Queens Public Library - Central in Jamaica
Site: http://www.queenslibrary.org/
- Monday:10AM–8PM
- Tuesday:10AM–8PM
- Wednesday:10AM–8PM
- Thursday:10AM–8PM
- Friday:10AM–6PM
- Saturday:10AM–5PM
- Sunday:12–5PM
Queens Public Library - Central in other cities:
The Queens Central Library is a great place to relax and find amazing selections of books and other tools. Its very organized and tidy with very nice and polite staff that will help out when you are looking for something. There is a separate Childrens section with two floors (one for for younger kids like baby and grade school. The second floor is for middle schoolers and there is computers as well)< Both floors have a librarian at a desk to help out. Next there is the Teens section which is wide and big and soo many good books to choose from. There is also a desk where you ask for help from librarian inside. There is different rooms like the Quiet room to read books, the conference room, and the Multipurpose room where they have activities usually. The Adult section is the rest of the library which is huge. The audio and movie had its own section near the help desk. There is a central library cafe inside as well with great deserts and coffee or even lunch. There is an auditorium in the basement which for shows that happen time to time its pretty big. Overall great library. A bus terminal right across the library, easy access able with wheel chair, and there are plenty of restrooms.
Very sad to return to the Queens Library Central location, having grown up at this library and literally checked out THOUSANDS of books, went to many summers of Reading Programs and activities.There is a disproportionate number of workers and people visiting the library, therefore the bulk of noise is actually 5-6 security guards wandering the library obnoxiously and cat-calling other employees in front of everybody.When I ask any worker at the Library for assistance with services, such as accessing the archives and previous exhibits and themes at the library, no one who works there had any idea about the layout of the library or anything about books or history at all.In the childrens section, there are 2 women who were extremely rude to me and pretty much closed off the entire childrens section so they can just sit and gossip and bully anybody who goes to the second floor to leave.Additionally, I walked in recently to 5 people at the media center desk watching a video of meat being cut and laughing at food videos, and once I asked for help with technology and clarifying the printer capabilities, I was denied help and treated with a lot of disrespect.To be honest-- I would at this time, NOT recommend parents allow their children to be at this library alone because it is not only toxic, but is not a child-friendly place.Very sad and disappointed to see what happened to the Queens Library that saved my life and that I loved so much.ALSO NOT A PLACE FOLLOWING THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LAW MANDATED BY NEW YORK STATE GOVERNMENT.
I love the Central Library because its where I go to get books for free. The library itself is a jewel. The facility is nice, clean and welcoming. I always see the staff helping people. There are plenty of computers here and laptops are available for checkout within the facility. (You will need a library card to use the WiFi.) This library does an excellent job of prominently displaying interesting, relevant and new books. I typically browse the book shelves in the Childrens Library Discovery Center for books to take out for my two year old. If I cant find a certain book, I will put in a request online and it arrives in the Reserve section several days later. I appreciate how easy it is to check out and return the books. There are plenty of programs year round for families, children, teens, and adults, whether it is hands-on science labs, a teen coding club, a jazz concert, or a job search workshop.
Its not open to the public yet. Just if you come to pick up reserved online books. Kind of sad, this is Central Library so much life once filled the place. Young children, librarians, adults, seniors. people searching for work, reading in the quiet area,eating at the Cafe, just Life interacting. I Miss It!
I’ve been coming here for 4 years now to study for school and exams. I love this place. It’s spacious and quiet (duh!) and a great place to study. I haven’t seen any homeless individuals, but if there is - so what?! Everyone is welcomed in a library and if they can’t be inside the library for a bit to escape the cold, then where can they go? Anyway, great place!
I have been going to this Library, since I was in High School. Back then of course, the library was not as spacious . However due to the face lift, and renovations that it has under gone, this Library is absolutely beautiful. There are many catergories, and different genres to choose from. Its quiet enough that you can actually get some work done, or if you need to study for a test. Staff are professional and courteous.
