Brooklyn Public Library - Brooklyn Heights Branch - Brooklyn, New York

Erica Bowman

Good bathrooms, air-conditioning, quite a bit of seating, and they have a water refill station. Staff was very nice. Bring noise cancelling headphones if you're going to stay a while because the kid's section downstairs carries sound upstairs. Would 100% come back.

Joshua Fagan

I stopped in here on a whim while exploring Brooklyn on a weekend adventure, not quite sure what to expect. What greeted me was one of the most playful, effortlessly elegant libraries I have seen in the United States. Such a lofty statement might sound like hyperbole, but such is not the case. When I was in Norway last summer, I spent a large portion of my trip starry-eyed at what their libraries were like. Clean, elegant, airy spaces, lighted bookcases, and ample public space for people to gather around, along with extensive sections design specifically to be welcoming to children. There was geometric architecture not harsh or utilitarian, but instead encouraged people to spend time in the library. These places were comfortable and stylish, futuristic without being too ostentatious or kitschy about it.

This library is not quite at that level. But it reminds me significantly of those libraries I saw in Norway, those libraries that I believe that the United States should take as a model for creating livable, soothing public spaces for people of all ages to read and explore all the intellectual wonders that their imaginations can touch. Its intimately minimalist architecture alone would be enough for me to place it above almost any other library I've seen in the city, large or small.

Nicole Sylianteng (Nikki)

Incredible space and excellent use of tax dollars! My photos speak for themselves.

My biggest complaint is the noise from downstairs where kids, nannies, and families go. I think a child was screaming and crying for a good 2 hours. It’s treated more like day care than a library. I’m not sure if that’s the intention. But rules clearly state prohibited behavior is anything that disturbs other library goes and that noise is incredibly disruptive. I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet?

Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that there space for young kids and their families. But it’s a failure of design. Can we not close that area off and sound proof it somehow? I would love to understand the intention here.

Aside from that, and the cold draft from where I’m sitting today, it’s an incredible space. I hope they can make adjustments to make the experience more pleasant!

Romello Huins

It was a really lovely experience (with noise canceling headphones). Bring Headphones

Smelled really clean, moderate amount of space to find a study spot. I went to the more intimate studying corner on the right side of the library and I enjoyed my work and the people around me. However ☝?- there’s no reign for the noise level downstairs in the children section. When I took off my headphones, there was a noticeable difference with how loud they were. It’s kids being kids of course but just prepare yourself for yelling. Other than that 10/10 best library in Brooklyn.

jose espinosa

One of the best libraries i have been too, clean, staff is nice and super helpful, awesome laptops. Only downside is small but you can still sit and read or be on laptop no problem.

Sampson SUEN

館內新書多，也有小量中日韓文書籍，可上網設施也充足，環境清潔光線充足，不錯的地方。

Paul Rivera

Excellent library, safe, comfortable, and fun for everyone. Definitely go!

Michelle Staehling

The newly renovated library is beautiful, sunny and comfortable. Their book selection is great so far and there's a lot of seating areas with accessible power outlets. My only complaint is that the "quiet" studying zone of the library is right behind the stairs to the children's area.

Unfortunately, there are often young kids full-on screaming down there or running up and down the stairs. The sound carries directly into the quiet area above. Even my noise-canceling headphones have trouble drowning out the noise. I imagine it's even worse for the patrons without headphones.

I get this is a public space and I certainly don't want anyone to be excluded. However, I feel like others should have a relatively calm and quiet space to focus on their work or studies, especially since the surrounding city is so crowded and loud. Maybe the library will mitigate the noise somehow, as I know construction isn't finished there. Regardless, I'm still excited and grateful this place exists.

Edited to add: I’ve also noticed there are no trash cans in the restroom stalls for menstruation products, which was an odd choice.