Reviews of Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Library)

They Love My Splash

Great place to visit to learn more about African American history. They have a numerous amount of interesting programs with panels expressing intellectual dialect, debate and information.

Aldo Lauria Santiago

Excellent center for research on the african diaspora...great exhibits and events. Obligatory visit if in NYC. It's collections are outstanding and it's reading room a pleasure. Staff very helpful. Part of NYPL .

Marybeth Tamborra

What a disappointment! The New York Public Library is one of the city's greatest Civic institutions. Having frequented many other branches, albeit in more affluent neighborhoods, the library experience here at the Schomburg center is completely different. Here at this branch you are accosted by security as if one's presence in the library is questioned rather than welcomed. Unlike the other branches, it feels more disciplinary, controlled, and unwelcoming. Why is that? I am disappointed at the New York Public Library system does not offer the same stellar service and welcoming spirit as its other branches to encourage learning. All branches deserve this. Wealthy or not.

Malaika Henry

Fantastic place to recharge your self.

Cyril Jr. Innis

It is the center of Great knowledge of the Afrikan Culture

Jack Daise

Great history, atmosphere peaceful and tranquil...

Nichel Bethea

I go to this place whenever they have panel events and movie screenings. The events are great, usually free and very informative. The place is kept clean and organized, there is a small art exhibit to look through while waiting for an event to start. The location is also very convenient since its right next to the train station.

Brandon Zoras

Amazing spot! Been to a couple events here and got to check out the rest of the collection. The gift shop has some really great books you can't find in major stores as well.

Karl Hillstrom

I wish I could visit in person. I have enjoyed many events via Livestream and have greatly appreciated that service, which makes it accessible to those of us outside NYC.

Amy J

Great Landmark. I think it is a great anchor or starting point for tourists who come to explore Harlem. Its also a backyard gem for locals( I've gone to see exhibits while waiting for scripts at the Hospital). The renovations were a great update. Exhibits are well curated and interesting. Contray to previous reviews staff have been relaxed and helpful. Bonus the gift store has some amazing books, pins and jewelry at fairly reasonable prices for quality and uniqueness.

Bathsheba B

Incredible experience!

Taji Mag

Beautiful center that is ancestrally blessed.

Jon Yazer

Wonderful place, great Black Power exhibit. Leaving a two star review because we were rudely pushed out by staff 10 min before the stated closing time because “we want to be out of here at 6.” But you should get there earlier and check out the amazing exhibits!

Sassan Akhlaghi

I love this place and visit it every time I'm in NY. Its library and reading room are public and it's a great place to indulge in some literature or simply read the news. Their bookshop is great.

E. S

Years prior I spent great days downstairs reading about myself and who I was and came from. Very good library.

Kumbeleze M'Beenzu Nam. Khumalo

It's holds much need info compared to many likewise research libraries around the global. But the front security guards are very bias to their own pipo of color, compare to how they treat the while pipo. I watched them on many different days/weeks. They r the face of the entire business/library, hence, they need to be educated on how the need to conduct their duties w respect to all Races, while the do their job. Arrogance isn't part of a welcoming face.

Easythemogulupdates

Historical

FAITHFUL SaviOUR

LORD JESUS CHRIST THANK YOU. This place is great for research on Black Herstory, yes I know it's spelled differently but I'm a woman so that's the way I spell it. Thanks

Nina M Heyliger

Great for research and programs on African American culture and history.

isacco fara

Wonderful

James R. Roberts

Beat library in AfroAmerican/ African culture.

Denise Gunter

My experience was great. I was able to find a case involving a family member. I was rather young and wanted to know the details. It was a rewarding experience.

Michael Brown

History

Patrina Huff

Nice space. Some public programming. Probably a bit more geared to the academic community.

Eleni Palmos

The auditorium is awesome. The staff is polite and efficient. I loved their bookstore. This is a very well-run public library that organizes top-notch intellectual events. It is super-easy to get to with public transportation.

Derrick Obodai

Great place to relax and do some research. They very strict with everything..from security entrance and even the books.

Betsy Armstrong

Nice place to read some interesting and unique stuff. The library was well maintained by the staff and here management was also knowledgeable and expert.The place well maintained and properly cleaned. I like this place and always wanted to visit here.