Great place to get homework done, watch great movies on certain days and also to bring the kids. Lots of exciting and interesting books to read of all genres and for different age groups. I borrow movies from the media center all of the time. Having the ability to download ebooks online through my online account is a great feature. There is something for everyone here.All around excellent library to see and explore. Beautiful. Also has a place to grab a coffee or quick bite to eat whether it’s breakfast, lunch or snack time. Great food and beverages as well. Lived in Queens for over 25 years and it is the best library ever.
The library is neat and clean. However there are a lot of people talking and no one says anything to stop them. Even though the library is pretty big its still crowded for most of the time its open. There are printers and scanners here and enough computers to use. Overall its a good library with great hours.
I am completely appalled by beverly austins attitude. Someone that works in the HR department should be empathetic and kind. Very bad experiences with her several times! This woman is the complete opposite of nice. she is nasty, rude, and cold but it makes sense coming from someone that works … in Jamaica, queens. Being kind to people over anything any day! If you hate your job then quit.
Central Library, Merrick BLVD , Jamaica, NY is a very peaceful place other library. This place is very clean and secured. Lot of sitting and waiting place. Everything is well organized. This library is just in front of Jamaica bus terminal, 165 st. So, lot of public transportation for communication. Enough parking space. There are lot of empty customer service desks. So, hardly get customer service.
I even love this place like so much! I bee here since i moved to Jamaica. Amazing place to visit! I love the diversity between people.People share their feelings, Reads books, and more. Thats amazing! The way we behave, be nice, and with homework! Homework help is the best way to get help, Me and my parents, even my brother go here once a week! But, now. I loved this place because there is a amazing and variety books, and computers! My favorite thing to do when i grow up is be a photographer and a coding teacher. :) They are amazing books to read! Ill suggest you guys to come here! Thank you so much for reading this! Love you guys! ^^
This library has a very large selection of not just books, but other media like DVDs, etc. There are many side services that are provided here as well like different classes for adults and other types of educational events. Lots of current books and magazines. Plenty of space to setup shop to hang out and read. The facility has been remodeled and looks pretty nice and clean.
Most of the Library is filled with nice people, interesting events, and easy to use renewal systems. Their items from books, movies, video games and other material also work just like new. My only concern is that it can be disorganized sometimes and homeless people take up quite an amount of space in the library. But I will still recommend to those who live near the Jamaica area.
The library is a wonderful place where there are plenty of computers the be used and printing of up to 20 pages are allowed. The place has been renovated with a new teen center and overall modern look. The library also has a job information Center where they assist with creating resumes and cover along with providing other job resources. There are free computer and job readiness classes that encompass Microsoft Office training and general computer use. There are even mock interviews appointments available. The amount of services provided by the library makes this place phenomenal.
To summarize this Library I would have to say this Library is a disgrace. For it to be the main Library for all of Queens and it be this terrible, really says something. It isnt just the employees either, its all aspects of the Library. For example the NYC ID booth. That station is horrific. The employees there are clueless, quarrelsome and overall dreadful. One has to wonder how they were even able to attain the job. It truly makes no sense at all. I had the unfortunate displeasure of having to visit this place to obtain a NYC ID and boy was that a disaster. From the thoroughly incompetent Supervisor (some Asian woman who could barely speak English) to the receptionist that was handling the take-in. Every. single. thing. about. it. reeked. of. catastrophe. Never setting foot in that danger zone ever again. Also, wasnt able to obtain my ID due to their incompetence.
This library branch is huge and awesome. They have a big variety of books, movies etc. Something for everyone. Theres a adult computer room and kids so thats wonderful. Time to time they have free trainings and daily activities. Its never loud and has alot to offer the community.
Ive been going to this library since my days at York College. The changes and renovations have been quite extensive.As a parent and educator, these days, i believe the children/young adult section is one of the best in queens. There are so many opportunities to learn.As a person that is in the library almost every day, i can say that most staff members are quite personable and helpful as well.
