Reviews of New York Public Library - 53rd Street Library (Library)

Garreth Blackwell

Gosh this is a beautiful space! The atmosphere is a welcome distraction from the hectic madness that Midtown can be known for. The children's section is well apportioned and has fantastic space for reading with kids. The staff is very friendly and kind. A visit is always a welcome respite from a busy walk around Midtown.

Olah Olah

The place is nice but kids have been allowed to run around and be noisy and their nanny/parents are just chatting very loudly.. feels like daycare! It's hard to do work. Hope it was just an event and not a regular thing.. Other than that the library is comfortable to stay and read a book.. of course without all those noises and distractions.

Wonju Jeong

The most beautiful library I have been to. There is so much history and the architecture of the building is magnificent. We visited the main branch of the library and stayed for almost two hours. How? Because there is so much to see and admire. The library had beautiful Christmas decorations when we visited (12/29/18). My favorite was the giant Christmas tree in the center of the lobby/main entrance. The main reading room is a must and is divided into tourist section and actual reading section for people studying or researching. My husband and I sat and marveled at everything around us. There are also many different rooms that we recommend - follow the guide/map. One of my favorite rooms was the map room. I picked out an atlas for Korea and just sat there for awhile, reading the book surrounded by beautiful artwork of New York. Behind the library is Bryant Park, which is another beautiful spot. While we were there, the holiday market was in along with the ice skating. I loved the market so much that I returned several times.

yure ahan

(Translated by Google) You can get help from a Korean librarian (thanks! ^^) There are also dozens of Korean books in the foreign language book corner at the bottom of the first floor. The building design is modern and stylish, and it is located on 53rd street across from Momma. (Original) 한국인 사서분 계셔서 도움을 받을 수 있습니다(감사합니다!!^^) 지하1층 맨안쪽에 외국어서적 코너에 한국서적도 몇십권정도 비치되어 있습니다. 건물 디자인이 모던하고 멋지고 모마 건너편 53번가에 위치해 있어 쉽게 찾을수 있습니다.

Tamar Lopez

I love this friggin' library! The professionalism and warmth of the staff keep me coming back. The space is also great as far as different areas to read or do work. I highly recommend this location.

Chaoran Yu

Modern and clean!

Rachna Bhagat

I came here on Saturday and asked them if I could bring coffee and was told that I could bring any drinks as long as it’s covered. Came back on Sunday with a covered coffee and the security guard told me no one can drink coffee even if it’s covered. He was being very rude and wasn’t understanding the fact that the day before i asked specifically if I could bring drinks. He didn’t know what he was talking about and kept saying that was a different crew yesterday, we are different today. Why would the staff tell people two different things and act rude. No one except the manager seemed to know anything. I’m never coming back here again.

Del DeVries

Nicely designed branch library on 53rd Street. Lovely seating area on steps with cushions between the first floor and the basement.

Lesli Shambly

I always feel relax here.

Glamyzie Levine

Amazing library!

Habin Kwak

My happy place

Fernando Peralta

Some of them employees are nice sometimes they're not nice to people that are homeless

Official Lucky_YT

..

Mei Hui

Wow, this place is so awesome. Went here to attend a Score workshop. Marta and the other lady at customer service are so friendly and helpful with getting a library card. Definitely will visit more often.

nahyun kwon

Wish I had a place like this in my city. Another reason to raise pride of New Yorkers.

Konstantinos Rizakos

Excellent space, very helpful staff, lots of seating, and a clean and comfortable children’s area!

Vitali Vashkevich

Not a library. Great space, but it should be renamed into children daycare center with bookshelves. The full floor is dedicated to children unavailable to adults. Adult section is invaded by the noise from the kids area. Strollers and nannies everywhere...

Roger Lafleur

(Translated by Google) I am as astonished as those who commented! A splendid place to study, read and just spend time. From the outside we see large wooden steps that come down and attract curiosity. But inside, what a surprise that this huge screen facing the stairs and that give the taste to sit and watch the images scroll. Enter and discover the lower floors! A beautiful discovery! (Original) J’ai le même étonnement que ceux qui ont commenté! Une place splendide pour étudier, lire et passer tout simplement du temps. De l’extérieur on voit de grandes marches de bois qui descendent et qui attirent la curiosité. Mais rendu à l’intérieur, quelle surprise que cet immense écran face aux marches et qui donnent le goût de s’assoir et de regarder défiler les images. Entrez et découvrez les étages inférieurs! Une belle découverte!

Yulya Tulakshyna

My daughter and I went to a child work shop. Lauren was extremely unprofessional and biased. My 3 year old saw that two of the girls next to us were addressed by names and were given two colors of glitter while everyone else got only one color. When my 3 year old of course wanted two colors of glitter too. Lauren said that everyone got only one color lying bluntly and absurdly. When I said that I cannot believe that she is saying that and kids next to us indeed have two colors she said she will call security guard. That was the first time in my life I was threatened to say the truth out loud by threatening to call security. I do not know why a public library manager treats people differently and offers to some kids more colors than others in the same workshop. I do not understand how she can have position in this library because she is unfair, rude and is taking advantage of her position. Really frustrated mom of 3 year old.

