Morningside Heights Library | Manhattan, NY

I didn't think I would be sexually harassed in the library. I went into the bathroom for only 5 minutes. After 2 minutes, one of the women in charge threatened to open the door for me with a key, she shouted loudly so that everyone could hear. I got my period and was anxious, I went out into the crowd, everyone was looking at me because of the noise she made. I have never experienced such humiliation in my life.

Posted on: September 27, 2025

I had a very unsettling experience here and, unfortunately, will not be returning. On my visit, I was browsing the shelves and looking for a place to sit when a staff member/security guard began following me. He told me the reason he was following me was that I had briefly stepped into the children’s area, which is not clearly marked and looks identical to the rest of the floor. I apologized immediately and moved to another part of the library. From that point on, however, I felt like I was being watched and treated as though I had done something wrong, even though I truly had no idea what I had done. Shortly after I sat down, a woman (who was not an employee) came and sat directly across from me at an otherwise empty table and began loudly speaking at me in a hostile, confrontational way. I do not know who she was or why she focused on me. I put on headphones to block it out, but she only got louder and leaned closer, trying to make eye contact. It felt bizarre and surreal, like being trapped in a bad subway encounter, except in a quiet library. This went on for about 35 minutes. During that time, the same staff member walked past multiple times and was clearly aware of what was happening, yet no one intervened. Another nearby table eventually left because of how disruptive the woman was, and still nothing was done. Meanwhile, I was sitting there feeling increasingly singled out, confused, and unsafe, with no idea why I was the one being targeted. When I finally gave up and left, the staff member followed me down the stairs and did not turn away until I was fully outside. At that point it genuinely felt like I was in the Twilight Zone being watched and followed while someone else was behaving erratically, and yet I was the one made to feel like I didn’t belong. I want to support my local library, but this experience was deeply off-putting and left me feeling uncomfortable, confused, and unwelcome. Looking at the other reviews, I see this is a common experience with this particular employee, and I included a picture of him from someone else’s post.

Posted on: January 09, 2026

Morningside Heights public library near Columbia University, this library is a magnet for students in search of a serene and well-equipped study space. The availability of two floors dedicated to study areas underscores the library's commitment to providing ample space for quiet reflection and focused work. While the library undoubtedly excels in several aspects, it could benefit from additional seating options and a more extensive collection of materials. Given its popularity and the high number of visitors, a few more seating arrangements would provide extra comfort and convenience to patrons. Whether you're a student, a parent with a curious child, or a lifelong learner, this library is a welcoming space to nurture your intellectual pursuits. Different from other libraries, there is at least one wall to provide some privacy (considering that some people value their privacy). An open space might make some people feel less secure, so I would rate this library 4 stars.

Posted on: October 16, 2023

Compact multi-floor public library located in Morning Side Heights. the library feels a bit oldish but is well-maintained for a public library. this is very much a neighborhood library—filled with residents and students at most times. the library was fairly quiet yet busy with people. libraries are really the only indoor common spaces left in nyc that people in any borough can enjoy. nypl makes it so easy to borrow books and other media that there’s no excuse not to feed your mind.

Posted on: April 04, 2024

It's nice ti have a public library at this location for people to sit down, read, and study. The library is small. Seats are limited and space is packed, so it's normail to hear kids when reading. Power outlet s are not accessible to all seats.

Posted on: October 01, 2023