It’s a great place because you can come and study but the crazy, homeless and troublesome people who walk into the library is the reason I’m giving just 3 stars. There’s always a fight going on plus there is no parking. you may have to park at the nearby parking lot and its going to cost you.
The bathrooms are terrible and ALWAYS smells like weed. I am a teen and used to go there I go there I get sick because I am forced to use the Mans bathroom which always smells like Weed and they NEVER opens the teen bathroom (it has been shut down for years). If you dont want your kid or yourself sick then PLEASE FOR GODs SAKE dont come here, go to NYPL library, their bathrooms are always neat and clean.
Ive been visiting this library ever since I was able to read that was many, many years ago. It has changed so much. It is now finally renovated and all brand new. They offer so many more services and I like the fact that theyre open every day even on weekends. Ill never stop going to this library. I do have to say that its always crowded. People wait for it to open.
I think good things to learn about library’s Avtivities, I got couple emails and they created new things for community and I’m very exciting to take interview next week Tuesday for small business training workshop. I was looking for long time like this opportunity. And library members are nice helpful and honest I think. That’s why I wann write review and I thx all of you. Keep it up guys.
Library is a huge disservice to the area primarily due to the helpless and unqualified Manager Mahendra. He is a nightmare to deal with and I can totally see why there are so many lazy and passive employees there, he is the one hiring them! This Library should be investigated for corruption, come to think about it this Library was in the news for corruption not that long ago. The flagship library near Bryant Park is light years ahead of this one and it is more than likely due to the fact that the Manager at that branch knows what he is doing.
The libraries of New York City have become more than,just books. The Library is now a place that can help with obtaining jobs by assisting with resumes on the,library computer. Do mock interviews to help you achieve,employment. The library has a great video library of movies,documentaries and much more.
This is an amazing city resource! There are books and laptops computers and more! You can print 20 free pages daily check out 20 items daily and use the computer for 1 hour every day! This is an amzing resource for Queens Residents; although the bathrooms are smelly, it is open 7 days a week which is a plus. Great job!
Queens Public Library Central is just so awesome. If you havent been on this sight you are missing out on valuable information that you can have access to, so if you want to educate yourself with information and resources that is beneficial to you,try this fantastic library. Thank you Queens Public Library Central.
Queen Public Library is such a great experience! The library is huge and the staff is super friendly! They have many programs that are amazing that make the learning experience incredible! Ralph McDaniels coordinates the best Hop Hop history. Thank You Queens Public Library
Absolute terrible service from the worst employees that the HRA has ever hired. The IDNYC booth at the Central Library needs an overhaul, staring with the termination of two employees: Jianchu Ye and Roland McDowell. They both were extremely unprofessional, hostile, rude and belligerent. Disgusting behavior from two City employees. It is about time that the City takes these matters seriously. These two employees have no business working with the public as they are both incompetent and have extremely poor customer relations. Do not go to this center for IDs as this site needs to be shut down until they find suitable employees.
Is okay, too many rowdy people who talk and laugh too loud, have their phones ringing and just annoying. Dont mind them coming to charge their phones or, hell come and take a nap and a break from the heat wave, but do so quietly damn.WiFi kept dropping which was annoying, WiFi not available on C level while.Taking advantage of the free classes which is a plus,. Wish there was more outlets to sit and charge my laptop as I use it, since those space get really crowded.I still will come back, its also very chilly in there, bring something to wear if you are cold, its a great way to relax and beat this awful heat wave.
