Roosevelt Island Library

"This is the LOUDEST library I have ever been to. I go there to study and I study best in silence. I thought since it’s a New York City public library that it would be like others and I would be able to study in silence. Boy was I WRONG. This place is more of a playground than it is anything else. The whole place feels like it is dedicated to children. So if you have kids and you want them to have the time of their lives definitely take them here… if you want even a little ounce of focus you won’t be in luck here. Parents say NOTHING to their kids and EMPLOYEES LET IT HAPPEN. This is the worst experience I’ve had at any library in my LIFE. Unless they fix this noise problem I can’t see myself using this space in the future which is unfortunate because there are no other resources on Roosevelt island where I can get quiet study space. I thought this library would do that for me. Very disappointed."

"Just wanted to thank the caring and thoughtful staff who were on their way out of the building at closing time on a Saturday and still allowed my 5 year old daughter to run inside to use the bathroom. She was having a serious emergency and made it with seconds to spare, and I can’t describe how relieved we both were. Thank you all for your kindness and patience. You truly saved our day, and we appreciate you!"

"A conveniently positioned library catering to guests & cardholders alike! The Reference Desk was super friendly & courteous! The youngsters really seem to enjoy The Children's Room. There was a vast selection of books & computers available for usage. The hours were also useful to what we may deem as a "normal" person's schedule. The printing was very easy for a guest as well with a nominal fee of 20¢ per black & white copy."

"As a long-time Island resident I have been using this library for years and have always appreciated it. Once it was renovated and expanded, unfortunately it became a children’s playground. Although they supposedly have a designated section in the back, the children run around, scream, play and nobody is able to curtail them. I have spoken to staff and the manager but they are powerless. The parents don’t even seem to think this is inappropriate in a library setting and they let them behave like this. I usually just go in and out quickly but was forced to work there for a few days as my laptop was being repaired. Any focused work was impossible even with headphones set at the highest volume. There was constantly some kid sprinting at full speed next to me or a baby crying at the top of its lungs. It’s a shame that parents nowadays don’t teach their children how to behave in a public library. And it’s a shame the staff isn’t able to implement some rules. After all, public libraries belong to adults as well. Alternately, they can designate this as a children’s library so adults without offspring can keep away."