South Plainfield Public Library — Attraction in South Plainfield

I’m writing to share my experience with a staff member named Daniel during my recent visits to the library, and to express my disappointment in how I was treated. I regularly use the library rooms for private sessions with my client, who is autistic and has a tendency to elope. Because of his needs, it can be difficult for his mother and me to get him inside quickly, and we sometimes arrive a few minutes late while ensuring his safety.One particular day( March 26 2025), we were just a few minutes behind when Daniel abruptly told us, “You no longer have a room,” in a rude and dismissive tone. She said it was because we were past the 15-minute grace period. We were never made aware of this rule. In fact, during our last visit, the library had double-booked our room, and I was forced to leave early. The staff member who handled that situation was kind, acknowledged the mistake, and even pre-booked our room for the following week. At no point was this 15-minute rule mentioned, and no one tried to contact us before giving the room away—despite the fact that Daniel could see us right outside, visibly struggling to get my client inside.To make matters worse, there was another room available, but instead of simply letting us use the room we had already reserved, Daniel gave it away and offered the available one to us but only for 30 minutes, even though I had booked a 2-hour session. If that room was open, it could have been given to whoever she gave mine to for the short time. That choice made no sense and showed a lack of basic consideration.

The very next day, something similar happened. We were again struggling with my client as he tried to run off, and even another staff member stepped in to help us. I actually heard that staff member say to Daniel, “They’re coming,” trying to vouch for us and explain the situation. But even then, Daniel sarcastically said, “So do you want your room?” as if we weren’t doing everything we could in that moment to get inside( it wasn't even 15 minutes either our booking was for 4 this was at 4). Her lack of understanding was incredibly disheartening, especially as she witnessed what we were dealing with firsthand. What bothered me the most, though, was overhearing Daniel talking about me and my client to a coworker afterward. It was unprofessional and disrespectful, especially considering we are dealing with a child with special needs who deserves patience and dignity.This experience was extremely frustrating. We rely on these spaces for essential services, and all we ask for is compassion and respect especially when working with individuals with disabilities. I truly hope this feedback is taken seriously, and that library staff are trained to better support guests with special needs and to act with empathy and...

Libraries are one of the last bastions of state funded services. They provide wonderful services and information for everyone.

A decent library that is let down by the stocked books. Libraries are not as popular as they should be and the main audience seems to be children and older people. It feels like they mostly stock for those people and they have walls and walls or romance books. The books really fit a older women demographic and hinder other groups looking for other content. There are other books but they are smaller in comparison. This can be helped by the hold system where they ship in books from other places but it then become just a pickup spot. Which is just not living up to the potential it has.

The rooms, seating and computers are great for everyone. They offer a lot of great workshops and other events. They seem to do a lot for the children which is wonderful. definitely stop by and interact with...

Good library . One of the libraries in central NJ area. There are other libraries in Edison , Piscataway but I like this one better . Librarian is very polite and helps very well. Location wise it’s good . It’s just a bit wierd to get to the library with one ways and no left signals . We mostly miss the route and have to take the next turn to get in .

Decent collection of books . Could be better but definitely better than other libraries around . Restrooms are clean . Quiet atmosphere around . Good experience overall. 4...