Rowdy people have free run of the library there. Its more like a bar scene, where groups of regulars come in daily to socialize rather than use the librarys resources. They can have loud conversations (even on cell phones) and when you complain to security, they tell you to go into the Quiet Room, an area behind closed doors in a small, cramped, cut-off space in the back, where youll be the last to get out of the building if an emergency happens. It seems to me that in a library, well-behaved people should be able to relax and make use of the main area, and the obnoxious ones placed in quarantine, or better yet, removed from the library altogether. Also, Ive seen several fights among the thugs that crash in there to sleep during the daytime so they can rest up for another night of criminal activity on the street on nearby Jamaica Avenue. I was even personally challenged by some of them a few times. Security is very lacking and apathetic. I hate to think that my tax dollars are paying to keep this place open, especially when I never intend to go back in there again. UPDATE: 3-26-16, it has improved a lot after the renovation, especially with the presence of Dennis Walcott whos in charge there... today, I would give it a much better review.
I used the quiet/study room. Very big and nice but 4 homeless men use this room to sleep. 2 of them went to sleep as soon as they walked in, the other 2 went to sleep about an hour later. 3 out of the 4 began snoring at different intervals. No one wanted to sit at the tables with them and as a result all 4 had a 4 seat table to themselves while the rest of us doubled and tripled up at the other tables. SMH.
I lost my wallet here, got it back but Im upset, I got my card with my name , confiscated. And I couldnt get it back they had no reason to take my library card outside of my wallet if my wallet had my FREAKING SJP ID in the front, they had no right to steal my card. The staff here is pretty good, the teens other customers not so much. Their not here for work their here to chill,
Nasty bathrooms, the bathrooms smells like weed. It’s not only the upstairs bathroom that smells like weed, it’s also the downstairs once’s. Young men are then forced to use this because there isn’t a teen’s bathroom in the library. This library doesn’t deserve any sort of funding whatsoever.
Horrible customer serviceHad to call several timesAnd finally spoke with someoneWho had a very nasty attitudeHe forgot that a library IS a learning institutionIf dont have people skills dont apply for a position that requires you to interact with the publicDont recommend going to this libraryIf this how they are on the ☎How are they in person?A simple question took 5 people to answer after 40 minutes laterWhat a disgraceI can see why some people dont even bother visiting a library !!!
The quite room is becoming a homeless shelter .Also people take calls in the quite room , talk, make noises and security do not care .The people come early in the morning with their belongings and stay entire day .Its becoming very difficult to get a sit who wants to study for few hours . The staff seem know exactly who are those people and do not care at all. I tried to complain few times but result zero. I do not think the situation will ever improve but still hoping for. .
It has the best details in what you’re finding and need. Don’t wait another minute because this is the first library in Queens that opened back in the 60’s and it’s good to know it’s history because any location you go to may have some of the other things compared to what this one has so try this location off first and mad transit goes here. Not just buses! 👍🏼👋✌️
LOVE IT! STAFF AND SECURITY IS THE BEST! BATHROOMS R CLEANED EVERY TWO HOURS! IM THERE EVERYDAY RESEARCHING AND NETWORKING ON MY PHONE! AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE JAZZ CONCERTS AND MOVIE NIGHT! AND ITS ALLLLLLLLLL FREE! GREAT LIBRARY! AND GREAT STANDING WITH THE COMMUNITY!!!!
UPDATE: The new system head, Walcott, mans a cubicled section most days in the public area of the library so as to be accessible to patrons (great move after the pig last in charge with the $200K+ private smoking deck constructed for his personal use from library funds!!) and for the sustained effort at transparency (its been well over a year since the change in command and Walcotts still there), Ill raise this place a star over my original estimation! Also, WiFi connectivity is vastly improved from several months ago. ORIGINAL REVIEW: Got my first job here at age fourteen so normally Id have such fond memories that the rating would be higher but unfortunately this place has not only turned into a daytime homeless shelter but the publicly accessible spaces have shrunk dramatically -- not to mention the amount of books on the stacks...and for some reason the place is always undergoing some kind of years-long renovation in one corner or another, yet the geniuses have only seen fit to install one pair of urinals and toilets each for all the male patrons! Also, theres a nasty fat bespectacled white woman manning the reference desk who has a serious problem looking up books with a Dewey Decimal Number -- titles only or youll get your ears pulled just like back in elementary school!! Finally, WiFi connectivity here is the absolute worst out of all QPL branches.
