Brooklyn Public Library - Brooklyn Heights Branch

"Good bathrooms, air-conditioning, quite a bit of seating, and they have a water refill station. Staff was very nice. Bring noise cancelling headphones if you're going to stay a while because the kid's section downstairs carries sound upstairs. Would 100% come back."

"Incredible space and excellent use of tax dollars! My photos speak for themselves. My biggest complaint is the noise from downstairs where kids, nannies, and families go. I think a child was screaming and crying for a good 2 hours. It’s treated more like day care than a library. I’m not sure if that’s the intention. But rules clearly state prohibited behavior is anything that disturbs other library goes and that noise is incredibly disruptive. I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet? Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that there space for young kids and their families. But it’s a failure of design. Can we not close that area off and sound proof it somehow? I would love to understand the intention here. Aside from that, and the cold draft from where I’m sitting today, it’s an incredible space. I hope they can make adjustments to make the experience more pleasant!"

"I stopped in here on a whim while exploring Brooklyn on a weekend adventure, not quite sure what to expect. What greeted me was one of the most playful, effortlessly elegant libraries I have seen in the United States. Such a lofty statement might sound like hyperbole, but such is not the case. When I was in Norway last summer, I spent a large portion of my trip starry-eyed at what their libraries were like. Clean, elegant, airy spaces, lighted bookcases, and ample public space for people to gather around, along with extensive sections design specifically to be welcoming to children. There was geometric architecture not harsh or utilitarian, but instead encouraged people to spend time in the library. These places were comfortable and stylish, futuristic without being too ostentatious or kitschy about it. This library is not quite at that level. But it reminds me significantly of those libraries I saw in Norway, those libraries that I believe that the United States should take as a model for creating livable, soothing public spaces for people of all ages to read and explore all the intellectual wonders that their imaginations can touch. Its intimately minimalist architecture alone would be enough for me to place it above almost any other library I've seen in the city, large or small."

"One of the best libraries i have been too, clean, staff is nice and super helpful, awesome laptops. Only downside is small but you can still sit and read or be on laptop no problem."