Countee Cullen Library | Manhattan, NY

This is such a fantastic resource! While Schomburg often gets the glory (well earned!) don’t sleep on the branch hidden behind it. The collection is fantastic, the staff is kind and helpful and they have some really excellent programming and art exhibits. Definitely worth a visit!!

Posted on: January 15, 2026

Brought my 2 and a half year old here and absolutely fell in love with their space! Natural light, plenty of good books and engaging toys to play with. And the staff was so friendly and helpful. I’ll be back!

Posted on: May 31, 2025

Apparently eating gummies get you ejected from library. I work at harlem hospital with a very important job. I take care of 100s of ppl weekly. Im a grandfather. I stopped in there for a moment before work just to read a bit before going to work. And the no eating policy was invoked. And i as complain while walking away. Guy left his post to say more while im at bottom of the stairs annnd some young lady with red colored curly hair was attempting to get involved. Stupidity. Ill make sure never to go back. Thank you but no thank you. Made a mountain out a mole heel. Btw im the son of a very predominant black cartoonist out of harlem. You guys are irrational. We won't do any business there. My little cousin just had a whole book signing at the Schaumburg just last August. Smh. But they gotta protect those books right. Might drop a gummy on there or get it sticky. Hope yall lose what little backing ya have there mistreating your people. Black power

Posted on: October 25, 2025

This has to be the WORST library in NYC! The employees are loud! They have no manners or concept on how a library should run. Including the manager. They sit behind the desk and talk loudly amongst each other. If you come to study or read you shouldn’t have to hear their business. Please choose another library to go if you want to actually learn and focus! This is a horrible look for Harlem

Posted on: October 16, 2025

Visited this branch for the first time today because I received an email stating that my item was ready for pickup. When I arrived and spoke to a librarian, I was told my item was in transit, despite what the email says. According to the librarians "this just happens" They implied that I was reading my email incorrectly, despite me attempting to show them a copy of the email. Apparently it is okay for them to waste people's time and energy with no apology. They had a stank attitude. This is why people would rather buy books than use a library. Because your glitchy system and unprofessionalism drives people away.

Posted on: July 10, 2025