The views are beautiful but being a local from the community I’m not going to the library for views., I can go to the local coffee shop or park. The layout is absolutely ridiculous. There are more stairs then actual usable space. If you are disabled, unfortunately you will not be able to access many sections as it is only accessible by stairway. If you are going to the library to get actual work done, study, research or even enjoy some quiet leisurely reading go elsewhere. There is only one “quiet” section which seats 5 people comfortably on one square table. There are no cubbies or private sections if you are someone who needs solitude to concentrate. They have different sections that consist of a teen section, adult section, and children’s section but might as well be one huge cafeteria. No matter where you are you will experience tourist coming in to take pictures and socialize, babies screaming from the children’s section, screeching chairs on the concrete floors or creeping metal stairways. The building is unique to say the least, but rather then call it a library it should be a community center. Between the concerts in a “closed off room” that you can hear throughout the building, singalongs, and the many social gatherings that occurs it would be a perfect community center. For a functional library they would need to knock it down and start all over. Some ideas that would improve this “library” are ways for all to access every section, silent sound proof areas that can be reserved, private cubbies for focused work, more outlets for use of computers. A children’s area is fine but close it off with sound proof walls. This room can also be used for book club, gatherings, sing alongs concerts ect, if they must keep the social events. More work space. Overall great community center awful library!!!

Located in a stunning setting with breathtaking views, this library boasts an architectural marvel that initially drew me in with its promise of a serene haven for book lovers and learners alike. However, my recent experiences have left me disheartened. While the design and vistas remain as captivating as ever, the atmosphere within has shifted drastically. What was once a sanctuary for quiet study and contemplation now resembles more of a bustling gathering spot than a traditional library. The tranquility I sought has been overshadowed by the cacophony of conversations, children playing, and a general disregard for the peaceful ambiance one expects in such a space. It’s disheartening to witness this transformation, as the fundamental essence of a library seems lost amidst the noise and constant activity. The library’s allure now seems to cater more to casual visitors, transforming it into a hybrid space resembling a playground or a café, rather than preserving its sanctity as a place for focused learning, reading, and scholarly endeavors. As someone who values the sanctity of a library—a place where the pursuit of knowledge is nurtured in an environment of quiet reflection and study—I find it regrettable that the management seems to have steered away from this noble purpose. I hope for a revitalization that reinstates the library’s original ethos, creating an environment conducive to intellectual pursuits and respectful of the silent reverence a library deserves.

The workers here are fantastic, they are helpful and kind. The area has been devoid of a library for a while and this one is a very nice spot in terms of location. But while it's a pretty building and has a great view of the city, tens of millions went into this building and a lot of it went into how it looks rather than how it functions. It's hardly accessible to disabled people and there's a lot of wasted space within it. It's cramped and narrow due to the giant cavity in the middle that let's you see all of the levels of the building. One of the purposes for a library is to have a place to work, but remember that I mentioned how narrow and cramped everything is? Yeah the work areas don't fair much better. It offers very little in terms of seating let alone actual working space. All of these problems could have been remedied if they had stuck with a more traditional boring building that did not have a giant gaping waste of space in the middle of it. There is nothing wrong with the actual workers here, it's just a matter of the actual building itself. Overall it's a disappointment, but a library at this spot is better than none in the entire neighborhood.

I hope that the director of the library reads my review for the simple reason the library is so loud that its close to the limits that its not a library anymore but a playground. The building has a unique architecture but it has a disadvantage if children are in the main entrance you can hear them all te way up to the fifth floor. The director and management should put signs for their parents or nanies to keep it quiet or to politely take them out. A Library is not a playground, the area has a huge coastal park that children can play so parents have no excuse. Common sense people! Other than that the library is a wonder of architecture, has beautiful views of midtown Manhattan and has a big collection for its size. Clean and modern with a nice and roomy digital area. Stuff very helpful too. I would have given 5 stars easily if there wasn't that sound issue. Parents should respect what a library is for. Is not for 3 years old playing and cring around.

Fantastic space to work and feel connected to the local community. In the 21st century, when interaction with local/physical spaces, learning, and wonderment is severely lacking, this library is a representation of the diversity needed in public space design. If you want a sterile, lifeless space — look elsewhere. If you want to feel inspired by your city and find joy in a space that intentionally creates an experience and ambiance of solace and learning, then this is a place for you. If you want a sterile space that’s purely silent and designed exclusively for grinding out work — find an office. This is a community space, still quiet, but alive. A library, this very much is. A library of the 20th century, this very much is not. P.S. There is a Silent Room meant for completely quiet work. So for all the comments that complain about noise, I’d say they must have missed or failed to ask about the availability of silent space. It’s on the 3rd floor.