Maíra Saul

I absolutely love this NYPL branch. It's convenient, elegant, comfortable and quiet. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Do yourself a favor and visit this place soon!

Minh T. Nguyen

Wow. This is such a nice NYPL location. The staff is super nice and helpful. There is a large atrium with lots of seating area to relax/chill and where you are allowed to even eat (no more eating Halal Guys in the cold). In the same atrium, there's a large wall screen showing scenes of New York. Sometimes, they even show movies with subtitles there (or you can check out audio devices to listen to the audio). Throughout the library, you are allowed to bring beverages with a lid in, so you can drink your coffee while studying. Lastly, the children's room at the bottom floor is very large, lots of children's books (in several languages as well), has plenty of space to park your strollers and there are many children's activities. This place is awesome.

Tianxiang Xu

The best library I have ever been in NYC.

Julie Brasil

Cool place to study and special staff

Seif York

I love it.

Linda Boney

I recently went to the library and it is BEAUTIFUL!

Oskar Nibbelblad

Nice atmospheric wibe

Peiqi Peng

Clean, quiet and nice staff

Christopher Montero

Great !!

Aaron Smith

the public library in the city we all want, but rarely get. thank you!

Lauren Wright

This is a gem. Clean, cozy, books, great design. Literally everything you look for in a library. Plenty of computers and outlets. Great place to stop in.

Gen

It feels a little stuffy the way it’s designed, since the study area/tables are below ground but the staff is amazing, always really helpful and kind :)

Toney P

It's been many many many years since I was last there. I use to reserve a movie and viewed them in the library. It was so much fun. I knew it as the media library, I am planing a trip to NYC and wanted take someone there. I guess with the popularity of videos today things may have changed.

Len Yeh

This is the most beautiful modern NYPL location (I'm not comparing it to Bryant Park which is a classic), fittingly across the street from MoMA. Plenty of plugs and seats. Extremely clean for a public library.

Enid P.

Quiet oasis in midtown. I usually eat at these steps for lunch. Never too crowded, super clean and organized. I absolutely love the aesthetic and ambiance of this library.

Fred Alluso

This branch of the NY Public Library is among my favorites due to its contemporary architectural design. It is simply one of the most beautiful modern libraries I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Rafael Yau

Really nice public library, you can find any book your looking for. The building itself is so beautiful and nice. The staffs are nice and friendly. Overall great experience here will be back soon.

Edward Maddalena

As both an avid reader and a city worker, the New York public library is an incredible system, with its wide branch footprint which is always a stone's throw away. However, working in smack dab in the middle of midtown Manhattan, the only real option was the 40th Street branch, a glum and dismal building with interiors to match. That's why I was overjoyed when the 53rd street library opened up. Even on a stand-alone basis, this branch is absolutely amazing, with friendly librarians, a central location and a up to date selection of books. Given that this branch was recently reopened, it has a very modern and sleek architecture. Additionally, on the way down to the books section of the library, there is a huge TV that the library uses for showing movies and talks.

Brian Long

They have a 24 hour return box to the left of the entrance.

Philip Bergqvist

One of my favorite public spaces to work from in NYC. There is counter seating on the first floor just before going down the stairs. Downstairs has lots of seating options including large work tables with power outlets. Great wifi as well. The space is very nice and clean.

Sherry C

every pleasant. there is a return box outside the door. there is 1 self checkout machine. there is also seatings, where i see people bring their own food and drinks to eat and hang out. very nice AC place.

Paramendra Kumar Bhagat

Excellent

정미선

(Translated by Google) We do not have many books. But it is quiet and neat, and the ESOL program is very good! (Original) 보유하고 있는 책은 많지 않습니다. 하지만 조용하고 깔끔하며, ESOL 프로그램도 매우 유익하고 좋습니다!

David Braslow

Beautiful space with a great selection of books and other media.

jessica haney

Absolutely beautiful! Clean, very friendly staff and many activities for childern is a triple plus

Anastatia Benabdesslam

Great enviroment. Very very friendly staff.

Raechel Lambert

Gorgeous, modern space built for the future use of libraries: free, quiet space to read and connect. The book selection is smaller than the flagship branch but this is a great respite from noisy cafes and I intend to spend a good deal of time here. Bonus: Ronald the security guard was warm and informative! He could tell it was my first time and kindly gave me the run down of the library and I just love that he clearly has pride about what the library has to offer.

Ernesto Martonucci

(Translated by Google) Excellent local library (Original) Ottima biblioteca di quartiere

Shi Zhang

A quiet and nice place for study and reading. A precious public indoor space for rest. And it's so close to MoMA!!!!!!

Cameron Farah

Hard to describe why I like this place so much... Probably has to do with that it doesn't look or feel like you're in a library! It's a very cool place to sit and just get some work done or just chill. Very cool place! I love it!!