I have always loved the Central Library and even more now since the recent facelift. The Central Library has a very diverse and expansive collection, catering to the community and the entire borough of Queens. The Central Library also has an Archives that contains primary resources on Queens history and secondary resources on the histories of Brooklyn, Nassau and Suffolk counties, all of which make up geographical Long Island. The Central Library has tons of great programs from learning new languages to getting your high school equivalency diploma to learning English. The jewel of the Central Library is the 72 pc Cyber Center and a 20+ laptop training room. They have great computer classes from very basic classes like Intro to PC to very advanced classes like PHP, Photoshop, CSS, HTML and Python. Most of the staff is friendly and helpful and the managers are great, especially the Cyber Center manager, hes coolest guy ever. The director Nelson Lu is a great guy, very patient and flexible. If you havent been to the Central Library lately or at all make it a destination spot.
I, Kathleen Anne attended a workshop on Wed., February 13th (5-6pm) @ the Queens Central Library Intro to Chinese Brush Painting. The instructor was Angela Lai; talented, engaging & encouraging to the novice student. Sam assisted her with interesting historical background on the ancient art form. Sam explained the*4 Treasures* ~BRUSHES~PAPER~INK~CHINESE COLORS~ &*4 Gentlemen* ~PLUM BLOSSOM~CHRYSANTHEMUM~ BAMBOO~ORCHID~The Librarian; Jesse Brauner from the Programming & Outreach Dept., was extremely helpful & professional.On a personal note...this program was very therapeutic both artistically & emotionally.I had fun and challenged myself...still need to practice painting bamboo (lol) but my plum blossoms were nice for a first timer!! 2nd workshop is February 27th @ 5pm. Please come (library) artfully inclined members...lots of empty seats & I promise you will enjoy. Again, thanks Queens Central Library kudos to your staff & presenters!!!!
The staff at the Queens Library are ok but dont seem to know how to handle all materials. For example, I tried to return an audio-recorder twice, but the first time the staff refused to take it back. The second time I tried to return it, it took forever, but I was able to persuade them that it was indeed the property of the Queens Library. They tried to give me a bill for $30 because I couldnt return it the first time and it was now late. After I protested, they reduced the fine to $15. Still a rip off.
I was there with my child in the discovery zone. There was a filty mouth parent on the phone speaking loudly, using F bombs repeatedly, l left the section immediately away from the garbage. An hour later, I walked nearby, I could hear the nasty mouth credent on call. Whats amazing, another parent was there with their kids prior and was still there subjecting their child to the verbal abuse. You would figure the F bomber was at the library with a choice of millions of words to improve her vocabulary. The staff members nearby on duty, were very much involved in gossip, they didnt care to notice. I had to imform them and request for her to stop her flithy language. Yes our kids will hear this everyday, but its our duty as adults to teach by example.
This library needs more fixing less bothering the fact that u get kicked out the library as a little girl that is 12 its that they dont care.. People come to the library to hang out and relax or read but its summer if u get kicked out the library because u tried to stop a fight and stop disturbing other customers u cant come back until they talk to your parents they kick u out the library as a little kid even if its 40 or 45° or colder they will put u out in the snow the rain in a murder action going by near by the securitys r top rough on little girls I got kicked out the library because I was trying to stop a quite argument and all of a sudden the people u started the problem gets to stay in the library the people who told a adult gets kicked out Im tired of these rules adults and securitys sometimes I go home crying like crazy because of this. I hope we all together can help this place bc I have school and 7th grade they have lots of hw so I highly select not to go to this library😩😧
Hate Going To The Central Library In Jamaica, Its Disgusting! Queens Has The Worst Library Setup & Free WiFi Service In The Country...Youll Never Get To Further Your Education Using Their Poor Setup & Free Snail WiFi Service, Which Goes In & Out Frequently...Go To NYC Or Long Island Where The Services Are Much Better, Then You Will Have A Better Shot At Succeeding...
