Columbus Library — Attraction in New York

This might be the only library in New York where I tried five times to sit in silence - and five times the “silence” felt more like a warehouse, with all the noise coming from the staff themselves. They slam books, talk loudly, and shuffle around like they’re on a loading dock instead of in a public library.

The library itself is incredibly small. The lower level isn’t designed for quiet work at all. The third floor? It’s supposed to be for children — they even have work computers there — but you’re not allowed to sit down or stay. Although, let’s be honest… rules seem to be the last thing anyone in this place is actually following.

What’s worse is that there’s really only one usable floor for regular visitors — and even that space is completely dominated by staff noise and poor layout.

Oh, and the restroom? It’s an all-gender shared setup. Theoretically inclusive, but here it just adds to the chaos.

Probably the only library I’ve ever been to that manages to be clean… and still feel completely disorganized and...

Very small library that’s not very accessible for those with strollers. There are about 7-8 steps that go up to the main floor of the library to which you will need to carry a stroller or bring a light weight travel stroller to fold and bring up. Otherwise, avoid the hassle of bringing a stroller and just baby-wear. They do have a wheelchair elevator but I was told it was only to be used by wheelchairs. So caregivers be aware of this.

Children’s storytime is located in the basement to which you can access by the elevator at the back once you get up the front door steps. They usually read a couple of books and then bring out two boxes of toys for the kids to play with. In comparison to other libraries, the toys here are pretty mid and need an upgrade compared to the ones provided at Riverside or other bigger...

This is a smaller library which wasn't a concern of ours, so we appreciated less walking and trying to figure out what floor to find everything. The bathrooms were gross. The first-floor bathroom had pee water on the floor as if it were a leak. I couldn't use the bathroom without stepping in water and smelling urine. The bathrooms are not clean. As we came in there was a young man at the top of the stairs and we weren't greeted but looked at suspiciously. We are from out of town. We took the elevator to the second floor, where the kids and teens area was just one on top of the other. I couldn't tell which area was which. I had to ask. The person upstairs made facial impressions as if she was annoyed with my asking questions. We felt uneasy with the whole experience, and left as...