Adassa Richardson

The space is BEAUTIFUL!! And the staff is really nice too. One staff member actually grabbed two books for me right as the library was closing so I could check them out

Alys Grey

It’s not supposed to be a replacement for the Donnell Library, which is good because it definitely couldn’t function as one. It has a tiny collection that’s given less attention than seating. Sci-fi gets all of 2-3 shelves and no signage. Romance picks up a bit more shelf space but once again not even a paper sign to distinguish it from the rest of fiction. Trying to look at the books out on low displays meant having to peer around those seated in front of them. After a few attempts someone offered me an outlet instead. This library is all glitz and very little substance.

Ildiko P

Really great staff &wonderful programs especially for kids,in a fantastic facility.

Mr XP

An oasis of calm in the busy midtown.

Polly Anywhere

Such an amazing facility for people to get together to read and read and enjoy knowledge. Top of the line equipment too.

david kang

Best library I have been to in Ny. Love taking my kids here. The librarians here are top notch and go out of their way to be helpful. All the librarians are great but special shout-out to Mike, Grace, and Caitlin who are amazing.

Emily Abel

Great facilities, friendly staff, beautiful space!

Zhaina Amanbek

Good location & great team❤

Jason Fisher

Great public space to work or have quiet two person discussion. Super bright. Friendly staff all around! Clean and well kept.

Thien Dang Canh

Very friendly staff and a great collection of books (new and old). The internal architecture is well done too. One of my favourite public libraries!

ann m

53rd Street Library

Siddanth K

Quite, decent atmosphere, new architecture - must go place.

John Charles

Took a second look at this branch after it first opened this week. I actually wanted to borrow a book, which is possible if you can find one, and then find a librarian. That's what this branch ironically lacks: connection, unless its internet or electrical your out of luck. Access to the front door is even a challenge as I passed by it just one big glass wall facing 53rd. I noticed a couple people missing the entrance and having to back track to just enter. By the time you find the door and walk down the long corridor down another corridor to a elevator down, you could have read a short story, but still no books. Anyway its all just screens and nice spaces and yes there are some books, but for me (over 40) its admittedly cold and sterile, I remember the old branch and although no prize you could actually browse the shelves. Here on the cold marble floors the shelves and books are just in the way of chairs and laptops, its really just a lovely internet cafe without the coffee, and a few books strewn around. Is it the world of libraries the public wants, possible the younger and upwardly mobile, but I wonder about the curious and the poor, and the under educated. Is this welcoming? I wonder

Andrew Thompson

I like the library

Haewon Park

Really love the librarians here. They are super helpful and genuinely nice. Always have the best time at this nypl.

Yasin Ozdemir

Spacious and very modern

Joon Kim

Awesome library

Bob Babcock

I’ve loved this place for 43 of my 50 years.

Cy Kim

This is a heaven in Manhattan. Love this place.

Antonella Viola

(Translated by Google) It is very good to go and see the mega structure that is! Awesome .. everything is perfect! Ordered clean! (Original) Esta muy bueno para ir y ver la mega estructura que es ! Impresionante .. todo está perfecto ! Ordenado limpio!

Casey Penk

In many ways the best NYPL location I've been to. Helpful, friendly staff. Beautiful, well-equipped library with a great selection of newly-purchased books. Cozy ambience with an underground level. Love it.

Gloria Yuelin Jiang

The best staff. I lost a purse, they found it and kept it for me.

Jiejun B

This place is more like tourist attraction than a comfortable place to read a book.

Jeremy Blaauss

Cool library not one of the old grey libraries. It is quiet and staff are wonderful. After last visit I can tell you one thing: I hope to come here a lot more.

frat kappa

Temple of Wisdom .. & great architecture !

Kellen Strong

Great selection, great experience, overall.

Asami

(Translated by Google) It seemed renovated in 2016, clean and modern library. There is free Wi-Fi. (Original) 2016年に改装されたらしく、きれいでモダンな図書館。無料Wi-Fiあり。

Zayna

Amazing staff and beautiful new library love this location (:

Tianyao Wei

new facilities, big space, quiet atmosphere. best library branch so far.

jay kim

(Translated by Google) TEN Arquitectos !!! (Original) ten arquitectos!!!

Jasmine H

nice benches outside

Kevin McNeil

Excellent branch library in a beautifully designed, purpose built space. Top notch facilities with a great children’s space on a dedicated floor. Ample seating and workspaces. Casual seating steps where food and beverages are allowed - quite rare for a library - in the signature architectural design element. Diverse and compelling circulating collection. Friendly and resourceful staff. Among the best branch libraries in the city.

Emilia Wilson

It is a beautiful space when you're outside looking in, but not quite so on the inside. While I've been yelled at from across the library for eating at the counter, when there are no signs to say otherwise, and for taking a call in the empty hallway where no one could hear me or be disturbed, there are children screaming and running around everywhere. It is the farthest thing from quiet, given the children and all the nannies chatting, it is also not a real library. The selection of books is very small. The security guards are nasty. The other employees are rude when one is asking questions or commenting on the rules. This is a daycare, not a library.

Stephanie

A brand-new library with lots of communal desks and carrels. There are these great steps to sit on that face MoMA, with a great big window. Pretty much as good as it gets when it comes to a NYPL circulating library.

Chris Montero

Great new library

Tal li

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