Malverne Public Library — Attraction in Town of Hempstead

I went to the Malverne Public Library today looking for a quiet place to study. We moved to Malverne not too long ago, so I was excited to explore the library. When I arrived, I noticed the street in front had a 2-hour parking limit. Since I planned to spend more time inside, I called the library to ask about parking.

An older woman answered. I asked, “Do you have a quiet room to study?” She replied, “What?” so I politely repeated my question. She said, “Yes, we do.” I then asked if there was parking available because I was right outside. She responded, “Oh my god, you can park on the street, but I can’t guarantee the library parking.” I said, “Okay, thank you,” and before I could say anything else, she hung up.

I found a spot to park and walked in around 9:45 a.m. I asked a young woman at the desk to direct me to the study area. She said they had only one room and it was currently being used. This surprised me, because just two minutes earlier I had been told it was available. I understand someone could have come in during that short time, but I felt there was no warmth or welcome in the interaction.

I left feeling disappointed. I truly hope the staff were just having a difficult day, but the tone of both interactions came across as unpleasant. I’m not asking to be treated like royalty—just in a courteous, human way.

A couple of days ago, I also saw someone else post on Facebook about their bad experience with the library staff, which makes me wonder if this is a recurring issue.

In contrast, when I visited the West Hempstead Library, everyone was kind and welcoming, which made me want to return. I wish I could have had a...

horrible just horrible i called up to ask about 2 games they have librarian( very rude tone) told me they had them and that i could go get them myself since their not allowed to send any games(local patrons only) , i then proceeded on my bike a 49 min ride thats very far my nephews wanted the games . i get there and for nothing as another librarian nonchalantly tells me i cant take them out since im from another library...i tell her that other librarian told me i could to which she says " ohh well she made a mistake" thats it no im sorry or my bad or " ill have a tALK with her as to why she lied" . PS librarian said they tried to call me immediately after their "mistake" thats not true i never...

despite the fact that masks and covid are no longer an issue, the workers continue to have loud conversations with each other and with patrons. do they understand what the purpose of a library is? apparently not because every 5 minutes you have someone (usually one of the librarians!!) start a conversation at full volume. considering the place’s small size, no matter where you are, it is distracting.

if it was only loud patrons (which there are), i’d get it, but the fact that the librarians are usually the issue is absurd.

don’t give me the solution of reserving a small study room in the basement, I SHOULDNT NEED A SPECIFIC ROOM IN A LIBRARY IN ORDER TO HAVE...