New York Public Library – Grand Central Library

First time here and I already fell in love with the atmosphere. It is indeed a small library with two floors but it is an ideal spot to study. That is of course if you prefer a quiet area with not much going on. If you do then the upstairs is meant for you!
I did notice that since it is small library their book selection seems small but then again I did not check it out. The people here come here for a reason, to get work done! I love it and will definitely come back.

This is the most peaceful library I have seen. Everything is so nicely placed. It has lot of natural light and seems to be such a quiet place in the midst of midtown.
I went there today to borrow a book and the manager was so helping. She didn’t just tell me where I could find my book, but she also accompanied me to the second floor and showed me how to look for the books. She is such a lovely lady.

The shittiest library in the entire city. It is a tiny library located on a side street. They have a limited selection of books. They don’t have any real tables where you can read or study. The teen section of the library is basically a bunch of video games. However, that’s not my biggest complaint. One day, I sent out a few resumes and cover letters online. Then, I sat on a plush seat in the library and read the newspaper. Admittedly, I began to doze off. A minute later, this morbidly obese female security guard banged the side of the seat and stood over me. I felt that was fucking disrespectful. Mind you, I take medication which causes me to be drowsy during the day. After the same incident happened two days later, I stopped going to the Grand Central library.
If you want to be treated in a condescending manner by a Nazi security guard in a cramped building then stop by the Grand Central library. If you want a nice place to study, stop by the Science and Business library on 34 Street.

Nice location. Bright and inviting with ample restrooms. There are books, free books you can borrow and like a good friend they don’t judge you for being late, but they will charge you!
Location is central and the staff was friendly!

Beautiful building, amazing history. But I couldn’t figure out where the actual LIBRARY part was without asking someone. Was second floor way way back. Had to use a computer which was fine except they don’t allow you access to the address bar so no email (make sure to bring a usb stick or your SOL). the librarian there was fantastic, let me borrow her usb and she emailed me my work for me through her special computer.
MOST DISGUSTING BATHROOM I HAVE EVER SEEN. The garbage were full, used pads were all over the floor of the stalls and exploded poop stains on the back of the toilet. This place needs to improve its house keeping ASAP.
otherwise great service, polite and informative staff and cool stuff. Def. going back :).

It’s a library. This means free books, periodicals, newspapers, A/​C, and quiet spaces. Yes, sometimes there are chair hogs, but you get that at a coffee shop, too.
*What Your Library Can Do for You*
–anyone in the tri-​state area can get a NYPL card; just show up to one and show an electric or gas bill
is a great resource; you can reserve/​request books by placing a Hold online. When they’re available, they’ll be delivered to the local branch you request and you’ll get an email alert.
–this location and many others allow CD/​DVD rentals. Gilmore Girls marathon anyone?
–should you so choose, you can be a complete misanthrope and check out your book by yourself by grabbing it from the shelf, signing into the computer with a key fob swipe and entering your 4-​digit pin; print receipt w return-​by date and done. When it’s due, saunter in and slip that puppy into the book drop like a boss. Grab yourself some free Purell foam on the way out.
–one more thing about
— ebooks! They have a bunch of formats and quite a selection. Search and request the same way as above and once a title is ready, send to your Kindle with a few mouse clicks through amazon or download to Overdrive media player for ePub books and audiobooks.
*What You Can Do for Your Library*
–thank a librarian.
–DONATE
–volunteer
–DONATE
–put that damn book back on the shelf where you found it.

Public libraries sure have changed since I was a kid.
I’ve been to this NYPL branch a few times and I’m mostly unimpressed. I go with the baby I work with, specifically for the children’s section.
This branch is pretty small, the children’s section is upstairs by the computers. The selection of books is alright, nothing special, but they do have a good selection of board books and other indestructible books for babies (a big plus for me). However, the major downside is that the children’s area is so gross and dirty. Every time I go, there is garbage/​food on the floor, the cushion-​seats are visibly dirty like the covers need to be cleaned, and there are only one or two small plastic chairs.
Also, this branch does offer some activities but none allow children under 18 months.
Aside from the children’s section the rest of the library is unfamiliar to me. However, it’s never crowded, there’s an elevator, and things are generally well organized.
If you live or work in midtown east this might be your only option, even though it’s underwhelming.