The layout is confusing and in my opinion poorly designed for its function. In addition to the appalling issues of accessibility (several areas are accessible only by stairs), which had to be corrected by moving the main stacks area into what presumably would have been more open spaces for studying, the whole building is one large open space which means that noise travels. When there are children’s programs, the whole space becomes very loud with the activity. You can hear chairs scraping when people get up 2 floors away! In my opinion a public library should provide space that is considerate of the needs of all its users. There is one small quiet room, but realistically for such an expensive building the architects should have thought a lot more about the functions of the building rather than just it’s aesthetics. Sure, the views are nice but as a space for people to work or study, it is a very poor option due to the noise.

I love the location and the library itself is so beautiful with lots of spacious and clean seating. It's just insanely loud and distracting which is a huge bummer for people trying to do work or study. I know there are lots of programs for kids here which is great for the community but whenever I come here I can always hear children screaming and yelling which fills up the entire library. Kids should be able to play and have fun in their programs but if there was a way to block out the noise so that people who need quiet can work too, that should be done. Libraries are meant to be quiet and calm and I've literally watched parents just let their kids be yelling and running around here and no workers do anything about it...maybe a little more enforcement of library etiquette would be good too.

This is NOT a library. What's missing is an abundance of space for people to engage in quiet, uninterrupted study. There should be multiple silent reading rooms, many study desks, public study rooms, and also lots of private study booths. It would have been more valuable and way cheaper if we purchased a multi-storey warehouse and converted it into study space, computer rooms, and group study space. Comments on here talking about the spectacular views... shhhh it about the views! A library is a place of deep study, research, and learning, if you want great views go walk the Highline. Are we serious about the intellectual development of our people or not? This is a decent piece of architecture, not a library.

This library just doesn't work. - Sound reflects off all the walls so you can hear a conversation from 3 floors away. - Cleaning is sub-par... you can see dust piling up in spots that are overlooked. - The little study nooks don't fit a laptop in them! - Wifi didn't connect well. - Some of the bookshelves are left completely bare and taped off... makes it look abandoned... apparently due to accessibility issues. It seems like the architects sacrificed everything practical about a library in order to capture the good views. The situation could probably be salvaged a bit if better management were brought in and perhaps some internal measures like carpets and sound barriers to reduce the sound propagation.

The architecture is beautiful and the views are the best in town. However, it has a very serious problem for a library. It's VERY NOISY, to the point of being annoying. That's because they made a children room (which is great, don't get me wrong, I have kids) with no acoustic isolation whatsoever. Therefore, it feels like you're in a Children playground noise wise, since the library is one huge open space. They do have a quiet room, but it is tiny. It consists of one single table with about 20 seats and that's it. They should either create some form of acoustic isolation to the children's room or increase their quiet room.

At first I saw comments that stated this place is noisy, in my head I was thinking how bad can it be… Wednesday , February 23 , 2022 I checked out this library and it’s very hard to concentrate in this library because of all the noise of staff being loud , phones ringing, and other noises that should be prohibited in a library. Other than that the staff is friendly. The inside structure and layout is beautiful. You get a clear view of the city. There are restrooms and you can charge your devices here if needed. Not much of broad selections to choose from from books. If it was quieter it would give it a 5/5.

I totally agree with the many comments about the noise of the room in the lobby where music and singing and dancing practices are held. The library is supposed to be a place where one can study peacefully without noise . The music and the children rooms should be housed in a different building. Maybe another building adjacent to the library be built specifically for those two purposes. Then convert the music center in the lobby and the children’s section on the upper floor into public areas and quiet areas to study and to read and to do research. Otherwise, the scenic view outside are quite breathtaking.

Everyone involved in the design of the library, including those who oversaw and improved the plans, should not have access to tax dollars ever again. There are more design flaws than I can list, but here are a few: the library is closed because they need some part from Germany, the completion of the library was delayed because of a glass shortage in Spain, the rooftop has never been opened, a tiered sitting area is roped off because it is dangerous for kids, areas are inaccessible to the handicapped so have nothing there. Pros: it is a library and you get good exercise taking the stairs.

The design is quite striking, but this has to be the least functional library I've ever seen. There are more stairs in this place than actual usable space. #MoreStairsThanChairs Also, you can hear EVERYTHING here. You can hear every chair screeching across the floor, every child screaming, every conversation, all the feet clamoring up and down the stairs because they're painted metal. Such a terrible design. It's a good space to meet people, and for programs. However, if you need to study or do something quiet and are sensitive to noise, go elsewhere. The staff are quite nice at least.