Total reviews rating 4.3
199 Reviews for Queens Public Library - Central 2023:
Review №1
2022-05-12Always great and very accommodating. Blanca helped me to put the final touches on my resume, she had some brilliant ideas. This will help my resume to stand out even more. She was so patient, friendly and courteous. She was just so awesome. I am excited to present my resume.. I only wished that in the computer area people should be more respectful and considerate when it comes to silence so that others can concentrate. There were people talking so loudly on the phone and playing music. People just have no respect anymore even in the library. Such ashame.
Review №2
2022-04-14Has lots of books but there is a lack in some genres. The staff are really friendly and now (currently April,2022) they have a no time limit returning for borrowed books which is excellent. They also have a lot of board games so bringing your friends to play board games is a really fun option.
Review №3
2022-06-11One of my favorite places to visit! If you need to get a document printed - you have option to do that! You want to study for an civil exam - you could find helpful resources for that. You need info on things like Neutralization or you need an IdNYC, you could get help here! And last but not least a sea of books of all categories for you to dive into!
Review №4
2022-05-10Today was the second time I went to the main library, coming from Parsons Blvd, after almost three years since the COVID-19 pandemic. The friendly staff remembered me and welcomed me back. I think Ill start coming back to this library regularly like I used to before COVID.
Review №5
2022-04-21This library is so efficient and week kept. The staff was helpful and present. The resources are in abundance and readily available. I will go here whenever I need a library. I highly recommend.
Review №6
2022-04-06Ive learnt I prefer smaller cozy libraries. This library very buzzy people lady chatting on phone with no regard I was unable to book my computer for another hour even though there were plenty free computers. I gave up in my visit there and wont be back.
Review №7
2022-04-20Today I went there for IDNYC card at 14.30 p.m. and the lady who was taking care of IDNYC was super rude and not helpful at all. There was two people before me and she didnt care at all, she was constantly chatting with them while she sees Im standing. When she was finally done with them one man came in front of me and she started to talking to him even though she sees it was my turn. She was keeping ignoring me so I had to tell her I was standing almost half an hour. When finally my turn came she arrogantly said she couldnt accept my valid documents from government even though I used them on airports for flights without any problem and she told me she needed passport. She had no idea about what the documents are. I have a friend who had IDNYC with same document. She told me she couldnt help me at all and she didnt even say sorry. She didnt even bother asking my documents to her manager or someone who knows. She was very helpful everyone except me. That was discriminatitive, if you are hired for this job you should be equal to everyone, that was nasty. I wouldnt expect this from queens central library. Disappointing.
Review №8
2022-03-10Went to get a IDNYC Card. You walk in and there is no signage directing you where to go.And once youre in the area theres no signs directing you to the registration desk.People are not psychic, put up signs.Make an appointment or you will be waiting over an hour. I had an 11:20 appointment and still to wait through others who had an appointment, got served by 11:40. Appointments are ahead of the walk-in people.
Review №9
2020-03-08The Saturday visiting is great for families many activities especially a week before spring ,I join the beginner yoga class at teen space this class will prolonged for four sessions thru out March great class ,Camille Ricks is amazing coach, the afternoon concert captivating energy for the blossom spring with soprano singer Kelly Fallon great vocal Jazz for light up beautiful Saturday,the central library now on display walk through the walls by Chantal Paret Antoine exhibition of celebrate 100 yrs Suffragist many interesting creative collections. Great visiting
Review №10
2022-02-28Had to return my books but they were all really nice on letting me bring my esa/service animal in training. He behaved and no one bothered us or him. Everyone was really kind.