Riverside Library — Attraction in New York

Rudest librarians I’ve ever encountered in my life. I’d never been to this location and I’d asked to transfer a book to it. I went to pick it up and went to the front desk since I’ve never transferred a book to another location and needed help. The lady at the front pointed in a general area where it said “holds” and said to look for my card number and a reserve sticker. There were hundreds and hundreds of books. I’ve never been to a library where it’s set up like this. I was confused and asked another librarian (older white lady with glasses). My god, you would have thought I was asking her to locate the first edition of the Constitution. She rudely pointed to the Holds sign again acting as if I couldn’t read. I told her the signage was confusing and they needed better communications. That pretty much set her off and she went on a rant saying things like: “oh no I made a mistake how dare I” THEN proceeds to loudly tell the other librarians “oh she must have left, but this woman told us we need better signs and blah blah blah”. I said: “I can hear you, why do you have to be so rude?” And she walked off. At last, the librarian at the front came to my rescue and helped find my book, and ignored the other librarian. Major petty high school vibes among the staff. All we’re trying to do is read in...

The Riverside branch has some extra features not available at other branches such as a community room. They often hold special events in their community room as well as regular events such as yoga classes. A quick check out machine is available to skirt the long/slow checkout lines. The unsightly thing about this branch is that you will often find homeless napping in the branches seating. Situated in the street level of a residential building, it greets its visitors with stone flooring and a nice marble staircase for their second level. It's not a branch that one should go out of their way to visit though.... for that, go to the main branch on Fifth...

Not the best branch in the city. I prefer the nearby St. Agnes or Columbus branches to this one. The reading selection is sparse, and there are about one dozen public PCs. If you're bringing your own device, know that electric outlets are scarce. Mostly old people and hobos reading newspapers. There's one particular homeless gentleman in a purple vest who reeks of excrement and comes and goes as he pleases every day. If you can avoid him, you're golden. This place is best for quiet reading, and that's about it. Great for parents with children and the elderly, not so much...