Queens Public Library at Hunters Point — Attraction in New York

The views are beautiful but being a local from the community I’m not going to the library for views., I can go to the local coffee shop or park. The layout is absolutely ridiculous. There are more stairs then actual usable space. If you are disabled, unfortunately you will not be able to access many sections as it is only accessible by stairway. If you are going to the library to get actual work done, study, research or even enjoy some quiet leisurely reading go elsewhere. There is only one “quiet” section which seats 5 people comfortably on one square table. There are no cubbies or private sections if you are someone who needs solitude to concentrate. They have different sections that consist of a teen section, adult section, and children’s section but might as well be one huge cafeteria. No matter where you are you will experience tourist coming in to take pictures and socialize, babies screaming from the children’s section, screeching chairs on the concrete floors or creeping metal stairways. The building is unique to say the least, but rather then call it a library it should be a community center. Between the concerts in a “closed off room” that you can hear throughout the building, singalongs, and the many social gatherings that occurs it would be a perfect community center. For a functional library they would need to knock it down and start all over. Some ideas that would improve this “library” are ways for all to access every section, silent sound proof areas that can be reserved, private cubbies for focused work, more outlets for use of computers. A children’s area is fine but close it off with sound proof walls. This room can also be used for book club, gatherings, sing alongs concerts ect, if they must keep the social events. More work space. Overall great community center...

Located in a stunning setting with breathtaking views, this library boasts an architectural marvel that initially drew me in with its promise of a serene haven for book lovers and learners alike. However, my recent experiences have left me disheartened.

While the design and vistas remain as captivating as ever, the atmosphere within has shifted drastically. What was once a sanctuary for quiet study and contemplation now resembles more of a bustling gathering spot than a traditional library. The tranquility I sought has been overshadowed by the cacophony of conversations, children playing, and a general disregard for the peaceful ambiance one expects in such a space.

It’s disheartening to witness this transformation, as the fundamental essence of a library seems lost amidst the noise and constant activity. The library’s allure now seems to cater more to casual visitors, transforming it into a hybrid space resembling a playground or a café, rather than preserving its sanctity as a place for focused learning, reading, and scholarly endeavors.

As someone who values the sanctity of a library—a place where the pursuit of knowledge is nurtured in an environment of quiet reflection and study—I find it regrettable that the management seems to have steered away from this noble purpose. I hope for a revitalization that reinstates the library’s original ethos, creating an environment conducive to intellectual pursuits and respectful of the silent reverence a...

The workers here are fantastic, they are helpful and kind. The area has been devoid of a library for a while and this one is a very nice spot in terms of location.

But while it's a pretty building and has a great view of the city, tens of millions went into this building and a lot of it went into how it looks rather than how it functions.

It's hardly accessible to disabled people and there's a lot of wasted space within it. It's cramped and narrow due to the giant cavity in the middle that let's you see all of the levels of the building.

One of the purposes for a library is to have a place to work, but remember that I mentioned how narrow and cramped everything is? Yeah the work areas don't fair much better. It offers very little in terms of seating let alone actual working space.

All of these problems could have been remedied if they had stuck with a more traditional boring building that did not have a giant gaping waste of space in the middle of it.

There is nothing wrong with the actual workers here, it's just a matter of the actual building itself. Overall it's a disappointment, but a library at this spot is better than none in the entire...