Cyrus Milliner

---Still one of the best places for African-American historical research. Because of the many contributions of the writers and artists of the Harlem Renaissance this place feel like an on going shine to Black creativity and intellectualism; I will always visit THE Schomburg when I'm in the city!!!

Nichelle Solomon

Great place. Been here before for shows and enjoyed it. However, feels pretty jailed. I understand the importance of the information here at the library but it’s a little uncomfortable

London Flareon Tokyo Ebisu - Swanslade 恵比寿-スワンズレイド

Very historical place.

Lisa Hill

I really enjoyed being there with my class!!

Tiauana Cooper

What can I say? The Schomburg is a historic masterpiece. I've visited this place many times over, and each time my experience is far greater then the next. Last week, I had the honor of attending an event to hear Nikki Giovanni share her profound work and story. She was very humorous and yet detailed about her interactions with the great Maya Angelou, and James Baldwin, just name a few. I hear she makes a mean rack of lamb. LOL! The staff at the Schomburg were very professional and pleasant. The priceless treasure holds the history of a people who's experience on the shores of America is one the most tragic and yet found stories. I'd advise anyone who cam to visit, donate and or become a member as I plan to do. So generations to come, can benefit from this living legacy.

Sheryl Grant

Love this place

Tomekia Jenkins

I personally Always had a Great experience, i love that i was able to bring my Grandkids there & my Consumers. I Love it !! God Bless Schonburg Center !!

Donna Kirton

All about the Diaspora

Jared Tong

Special exhibition on Motown music right now, tracing the cultural developments in the music of African americans

Stefan Stanley

A great resource for conducting research

Meseka Hayes

This research center needs more improvement is customer service. I have been going their every Saturday with my same purse and jacket that's equivalent to a shirt. I was rudely approached and prevented from going downstairs. I explained to the old female security guard that she allows me in every week with my purse and that my shirt jacket I bought with me because I was ill and cold. She pointed to the sign. I requested a Supervisor who was so rude and unprofessional. She said go home and get a sweater or don't come here. That's it I'm not going to go back and forth with you. I will never give another contribution to this place and will inform anyone else not too. I deserve an apology as medical conditions should be accommodated in any environment with good reason.

Cherishe Cumma

The Schomburg is a wonderful place with exhibits that provide history of people of African Descent. There are amazing images and paintings which decorate the walls , but also draw the visitor in and force them to recognize the parts of the past they may not have been aware of. I was lucky enough to attend a workshop at this center where the students were given a tour of the facility, as well as presented with the opportunity to examine some historical documents and objects from the archives. All in all this experience was very enlightening and I would suggest that anyone interested in the history of people of African descent, and their contributions to the world we live in take a trip to this center. P.S. be careful of how you conduct yourself within the facility . My classmates and I were confronted by older woman who told us that we weren't behaving appropriately , and that we should "have fun but not too much fun."

Lorenzo Gaborini

Not particularly large, but well kept.

Erick Washington CEM EMT-B SAR Tech II

There is no place I enjoy spending time learning than the Schomburg

Nefer Kwi

Pseudo - historical staff encourages group think.

Alice Adamczyk

Good library service and interesting public programs.

J Mo

Love the events that take place here. First Fridays!

Elijah Quest

Black Comic Con

Mark Harding

Great place to learn about the history of Black Culture. Currently undergoing renovations so a lot of the collection's not available on display but still worth visiting.

kricketbx

The Schomburg could do more to support the local artist in the area. It amazes me, that we are always late to appreciate what's right in front of us. If you have a press kit, which displays, what you've done in the community, newspaper articles, reputable events, that should be enough to support the fact that you are an asset to the community-therefore, you have the right to display your life works at such an historical venue-such as the Schomburg. But, they are NOT for the people of the community. I have heard countless stories from artist who try relentlessly to have their work displayed at the schomburg simply to be turned away. Tired of seeing my local artist go to Europe for appreciation. ;(

Dallas Plummer

Teach your security about the constitution. Taking a photo from the sidewalk, not on your property is not illegal and initiating a confrontation at a civil rights iconic location is bizarre, even with the public advocates representative telling the guard photography from that location is lawful.