Creepy security guard followed my wife and I from the moment we stepped foot in the library. On the 5th floor, he said to my wife that coffee is not allowed. Fair enough, so she toss it in the bin. She then used the restroom, and when she stepped out, took some photos of the architecture. The guard then screamed loudly to my wife “NO PHOTOS!”. How there are hundreds of photos in Google reviews about this building I do not know. We feel so unwelcome, and the hostile treatment by the creepy guard is a major turn off. Waste of taxpayers money and space.

Front desk staff wasn’t friendly and spoke very loud. The outside and inside design was very beautiful with the city view and water front. They definitely have a good collection of books, but as a library, it was very noisy inside. You can heard everything and all the conversation from the visitors and the staff. Other than the front desk staff, other staff on the second floor and above were very kind and nice. Will try to stop by another time with a better weather and I’m gonna read some books here!

Nice view in the library, but it was too loud, and service was quite bad. They librarians doesn’t make efforts to make people quieter, or fill up supplies in the restrooms, but watched who was taking pictures of the view outside and not allow to take picture showing any books?? The librarian followed me when I was walking and kept telling me that I only only take picture by the window… I guess here has some top secrets that not allowed to be documented lol. Not very pleasant experience

I always go there when I have time to kill in the area. It's a nice quiet place with a lot of options for books and sections to get into. The views from the higher floors are amazing, expectually around sunset as you can see the sun setting over Manhattan and the river. My only gripe with the place is the fact that there's no/terrible cell service in the building but that's due to the area mostly being a dead zone. Other than that this place is great

Part art museum, part library. This is one of my favorite places in LIC! It's a public reading spot with a great view. Even though their in-house collection is small, you can place holds for books in their QPL catalog network and have it shipped to this location. Too bad they’re not open on Sundays. The staff is always friendly and helpful, though on any weekday afternoon or weekend, you'll probably hear some kiddie shouting at all times.

Terrible design without any planning or thinking. Waste of space and confusing layout, having to use the stairs to access every floor. Elevators don’t go to every floor and there is only one elevator. A family bathroom not on the same level as the children’s room. Bathrooms are only on one side of the library and you having to climb many flights of stairs to access them. The architects clearly have no idea what they were doing.

Beautiful space, amazing views, and excellent resources for the community. But it is so loud. And cacophonous. Unbearably so. Children incessantly stomp up and down the stairs and make noise, making for an unpleasant study environment. The auditorium doors slammed frequently while I was there. Perhaps the quiet room could be expanded to fit more people. The design seems to prioritize aesthetics more than practicality.

Love the children’s room space, books and coloring materials, and helpful staff here who create a great experience for my toddlers. A valuable resource for families in the LIC community and one of the neighborhood’s best highlights. Also appreciate the community outreach efforts of the library leadership with fun weekend events, such as face painting, stickers, badge making and more. Thanks QPL

Very very nice place to study and relax before 2:15 when the little demons get out. Then the whole library reverberates with the sounds of a bunch of kids stomping up and down the stairs and on above floors. The parents of these kids have no control and no respect for what a library is and no consideration for those that are here trying to study. PLEASE enforce stricter rules when it comes to noise

I was passing by Vernon Jackson the other day and noticed this structure. Not sure when this was built but I don't recall seeing it in the past. The building looks very modern with a unique architecture. I could go in when I was there because it was a holiday. However, I imagined what the views of the city would be like from those windows. I'll try to go back someday when the library is open.

It’s a beautiful public library to work in, but about 15 minutes before closing, a library worker was absolutely screaming across the building at me and a few others for wanting to take a photo inside of the interior decor. She was really rude about it, and her reasoning was that it’s a sacred place for privacy… but this is a public place. It was a really unpleasant experience.

Beautiful architecture and very inviting. I love the modernized environment and how comfortable I am. I would definitely come back. The main problem: the noise. The library is huge and open so sound travels pretty far and is loud. That is the main reason I gave it a rating of 4 stars. Overall, my experience was great and there are many quiet study rooms you can go into.

I absolutely love our neighborhood library! The view from the library is simply breathtaking, making it an inspiring place to read and study. The large windows allow plenty of natural light to fill the space, making it even more enjoyable. One of the best features is the convenience of reserving books online and picking them up at the library. It saves so much time!

