Queens Public Library Langston Hughes — Attraction in New York

The options available, ease of use, the focus of the library, and great people all add up to a preferable Queens Library experience compared to the much busier Broadway branch; the seemingly lesser selection at the Steinway branch on 31st Street (undergoing renovations in 2019); the LIC branch near which one can never find parking and has often had emptier shelves than full; and the hard to get to Far Rockaway branch that seems to employ some of the most fantastic folks one could ask for, but is nonetheless more of the feel of a disappointing used book store than a library.

For those who use the Queens Library system, you may already know that there is a limit to the amount of time you can utilize a computer. There is also a limit to the number of printouts that you can make. At Langston Hughes, unlike some other libraries in the immediate area, the computer time-limit is usually 1 hour compared to a half-hour at other locations. The printout limit is 20 pages compared to the 10 at other locations. Like other locations, there is dedicated time for students to use the computers. All computer audio is turned off.

The periodicals and reading tables are usually in great shape. There is Wi-Fi. You can ask the librarian to sign out a laptop as well. There is a children's section separated by walls and windows that verily diminishes noise. There is also a dedicated enclosure for listening to recordings and similar projects. While every Queens Library branch has a calendar of special events to take place in the multiple rooms not readily visible from the lobby, the Langston Hughes calendar of events that comes out monthly seems expansive, diverse, interesting, and well in keeping with the community. In 2019, for example, we've thus far seen everything from introduction to robotics, to holiday egg hunts, to discussions about baseball.

I, personally, can give or take some of the window displays in the entry area between the outer and inner door. However, the periodic displays set up in the main library area have proven a fantastic treasure trove of useful, insightful, and otherwise interesting information. One can tell that they are considered with care when operating within, what I am sure is, a restricted budget.

As well, I have no idea who chooses the featured books for the main display shelves. However, that person or persons are my new faves. Those selections have been some of the most masterful and exciting reads I've enjoyed in the last 25 years.

No parking lot. I recommend parking on either 99th or 100th Street to avoid paid parking along Northern Blvd. The library is handicapped accessible. It does have restrooms that are open to its patrons. Langston Hughes has the same automated systems for checkout and for returns as other libraries. This includes an electronic outdoor return. There is rarely a wait here. The staff is very helpful, particularly with regard to providing solutions to problems and issues.

There seems to be an underutilized, outdoor, enclosed space. The stacks are a little small as libraries go. They could stand to better alphabetize their DVD selections. Though I've never utilized the service, I have been told that when operational, they are able to make copies for you at $0.25 per page, which matches the cost across the street at the drugstore. Check their hours on the website before going. While they do match the pattern of several other Queens libraries, if it is your first time using the Queens Library system, you may not realize how they must stretch hours of operation, oddly, over 6 day week with the same amount of staff. They are closed on Sundays.

I'd like to draw particular attention to the 7-Day DVD rentals that are mixed in among the a normal, 3-day rentals. These are usually documentaries. While you can get some of these titles at other locations, for some reason the Langston Hughes Library has a number of such items that one might never think to actually check out, but that turn out to be,...

Jayden, thanks for visiting one of my favorite places under the sun. In your Google review you said ""their" (there) was this African American lady carrying notebooks or folders around for no reason, screaming at the kids." Really dude? Do you know her function at that location? You have made some very uninformed assumptions and irresponsible statements. Do you know how many times people, Including children, have been accosted/fondled in public places, including libraries, by people who decided to go "look around?" Child molestation happens in seconds. It's all about safety. Glad to know that they checked you out and will check you out to make sure that you or anyone like you, has no ill will up their sleeves or in their book bag. In the climate we live in today, with all the school shootings taking place all over this country, everyone is a suspect until proven otherwise. You are right about one thing; that is, signage. The signage package is poor. Maybe that is a New York thing, since I see the same thing with the road signage in and around NYC. Oh! One of the nicest features in that space is the quiet and research room. Next time you go, ask a staff member to point that out to you. They have concerts and other programs regularly in the up-stairs space. You should check them out. Hope You have a nicer experience the next time you visit. PS: "Their" and "there" have different meanings as are "we're" and "where." As a college student you should know that and their appropriate...

A wonderful library in a great and safe neighborhood that's been around serving multiple generations in the community clean and comfortable atmosphere with wonderful librarians and customer service with special and separate sections for teens adults and a children's room also a performance center on the second floor that puts on plays and can be booked for conferences or events and a black heritage reference center of queens county not to forget the ability to use the computer absolutely free for an hour and the ability to print out up to twenty pages for free many programs for families such as English classes for adults reading time for children and many other summer programs and so much more this staple of the community is a gem for the entire family stop by grab a book and let your imagination...