Brooklyn Public Library - Kings Bay Branch — Attraction in New York

Some staff are kind and helpful but some are not.

I used to go to the book discussions but they don't promote them anymore by posting a flyer in the branch. The last few times I've tried were either a) cancelled or b) time was wrong on the internet announcement. They have a good selection of American History books and a decent selection of classic literature and popular literature. You can usually order a book and get it here in a few days if another BPL branch has the book available.

The problem with using this place as a quiet place to work or study is that libraries in general are no longer a sanctuary from noise, and this place is excessively so. The mars machine has a lot to do with that. Too many people think its ok to talk on them in the library or play videos without using earphones or even the constant ping-pinging of alerts. The sporadic homeless are part of that noise problem too. They dont have the empathy to see that their noise is a distraction to others, even though those who pitch their tent here do so because it is a quiet place to be. Some adults who use laptops also have trouble keeping their noise to themselves.

I dont consider quiet conversation part of that noise problem and there is some sense of community here among the regulars, some who are friends of the library. Most of the older regulars are decent people and respectful of others.

Some people bring food in here even though signs say not to. When school lets out so some children come in here to screw around, mainly between 3 and 6. Some of the people who come in just to use the computer are also distractions while they're waiting for one to become available.

Earplugs can only...

Update: My card had expired over the pandemic, the circulation desk was very helpful in updating my info. And also placing a hold for a new book, for me--and explaining how many copies were in circulation and how many were on the wait list. Very helpful.

My children & I love this library--and particularly where children are concerned, it's gotten even better recently!! I'm providing this review, mainly because I have been so impressed by the newest "youth librarian". She is soft-spoken and super approachable and creative with her story-time/coloring club! Saturdays from 11am - 12pm is one of the highlights of my toddler's & my weekend! It is inclusive & engaging--esp for the toddler/pre-k crowd (and even my 10year old doesn't mind " tagging along). I highly recommend it. I feel bad for folks whose criticism is that it is loud & noisy at times...but from the point of view of a parent it is a joy & a relief to have a FREE, engaging, fun, not-too-long, educational activity to participate in regularly with my toddler!! Thank you Kings Bay Library. Keep up the good works! I'd LOVE to see more weekend kid-friendly activities (like your concert series! That exposure is essential for young minds).

Note for new parents: Large, relatively clean bathrooms available, with...

The people who work here are so RUDE. Everytime I come with a question, they have such an attitude and never answer it or are seem willing to help. For example, the other day I told the older woman at the desk, with long, straight, red hair that I got a email sayig soeone tried to change my pin and asked what to do about it. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. SOMEONE WAS ABLE TO ACQUIRE MY BARCODE OR USERNAME AND CHANGE MY ACCOUNT. And she just said "it was probably your mom" (I'm a grown woman...) and I told her it DEFINITELY wasn't and she said "I don't know what to tell you then" in the nastiest way, like she was a snarky school teacher talking down on me. I bet she's super nice to all the older people that come in, even when they're 10x stupider than me. I am a computer scientist, I KNOW cybersecurity practices and was just asking for help because I'm not sure if they have my barcode or username or both, but I have no idea what my username is, so I'd like to know how it was leaked. I used the general BPL contact form for further assistance and they told me to go to my local library for help. NOPE....