Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library — Attraction in Washington

I just moved back into DC from living in Maryland for some time & I chose to visit the library a few hours ago to have a quiet space to have my therapy session. Unfortunately I had the displeasure of having an interaction w/ a Ms. Shelly Borysiewicz. First, I'll discuss my initial experience w/ coming in prior to my interaction w/ her. When I first came in I wasn't greeted or even acknowledged. I went upstairs where I found their was a teen area and an "adult lounge". I headed over to the adult lounge only to find it was disgusting and had unhoused adults over in the seating literally lounging & sleep. Supposedly outside food isn't allowed there, based off of the signs. However there was a discarded chick-fil-a bag, crumbs, etc. amongst the poor hygiene of the whole place. I wasn't able to stomach sitting over there so I headed over to seats near the teen section. I was informed by a librarian who didn't even bother to look my direction when she saw me the 1st time, but once I was headed over there to sit instead, that changed. She said I wasn't allowed to sit there & w/o saying much because we're both aware what the adult lounge looks like currently, I asked her where does she suppose that I sit? She informed me that there was seating downstairs by the windows. All of downstairs has seats along the windows...so that wasn't specific at all. I head back downstairs to the far windows to my right once I came off the steps. I set up my things and I carry on to start my session. Mind you this whole time my service dog is w/ me. I get about 25mins into a 45 min session when I'm approached by Ms. Shelly. There are a few adults + teens and over several kids downstairs in this area. What I now know was a apart of the children's sections. I wasn't aware of this because the only signage specificizing who could and couldn't sit there was a section of 4 chairs and tables that said ages 1-12 are allowed to sit there. Where I was sitting in a lounge chair it did not say this. So she says "Are you here with any kids?", I answer no. I'm assuming b/c there are not children under the age of 12 that look like me, black, is to why she's asking me and no one else that's sitting by themselves clearly over the age she's asking about. She says "Well you're not allowed to sit here." Frustrated because I was never given a direct area of where I could and couldn't sit besides a few signs where I clearly knew I couldn't I said, "Well where can I sit? because I was told I could sit here" she informed me about seating on the other side of the wall and said I was informed wrong as if I pulled the information out of my behind when it literally came from her colleague upstairs. She also asked if my dog was a service dog which literally him and I have already been sitting in here 30 mins prior to my session. So yes the dog that you literally wouldn't know existed had you not just been talking to me is a service dog. I take my time to move and luckily I'm already in call with my therapist who I had informed I already wasn't going to return back here based off the condition of the library alone. As I'm heading in the direction that she pointed to, she sits from her desk and says "Yes, the seating is over-" I cut her off and say "Yeah I got it ma'am", which she replies "What?" assuming she's trying to make a blowout so I have to be removed, I just continue to walk so I can carry on about my session because I've already wasted minutes of my session speaking with her. The seats she's referring to are also filthy. So I took my laptop from home and stood at the near by bookcase to finish out my session. I'm thinking because she has to deal with a certain type of crowd that clearly frequents there she believes it's okay to speak to any and everybody any kind of way. You guys are literally allowing unhoused people to hang around w/ no book, computer, or even being awake in your library but you're concern about me with a laptop from home & my service dog. Completely avoidable if she/ the library were that concerned about the overall condition...

I have tried and tried to give this library a chance. My very first impression was bad. While signing up for a library card we were treated as though we are on death row. I had a young school aged child with me.

A babysitter went in to get some books appropriate for a 2nd grader. She was instructed by the library to check out Goose Bumps and many books that were not age apporpriate. When she asked what was good for a 2nd grader she was told, "Well, I don't know but kds this age don't read books with pictures." Actually, they do!

Every time I have been to this branch there are homeless people out front and inside. They are locked inside the restrooms talking to themselves. They are sleeping and have their large bags with them. They are not reading or using the library. Tons of middle schoolers congregate in the vestibule, cursing and eating, throwing trash. They also congegegate upstairs. No one says anything to them at all. They are loud, obnoxiosu, and I highly doubt they have library cards. Most of the transients in there don't strike me as having library cars. Hey. it's perfectly OK! The last I checked libraries are to sleep in and bathe!

As someone who reads A LOT and supports public libraries I was disgusted beyong belief today. There was no seating at 1 pm. Because I have a child and frequent the children's section I sat there today with a biography. There were 4 tables with 16 empty seats and another 8 seats on the other side. I had not even sat down for 2 minutes when this is what happened.... The children's librarian whom have spoke to before said, "Do you have a child with you? If you don't you need to move out of the children's section. You are taking up space for chidren!!!!"

Toddlers are taking naps at 1 pm. Pre schoolers are in school, along with school aged children. I wasn't loitering, I had a book out. Unlike the people sleeping or playing on their phones I was reading.

This branch should be ashamed of how they act. The DC Public Library System should be shamed of this branch. As someone who has just moved into the city I will NEVER enter this branch again or any...

My recent experience at the library was marred by an unsettling encounter with the librarian, Kelly Jones. Upon requesting the use of scissors, I was taken aback when Ms. Jones not only refused but also made a disturbing remark implying that I could potentially harm someone. Despite maintaining a courteous demeanor throughout our interaction, I was further shocked when she insisted that I stand next to her desk, seemingly based on her unfounded assumption. At this point, she felt more like the threat.

Feeling rightfully concerned and disrespected by Ms. Jones' unwarranted accusation, I promptly filed a complaint with the library management. However, my hopes for a resolution were dampened when Julia, the manager, dismissed the incident as mere protocol without acknowledging the inappropriateness of Ms. Jones' behavior. It was disheartening to witness the lack of accountability for such a blatant display of prejudice and disrespect.

Ms. Jones' actions were not only deeply troubling but also indicative of a recurring pattern of behavior that appears to go unchecked within the library. To be subjected to such baseless assumptions and discriminatory treatment simply based on one's appearance is unacceptable and reprehensible.

In a setting that should promote inclusivity and respect for all patrons, Ms. Jones' actions were not only disappointing but also reflective of a larger issue that needs to be addressed. It is imperative that instances of discrimination and disrespect are taken seriously and addressed promptly to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all...