Montclair Public Library — Attraction in Montclair

3/21/24 Montclair Public Library is a joke!! The homeless situation is unbelievable!! The 2nd floor is a homeless shelter and a 3 ring circus!! Once again the Black man with the dreadlocks was sitting in the "quiet study" area talking on his phone, looking at videos and laughing out loud and actually taking up 3 chairs - one for his jacket, one to sit in and one to rest his feet on!! Oh yes, let's not forget the conversations that FREQUENTLY take place in the "quiet area". Today, 3 people having conversations on their phones!!! Today, I was sitting in the "quiet area" while working on a project and a homeless couple sat behind me and turn their chairs around to face me and proceeded to conduct their afternoon prayer. That in itself was weird, but on top that their body odor was nauseating. I LEFT the building!!! Believe me there isn't a "quiet area" in MPL- it's an open space with signs posted stating that it's the "quiet area", but that's it! Maybe posting LARGER signs throughout the area and placing LARGER signs on the tables will help. There is also a room in the middle of the "quiet area", which I guess is suppose to be a private room, but it is not sound proof, so whatever is said can clearly be heard from any spot in the "quiet area". Lastly, the staff are just as loud as the patrons. This is the noisiest library I have ever visited. No one enforces any rules and there is no security. The staff can clearly hear and see these behaviors and NOTHING is said. You can do whatever the hell you want to do. In short, if you want to work, study, read or relax....don't come here!! 3/5/2024@12:15 PM Update: It is now 3:50 PM and this person has not been asked to move. People are constantly looking at him each time he talks because he elevates his voice everytime. He is talking loudly to people who are trying to work or study. Several people have even moved from the area because he is so loud. There is an African American boy with dreadlocks sitting in the rear of the "QUIET STUDY" area speaking and laughing LOUDLY while on his phone and with a person sitting with him. He has been the case for over an hour. Not one on the second floor is addressing the issue and I know the staff can hear him. There are signs posted in this area stating what is not allowed and phone conversations and conversations with others is stated. Perhaps such signs should be posted at all tables in the "QUIET AREA". This person should NOT be sitting on the "QUIET STUDY" side. He should be told to move to the opposite side of floor since he won't give due respect. It is unfair to the people who come here for quiet to complete their work or studies. No need for policies if you are too scared to enforce them or you don't care how your other guests are treated. The staff and the...

Outstanding Service from Gina at the Public Library

I want to express my appreciation for Gina’s exceptional professionalism during our recent visit to the public library. From the moment we arrived, she was courteous, efficient, and highly knowledgeable.

Gina handled our application process flawlessly—she guided us through the paperwork, took our photos, and had everything completed in under 20 minutes. It was one of the smoothest and most pleasant experiences I’ve had at a public service location.

Her respectful demeanor, attention to detail, and commitment to excellent service truly stood out. We were quickly on our way home, impressed and grateful. Thank you, Gina!

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Great library, and wonderful resources. Unfortunately, the old lady that works on the first floor on Sundays is extremely rude and disrespectful. When he got there I overheard her speaking to another person inquiring about her address in an unfriendly tone. She was also very rude to my husband and I, over some free books that the library was giving away ( we were speaking to another employee when she got into the conversation). She then got into an argument with my husband in front of everyone and told him " not to ask questions", after he demanded her to treat him with the same respect he was showing. She does not have the necessary social/ professional skills to attend to the well- mannered people who need to use the library services. She is a disgrace...