So far, not a good experience, from the outside, the building is nice to look at, but super inefficient inside. I have only been there 5 times and 2 of those they don’t have WIFI, when I tried calling to ensure they have wifi before making the trip, no one answers. And to top it off, the hours are very limited. Such a waist of a good location

Very pretty library, excellent view, allows me to focus really well with earbuds on! not giving 5 stars just because of the noise issue, you can hear all the noise kids make on their own section cus is wide open, not sound proof. Really love to come here but always with earphones and music to help me focus on my studies. @palomavent

One of the most beautiful and inspiring public libraries, inside and out! It gives you a special experience as you walk though. Plenty of nice spots to settle down and read. I spent three hours there yesterday until its close time, and still did not want to leave! You have to experience it to know it’s charming nature!

While trying to be aesthetically pleasing, the library lacks consideration in certain interior space arrangement. The seats, the acoustics, and even the restroom are on the short side when crowded. But do recommend to visit at least once to appreciate the architecture, experience the environment, and be your own judge.

This is the first and only library in my life that almost drove me crazy, with kids running up and down the stairs and screaming at the same time…. During the entire 2 hours I was there, the library staff didn't even get a chance to talk to the parents and discipline the kids. IT IS A PUBLIC LIBRARY NOT A PLAYGROUND!

Beautiful library and great space to read books or work on assignments. The only problem I have is how loud it can get. The library is one huge open space. Yes there is a quiet room but it’s small. Librarians should make an effort to speak in a low voice and asks patrons and children to minimize noise level.

Probably the library with the best view in NYC. Plenty of place for people to work. A really nice kids section with books and toys. If you come in the morning, you're likely to see many UN employees and nannies. Easy to explore, borrow books, and a nice staff. Took my son to Toddlers time, and he loves it.

the LIC DOG HATER works here. he is the one that will come out and yell at you if your dog steps foot onto the grass, but says nothing to the hundreds of kids that ride their bikes/scooters on the grass. not to mention the multitude of people that leave trash on the grass. watch out for the LIC DOG HATER!

Excellent library with great service. Beautiful views. Yes, the sound ambience is a bit too cold with some echo (maybe something could be done with textiles etc?), but still a beautiful space. Toddler groups might also have some more capacity. All in all however, this is a world class level library.

Beautiful library...but not the most useable with a single slow elevator and multiple stairs. More space should be dedicated for patrons, as a whole decent amount of books and the computer lab is nice. Their open hours are extremely limited.....and probably could be expanded given the location.

Is this a daycare / recreation center where lack of courtesy and bad parenting is the standard, or is it a place meant to read and focus? What’s with the limited hours? Why is it barely open on Tuesday and closed entirely on Sunday? Really disappointing rollout and use of tax payer money.

This is a unique, beautiful library. I especially appreciate how professional and accommodating the staff members are here. Even during the pandemic, they create things like mystery book bundles in order to encourage children to borrow books with minimal contact. Thank you!

Staff speaks loud at the front desk. I found imposible to study and concentrate at this place. The stairs makes noise too. Security are annoying about and u can't bring yr own bottle of water. A waste of tax payers money in such a beautiful and 'cheap' building. …

Been here a few times before COVID. Like the design (both interior and exterior). Thought the staff was quite professional. They spent several years and lots of $ building this—we’ll have to see if it lives up to its expectations. Great views into the City.

You need to be retired or unemployed to enjoy this library because the operating hours are extremely limited. The 30+ million dollars of taxpayer money would have been better spent on making the place ADA accessible and keeping it open past 6pm.

Visually aesthetic with great views of the skyline but so loud! It’s essentially one big open space so conversations from the lobby and top floor echo throughout. Don’t recommend it for studying unless you’re wearing noise cancelling headphones.

Loved the area where they dictated space for teens so that we can hang out in a safe environment. However they are missing power outlets in the 5th floor they should have some power outlets is kinda a bad desgin choice

Really nice library with a good amount of books, only downside is there is no quiet areas besides the actual quiet rooms and this library seems to be very crowded often. Those 2 factors made the 3 star review …

This library is a design failure. It may be pretty, but it makes no sense. There's so much wasted space, it's confusing to get around, it's insanely loud, and it's just not a comfortable place to study.

Stairs, elevators, ramps, ramps, ramps, windows, windows, windows, lots of light and wonderful semi panoramic views of the city and LIC. it’s crowded on weekends. Weekdays there’s plenty of room to sit.

Beautiful, but whoever thought it was a good idea to make a library of concrete, glass and steel with zero sound insulation and wide open spaces was smoking something. Concert hall acoustics.

$42 million to build this library and somehow a major portion of it was still made completely inaccessible to disabled people with mobility devices or difficulty navigating stairs. Amazing.

