Harlem Library — Attraction in New York

This library is the worst harassing clients all day and everyday. I came passed security and said good afternoon he looked at me very strange and didn't open his mouth. I went to use bathroom as soon as I walked in and closed the door it was a knock at the door. I replied coming out. I wasn't in the bathroom no longer than three minutes check your surveillance camera. I was totally baffled when I opened the door it was security and employee just staring at me. I informed them that the floor was wet. I came in the bathroom and it was in that condition. It was a gentleman that just left the restroom then I went in. This library is very dysfunctional and doesn't treat people with respect lacks sympathy and empathy. First of all as soon as someone just close the door staff shouldn't knock on the door wait a few minutes and if someone is in a long period of time then you check. Im very disappointed how I was treated and other patrons. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Everyone that enter your library aren't on drugs and doing dishonest things in the bathroom . I was there only about three minutes in and out. Instead you should be monitoring the bathroom and it's horrible conditions. The floor was so wet I almost fell when I went in and I was kind enough to inform staff. This was a horrific experience and made me feel very uncomfortable you at the door like I'm committing a crime and I have observed this with other clients treating them horrible. This situation needs immediate rectification. I'll go to another library where I'm treated with respect. Stop harassing and intimidating people that goes to library for services . I wish I can give zero stars.. the worst experience...

I’ve used public libraries for years as a resource to help me manage my schedule and responsibilities, especially when commuting between work and other commitments. Unfortunately, my recent visit to the Harlem library was very disappointing.

While trying to make my way to children’s floor, I was stopped by staff — something I’ve never experienced before at any library. My intent was the use the bathroom since the one on the adult floor was out of order. I was denied entry which again I have never seen in any public library. Also I am taken aback at being stopped before they knew I wanted to use the bathroom. What if my intent was to browse book? It made me feel unwelcome and questioned, which was unsettling.

Anyway, I didn’t even need to use the bathroom itself just needed a place to change so I posed if I could use the adult bathroom for this. I was denied again. It felt unnecessarily strict, especially since I was in plain view and posed no disruption.

Maybe it’s the area and the high amount of homelessness or a change in policy, but I expected more flexibility and understanding from a public institution meant to serve the community especially since other libraries in Harlem are more accommodating. The section for adults is also very small.

If you’re looking for a welcoming, supportive library experience — especially as someone who uses libraries as more than just a reading space — I’d recommend...

Customers here are good people and are kind, but the librarians always put up an attitude, I always see adults and kids (including myself) get pushed around and harassed by the library.

For example, I was using headphones yesterday and I didn't think I you needed keep them so I returned the headphones. The next day, I asked the librarian for headphones and she told me no because I wasn't supposed to return it back to her, BUT SHE NEVER TOLD ME I WAS SUPPOSED TO RETURN THEM. Then I spoke up saying no one told me that I wasn't supposed to return them (except for a kid telling me I SHOULD keep it, but didn't tell me I was supposed to).

Another example is that the main librarian always gives dirty looks to the adults when I pass by there. I also talked to an adult while on the check-in line and told me about the main librarian giving dirty looks to her and harassing her constantly.

Basically, the customers here are nice but the librarians always annoy, harass, and puts down...