Kingsbridge Library — Attraction in New York

The staff here really overdoes it in terms of harassing users who speak in a low voice to others there or on the phone. Meanwhile, they permit people to enter with toddlers regularly acting out, crying or screaming at the top of their lungs. I have to give the overly officious security officer credit for one thing - he speaks fluent Spanish - thus he's able to help some who knows little English and mediate some issues; of course given his overzealous nature, this also allows him to make a mountain out of a mole hill, in two different languages!

They also have a crazy policy where people can just lock up a computer terminal for an entire business day; whether they're using the computer or not! So this indigent Asian woman shows up early in the morning; reserves computer (usually, A-1); then leaves the building to look for empty cans and bottles left on Bronx streets that can sell; then returns to the library at the end of the day to use the computer she reserved! And If it's a busy library day, you may be out of luck if you show up to go online!

This branch is starting to grow on me - people who work here really care about the library users. In this sense, the Kingsbridge branch is one of the best NYPL has to offer. But, of course, some patrons are quick to mistake kindness for weakness - like this one old Irish lady from the neighborhood; she spends the whole day there and with her walker usually occupies three computer stations and expects the staffers to wait on her...

This place has consistently caused me stress during my visits. As a student, I rely on the library as a quiet and focused place to study, but unfortunately, my experiences have been far from ideal. The noise levels in the library are often unacceptable. On one occasion, there was someone rapping, and staff did nothing. Other neighbors around and me had to put on headphones to block out the disturbance. Although the library claims to regulate noise, my experience suggests otherwise. I often signal people to stop talking or using their phones discreetly, as the staff does not intervene. It is disappointing that I have to wear headphones just to focus in what is supposed to be a quiet space. This defeats the purpose of coming to the library for peace and concentration. Today, I was quietly studying and was reprimanded for crossing my legs, which is rule, I can understand it. However, at the same time, noisy teenagers disrupting others were left unchecked. As an international student, I am particularly disheartened by the selective enforcement of rules. This inconsistency makes me feel unwelcome and unsupported in a place where I should feel...

If you want to study somewhere without noisy teenagers FIND ANOTHER LIBRARY. Although, I did come in the afternoon, maybe try coming right when it opens... Computers are reserved for either 15 or 45 mins only, which sucks. The front desk lady was very nice, however, she told me there were only two floors and the downstairs level was only for young kids. I saw on another review that there are 4 floors? I will not be coming back...