Tottenville Library | Staten Island, NY

The activities downstairs for toddlers is wonderful. The play area upstairs near the entrance and exit door is dangerous because toddlers are playing near stairs and they don't close the door to those stairs. I closed the door to avoid any horrible toddler accidents with stairs and then I sat near the area where children and my 18 month daughter could not escape towards those stairs where people still open the door to go down stairs. I made sure to sit in the area where I was not in the way of mothers and children. BUT there was a white mother with her baby blocking a path to the exit door. The man librarian told me to get out of the way. I pointed out to him that I was obviously and clearly not in the way and he said nothing to the white lady with the baby who was blocking the path to the entrance or exit door so .. I pointed that out to him even though he could see the lady blocking everyone. Why would he tell me who is not blocking anyone and not her who is blocking everyone. Maybe I need to be more white American and then he won't say anything to me too.

Posted on: August 06, 2025

Best library on the island especially all the librarians they have a genuine nice spirit every one of them. And a great selection of books

Posted on: April 27, 2024

I grew up going to Huguenot Park, but since I started grad school I started checking out the Tottenville branch to find a quiet place to study (and check out books, of course). Such a nice old building, generally a peaceful space. The IS 34 kids do come in at around 2:30 on school days to chatter and cackle like wild little goblins, though. The librarians are VERY patient with them—much more patient than the kids deserve, as they really are disruptive and sometimes even mean-spirited—but it goes to show how nice and welcoming the staff are!

Posted on: July 05, 2022

Nice place. Not crowded, open on weekends. Quiet and convenient. Good place to escape from the summer NY heat. Personnel is friendly and restroom is clean. There is an area for children to play. Recommend this to everyone.

Posted on: July 20, 2019

Very welcoming environment, love the staff, they don't really know me lol. I just called in to ask when they're closed, and was provided a answer with a nice little joke behind it . Very nice service. I think I will go there to read , rather then staying at home or doing research at home. It's very welcoming and laid back , go and see for yourselves

Posted on: September 14, 2016