58th Street Library — Attraction in New York

This location is very quiet. On the day I visited the crowd was primarily older adults. I was able to return my books, and find a seat on a charging worktable to sit and compose a few emails and do some research using my own laptop. I can't speak to borrowing equipment here but I did see a few open seats at the library's computer stations midday. Many libraries also let people borrow laptops, although I didn't see anyone at my worktable using a library-issued laptop so I can't speak to whether this location offers that service (although many NYPL do). It looks bigger on the outside than the actual footprint inside. The wifi is strong and fast. The location is in a prime shopping area, afterwards, I was able to make some returns to popular chain stores (sephora, aerie).

I want to respond respectfully to the many people who complain about the homeless using the libraries. When I was working at my station there were a couple of folks that I assumed to be homeless. They obviously lacked the resources or capacity needed to regularly maintain their hygiene. I worked nearby them. Not once did it occur to me to look down on them for their condition.

I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to just survive another day in a city like NYC without regular access to basic necessities like showers, laundromats, and the mental toll it takes on a person to worry about their own safety among basic necessities like warmth, and cover from the elements. On top of all of those challenges, they live with the daily visible contempt and hatred directed at them for using public spaces intended for humans to use. Homeless people, lest we forget, are people.

Shamefully, those who have more privilege, more access, greater faculty of care, and connection look down at these folks and speak of them terribly in public forums like this one. How dare they think of themselves of worthy of being able to exist in a public space?!

Homeless people deserve to live, to access books, warmth and shelter where they can, for at least a few hours, be around other humans in silent company. They don't need your contempt and hatred. Rest assured, their lives are hard enough in ways many of you cannot even begin to imagine - your hatred and contempt only compounds what is already a challenging and difficult...

Anna llinkaya, I googled this location to contact a person in regards to a posting that my older son came across regarding possibly getting assistance if homeless.The first thing I saw was your cruel comment. (Homeless and they smell) Keep in mind It is a PUBLIC LIBRARY AND Unfortunately, that's what this world is coming to especially with everything that's going on. I agree with you it is a place to study and work. BUT at the same time what kind of human being will post a disrespectful remark towards the homeless online. 😠😭 Do you feel better now?? Probably NOT!!!! Did your cold hearted remark make a difference??? NO!!!! You just became part of this cruel, desensitized world!! Instead, pray to God everyday that one day you or a love one doesn't experience such heart breaking situation. Ignorant people and attention seekers tend to share other's weaknesses and suffering online. Be humble, Be Kind!! This is coming from an advocate, hard working...

You Cant sit in there no more and mind your business. It's seriously bad. Karma exist. I'm not there looking for a man. I'm not in a battle with men or women. Im married. There is always a narrative like we come from the system. Their busy defaming and trying to kill (3) .... if you know a place where i can read, work not trying to kill or criminalize (3) and be all up in their business please let me know! Please stand with me if you not a hater of (3) and trying to suck up all those (3) Energy. I don't blame those who don't want to fund. They see what's going on. Barely any (3) in there. They treat them bad and (3) should be protected. Regardless if they have a disability or have been arrested or work with Ems....