Muhlenberg Library | Manhattan, NY

All that money and the main floor still lacks space for readers. What a bibliophile conundrum of biblical proportions. The desk staff seem pleasant but librarians I question. On staff not watching people at the quiet table who are drinking fluids or carrying on loud conversations is almost borders on insanity and incompetence-then why have that small space set aside. Why bother? I will tell you why. It’s a library and yes libraries have changed their purpose but one would hope that even superficially that that QUIET AREA was elusively quiet. I have no idea what security does. One man was threatened by another… I heard it 25 ft away and the guard was maybe 40ft. I understand that the library attracts non readers or people needing a break from the cold or heat but some decorum needs to be maintained because there are children here. Since adults can’t go upstairs, I presume and pray the children area is the place where the money was spent and I hope the funds were well managed. In comparison I also live in Miami Beach which has the same social issues facing them. There are well delineated social services listed and provided but they also know where to draw the line when there is unacceptable behavior. Surely librarians or book managers must have a union. Their security must also be a concern. Something just isn’t right. All that money spent for the public good. One must wonder do we get our return on our investment. One must wonder about how limited the collection is. Yes, you can order books from other branches but still I have seen apartments in Chelsea with more books than what can be found in the adult collection. I do realize what I can observe what improvements have been made but I think we Chelseans got the raw end of the deal. As Cicero said O TEMPORA O MORES but isn’t about time someone start policing what is rightfully Chelsea’s.

Posted on: April 23, 2026

Absolutely PATHETIC excuse for a library! I’m amazed at why certain people are asked to follow rules: no phone conversation and no drinks at the QUIET TABLE or etc etc. Poorly remodeled- only two soft chairs. Do you realize how many seniors come to this library. Poor space design, pitiful collection of books. If I had to list the top waste of government budget, this barn called a library would be it. I don’t understand why they pick and choose to whom they are friendly. The drinking fountain needs adjustment. I would give more $ to the library but WHY?

Posted on: April 23, 2026

The library is really nice but also really small, so seating and outlets are limited (there are only 2 tables with outlets, so be sure to charge your devices just in case they are taken). Also, the tables with outlets are right next to the bathroom so you can smell “bathroom air” as people are coming in and out (which can also be a bit of a distraction if you’re neurodivergent, like myself). They’ve got plenty of desktop computers for use (I believe up to an hour?), great programs, and a great children’s book selection! 😊

Posted on: May 02, 2026

Very clean library with great staff! Bathroom located on first floor. Small DVD section but they have fantastic movies and shows to check out. Not many spaces to do work however it never seems to feel overly crowded whenever I go.

Posted on: October 15, 2025

There's no enough space for adults to seat and read so it gets over crowded. It's kind of like a ToGo Library.

Posted on: March 26, 2026