovations - I've been waiting for such a long time to come here and get my library card. One thing I will say about that to try and save people some hassle - along with an ID with a Jersey City address, they also require a piece of mail for proof of address (bank statement, credit card statement, electric bill, etc.). Remember to bring that if you're signing up for a card. The lending department seems small when you first walk in, little do you know that it opens up to more, much larger rooms. They have a great selection and I was able to find quite a few other books that I couldn't at other libraries. They also have a large audiobook and movie selection. While I haven't been yet, the New Jersey Room sounds cool too - a room full of historic books and documents about NJ and Jersey City. On top of it all, your library card gives you access to online e-book / audiobook / movie libraries and apps. That includes Overdrive and Hoopla. For those who don't go to libraries or feel like they're old / dusty / boring / whatever, you are seriously missing out. Libraries are some of the best places on earth, and this is a great one. Do yourself a favor, get a library card, and check it out. You won't regret it.

Titi S

It's actually closed until September 2016

Desmond Nathanson

It's a beautiful historic building with great reading spaces

Ann Andrews

Typical public library. The staff could be a little bit more friendlier. They could be more relaxed...I keep getting warnings and fines for damage to books... Some of which I haven't even opened. I've used many public libraries and this is my first such experience...

Sijia Wang

Not really big but nice environment

Monisha M

Two stars deducted because in this day and age the library needs to be open on weekends. If we want our youngsters to be exposed to books we need appropriate time for that. Even in suburbs libraries are open on Sundays. It's beyond ridiculous that such a well stocked library is so inaccessible. One star deducted because of poor warning system. Block your account for delays before any warning alert is sent and the fines keep running after that. Coupled with the weekend inaccessibility, it is a recipe for poor utilization of library resources. a) Proper alerts and warnings of potential delays b) Open the library on Sunday and keep it shut on Monday if you want Okay changing because they were so responsive. Still docking a star for Sundays..

Alex Stolpovsky

Great place to study for finals. Free wi-fi with library card. Friendly staff.

Muthulakshmi B

The staff is very friendly and library has good collection of books

Niurka Perez

Very helpful and friendly staff