West Orange Public Library — Attraction in West Orange

Unprofessional and Disrespectful Behavior at the Front Desk

I am extremely disappointed with the behavior of the two white women currently working at the front desk of Their consistent lack of professionalism and their dismissive, racially biased attitudes toward Black individuals is unacceptable in any workplace—especially one that serves the public.

One of them frequently rolls her eyes, huffs, and displays clear annoyance any time a Black person asks a question. The other often acts deliberately confused or “ditzy” when approached, as if to avoid helping. I personally witnessed her harassing a Black individual who was simply utilizing a designated area. I’ve also overheard them making disrespectful comments about a Black woman, further confirming the pattern of racial hostility.

If these individuals are uncomfortable working with Black people, they are in the wrong job and wrong community. This kind of behavior is harmful, discriminatory, and completely unprofessional.

I will be filing a formal complaint and notifying the town board regarding their conduct. Public servants should serve everyone with respect and equality—not treat people like a burden because...

I love that this library is close and when it reopened, I was happy to start going there. However, every time I go there to print downstairs, the man who works the desk seems to be bothered by questions, etc.

A few months back, the bill machine wasn't working and you had to pay him at the desk, I had a $5 or $10 bill and he was visibly annoyed and asked if I had anything smaller....well no I don't.

Today, I go there again to print, go up to counter politely excused myself to pay him because the machine is not working. He tells me to put the money on the counter, when I said "15 cents?" to confirm that was the cost, he says "just put it down on the counter" in a very unnecessary and kind of parental way. Didn't look up or smile one time and there's nobody else in this area. If being asked a question that you can simply respond "yes" to bothers you, then perhaps you are in the wrong industry. In short, bad customer care in my opinion. Can't imagine a library position being very stressful so not sure what the snotty...

HOW TO GET HERE: The new library is hidden away behind the Cambria hotel, you want to look for the blue traffic sign “library” and enter the street between the Marriott Courtyard and Cambria Hotel. THE LIBRARY The kid’s section in the new library is amazing, it’s spacious and has a beautiful play area with a large dollhouse, puppet theater, a learning computer and an area to color. The friendly kid’s librarian will help you find any book you like. THE FACILITIES Everything is nicely renovated and clean. The only thing the facilities are missing (hence 4 stars) are proper sidewalks to the entrance of the building. Parking is on all 4 sides of the building but the closest ones are west and south facing and one has to walk on the street to get inside. I do not know how folks with strollers manage (maybe I missed something) but I didn’t see how to enter with a wheelchair or strollers. The front doors do have a button to open the doors...