Small elevator, stairs make no sense. NOT kid friendly. Big hot mess. Feels like a library only for collage students. Nothing wrong with that but needs to be KID friendly. Disappointed

I don't know what library everyone else visited, but this has to be one of the nicest I've ever been in. Courteous staff, great layout/design/city views, ample workspace. Thanks QPL (:

To me this library is more for show than actually being a library, no private study rooms like the other public libraries and people do get chatty in there, but I do love the views.

What is wrong with this place that it's closed on Sundays?? A public library built on taxpayers money and don't bother opening on Sundays? Shame. This is why libraries lose funding.

I stopped at the library today September 30th and i loved the way the library is set up, as well as the beautiful view overlooning the city. 5 stories high + a rooftop coming soon.

Got yelled at by the staff for taking a photo. She was several floors above and just yelled from the top floor at me. No wonder a lot of the reviews say it's noisy here.

Great place. Not that noisy. My kids love to stay here. I always care my kids for others. If you're too sensitive about white noise then I recommend go other place.

There are not good areas to sit down and work if you need to. They have a huge mezzanine study thing but the desks are too narrow, my laptop does not fit (16").

The Place is great and nice people. THEY NEED to be open at least till 9 pm so people can actually go there after work hours. Please make that possible. Thanks

Beautiful library but confusing layout. There is a lot of climbing (or use the elevator) to get to different sections. Selection isn't great and pretty small.

Spectacular library by Steven Holl Architects. Fantastic view of Manhattan from the top floor. Light pleasant interior with lots of "nooks and crannies".

It's more a meeting point than a quiet place. The building and view are pretty cool, but the space itself would be better used. Great spot for kids :)

Nice location but it is more like a play garden for children rather than a library. Definetly the worst place if you want to read or study.

I love this place, just cause the books. But the view in each floor is nice. The 5th floor has the best view. I can stay here for hours.

Loud, poorly designed, and uncomfortable. It’s impossible to use any of the spaces here to read, study, or otherwise focus on anything.

Extremely noisy. Definitely not a good place for reading. Nice for kids though if u r looking for something like that ‍♀️ …

It’s a picnic spot for mindless parents who lack common sense and let their kids cause nuisance and shout all around the library.

Beautiful library but has one design fault. Only one restroom for adult on the first floor for the entire 5 stories building.

It’s a nice place with a good view but if you want to come here and study , don’t. it’s too noisy because of the children

Very clean and quiet. Modern design and nice views of the east river. Fast wifi. The guards can be a bit strict though.

One of the most architecturally and aesthetically pleasing libraries I've seen — with some amazing views as well!

Great library overall. If the outdoor terrace was open at all in the last two years, I'd give it five stars.

Nice new renovated library, with a large selection of books and multiple rooms for kids, teens, and adults.

The said we are not allowed to take pictures of our kid reading a book. Only take pictures of the view.

Which stupid architect designed this library?So noisy!It doesn't have a single space for quite study!

This library has the worst design possible. 40 million wasted . How did this people become architects

Beautiful library. Magazine worthy like they planned. Helpful librarians. Scenic views all around.

My experience was not good it's to loud felt like I was in a nursery instead of a library...

Inefficient interior spaces don’t invite patrons to concentrate. Staff is a bit uncourteous.

Beautiful river view, but kids always running up and down and screaming Plus, seats are few

It's nice and clear, friendly, and it's near the park and the waterfront in hunters point.

Gorgeous light filled space, but bad acoustics and noise levels of a loud daycare center.

A priceless idea, encourages lazy people to experience architecture through their feet

Amazing architecture and views! As for the library proper, we’ll see, time will tell.

Brilliant, beautiful, generous architecture. A gift to the neighborhood and the City.

Amazing building! I wish it would be more modern architecture like this one in NYC.

Too noisy. Weird interior design but it’s cool. Also, needs more seating areas.

Absolutely inspiring public library with welcoming staff. Cool children’s room

Ridiculously loud, a calamity of design. Toys R Us is a calmer environment.

Beautiful space, descent selection, plenty of seating areas throughout.

The library is too noisy, you can hear kids crying from all corners.

Nice, clean, tech friendly. Come without a car, NO PARKING!

Jus got here and they closed for an unknown reason argggg

Beautiful space, I wish it was open later / on Sunday!!

stunning building and space for some quiet study / work

Beautiful, functional, modern facility. Stunning views.

I have never felt more unwelcome in a public library.

When less people reading, they could do better.

Very cool library. So happy it finally opened!

Great staff and well organized library.

They don’t allow coffee inside