Shh!
No, I’m not shushing you because this is a library, but because it’s a hidden gem and I don’t want the unwashed masses to find out about it, which is naturally why I’m writing about it on Unilocal!
Great little place with a clean and modern layout. Very convenient to Grand Central. Wi-​fi works well and it doesn’t seem to be too crowded.
The library staff I’ve worked with were awesome. Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.
This place is cool. Now be quiet and go back to your reading.

very modern, clean, and mac store-​like and kinda small compared to other nypl branches. i liked it a lot.
not the most popular place so it is wonderful for having quiet time.
there isn’t much of a selection so you plan to reserve a book and/​or hang out

Nice small library branch with helpful staff and a decent selection of books and DVDs. Convenient location from grand central station, nice bright lights and wide aisles in between the rows of shelves. Only drawback is that since it’s a smaller location, their selection isn’t that big and most of the books I was looking for were not held there. But i would definitely come back to hangout and read a book.

This is my branch, only four blocks from my place, and I love it. It’s quiet and comfy and a great place to work. There’s not a huge selection, but placing holds is made so easy by NYPL that it’s a nonissue.

Small location, but great study or chill reading spot without all the tourists the Bryant Park location attracts.
Free wifi but never seems to busy here, even though its small there are always enough tables and outlets.
Quiet and has easy access restrooms. More relaxed than the Bryant Park location when it comes to bringing in drinks and snacks (though it may not officially be allowed, they don’t search you and hover like hawks the way they do at Bryant Park)
Everything is in reasonably good condition. Easy place to reserve a book online & pick it up.

I thought this library had a beautiful look, but it took a visit to the Mid-​Manhattan branch to fully appreciate this gem on 46^th. I have worked from here several times. Wifi connection was strong. The place gets busy, but to me, that is great. A thriving community library is a great addition to any area.

This small branch is conveniently located near work for me, which is just amazing. I love the fact that you can just place books on reserve online, and just pick it up from any branch when it’s ready. The Grand Central branch isn’t large by any means. If you’re coming here to browse and find that next compelling book, you probably won’t find it here. I mean, there are sections for every genre, but there just isn’t much of it. On the bright side, this place is really clean. It’s not over-​run by bums, and people here are just coming here to chill out. I’ve never really had to wait in line or fight through a crowd, so that’s definitely a plus. If you want to use the internet here, you’re in luck because they have plenty of laptops that you can borrow.
On the downside, when I was here signing up for my library card, the guy at the desk was being kind of a douche. I presented my forms of ID and proof of residence, but I guess he didn’t particularly like what he saw and decided to give me a hard time. C’mon buddy, I pay NY taxes, so give me my library card. This place is super clean, and when you combine that with NYPL’s online hold system, then you have a winning combo.

5 effin’ stars.
Compared to some other libraries were the staff male and female are dickheads, this is one is not and they reign supreme.
–I agree with whoever said that before, this is the nicest and best public library in manhattan. All the staff members are very nice and you can use the library computers very easily. There is a setup with 4 computers to use and one that is only 15 minutes a session. It is also cool though, there are laptops that you can use. I believe the library has over 32 actually. Great find for me. I love it here.
=Also rent some Animé from time to time, it is enjoyable.

Nicest public library in Manhattan. :)

A year ago I was studying for a huge exam (3 months of solid studying), this place is the best library in all of manhattan with possible exception to the tower one on 6^th ave (jefferson market?). Anyhow, the staff are amazing, the people are typically pretty nice, and I never had a problem with having coffee while I worked. Across the street is a decent Indian restaurant Metro Café is on the corner. The seats on the 2^nd floor that overlook the street are a nice release when you have a lot of pressure and need to take a two minute break to relax. What separates this from most other libraries I’ve been to is damn few people talk which is a GOD SEND in NY.

Most of the things I was looking for are in this branch and I just can’t believe how small it is. The DVD section is not that big, but the CD section is HUGE! It’s a really nice and clean library. The 2^nd floor is even nicer. Very quiet and you’ll be surprised when you go to the back, which is a big area. The area is a bit confusing to find. The first time I was around Grand Central and asked people, they didn’t know about this library and kept telling me the nearest is the Mid-​Manhattan branch. Well, the best things are hidden, right?

The design is nice enough, modern and clean. Apparently not many people have discovered that they offer free Wifi because it was shockingly easy to get a seat.

In spite of the fact that I am a Mid-​Manhattan patron, recently I have made my way to this branch. This is NYPL’s latest branch, and I imagine was made to fill the void for Donnell. This place has a great YA collection of graphic novels, with a community room next door. There is always a lot of YA’s though. Also this is a place where you can rent laptops for half an hour. There is also not as much people around here, so it is great. Somehow Mid-​Manhatten has gotten slightly too crowded for my tastes.