Queens Public Library at Broadway — Attraction in New York

Terrible experience. I became a member of this library just yesterday, and when I returned today with my friend, we were immediately harassed by the security guard. We sat quietly by the computer section to charge our phones, read, and use the computers, yet the guard kept bothering us. He tried to control how we used the computers, insisted we move to another section for no valid reason, and then attempted to kick my friend out altogether. Out of frustration and disgust, I chose to leave with her.

What made the situation even worse was the guard’s racist and degrading behavior. He kept speaking to me as if I couldn’t understand English—even though I am perfectly fluent—while he himself struggled to speak it clearly. It was demeaning, insulting, and completely inappropriate. On top of that, he was rude, condescending, and made us both deeply uncomfortable.

To make matters worse, he fixated on my friend in an extremely disturbing way, staring at her and even licking his lips while doing so. This type of behavior is not only unprofessional but downright disgusting and predatory.

No one should ever have to experience this kind of harassment and racism at a public library. I regret ever signing up for membership here, and I strongly warn others not to come to...

Terrible experience. I became a member of this library just yesterday, and when I returned today with my friend, we were immediately harassed by the security guard. We sat quietly by the computer section to charge our phones, read, and use the computers, yet the guard kept bothering us. He tried to control how we used the computers, insisted we move to another section for no valid reason, and then attempted to kick my friend out altogether. Out of frustration and disgust, I chose to leave with her.

What made the situation even worse was the guard’s racist and degrading behavior. He kept speaking to me as if I couldn’t understand English—even though I am perfectly fluent—while he himself struggled to speak it clearly. It was demeaning, insulting, and completely inappropriate. On top of that, he was rude, condescending, and made us both deeply uncomfortable.

To make matters worse, he fixated on my friend in an extremely disturbing way, staring at her and even licking his lips while doing so. This type of behavior is not only unprofessional but downright disgusting and predatory.

No one should ever have to experience this kind of harassment and racism at a public library. I regret ever signing up for membership here, and I strongly warn others not to come to...

We’ve been attending the children’s class at the library regularly, and it’s always been a helpful and enjoyable space for the child I care for—until today.

Normally, the staff has been kind and allows her to interact with books during the class, which she enjoys. However, during this last visit, a different staff member repeatedly asked me to remove her, which was unexpected and confusing. Eventually, she made a public comment in front of the group, saying the class was only for children under one year old, and implied that my child didn’t belong.

What she didn’t know—or didn’t care to ask—is that the child in my care has special needs. We were made to feel uncomfortable, unwanted, and out of place by someone who clearly lacks experience working with children of diverse needs and abilities.

It was a disappointing experience, especially in a space that should be inclusive and welcoming to all children. I hope the library reflects on how situations like this are handled in the future, with more sensitivity and...