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

Scott W.

It’s a beautiful new space. And I have had only good experiences with the staff. I have on occasion tried to use it as a work from home space, when I wanted a break from my nearby apartment. Unfortunately, the many complaints about the noise are very real. I very much support the idea that libraries should be designed with the idea of accommodating children. But it kind of shocks me the architects did not design it for better sound containment and absorption. We have the experience and technology to create quiet spaces adjacent to noisy ones. But the designers really dropped the ball. So if you’re a grown up looking for a quiet space, you might want to hike over to the DUMBO branch. Or the Center for Brooklyn History, if they are open.

Joshua F.

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.

Afra R.

Please put a door down stairs where the children are, it's not harmful to put a door to block the constant crying and screaming reaching all the way upstairs! I don't know who's this black dude is, don't look like he was staff, I wasn't blocking the aisle, he told me that the firemen and police come through,in which I understand, yet there's a socket where he is, but showed me a socket where someone else is sitting, that part don't make sense, I don't think it is his business, but if I see someone else use that same socket, and he's there, and he doesn't say anything to that person, I will confront him about it! I don't like people shoving me around!

Sandra L.

It seems that most of these reviewers had never been in the original Cadmen Plaza Library . The original Library was large,spacious and roomy for all areas of reading a d research. NOW it is squished together with even an area up stairs that has walkway to a room that would be a difficult place to many people to exiit in an emergency. True very few computers for use,lack of tables w computers and mainly individual chairs and individual small tables.
Signage almost non existent. Small elevator. I felt like I was walking through narrow corridors trying to find the "auditorium.
Children's area bless than a classroom size, with virtually no adult seating for caregivers or teachers looking specific books.
. This Library was originally designated a Business Library on the lower area,.with large adult and children's areas.
NOW every area has been miniaturized.
I had been surprised that the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood had allowed this
wonderful multi area thst had been airy and an all encompassing library.

John D.

This place is literally a screaming baby competition every single time I go here. Also I was surrounded by 3 homeless people with their shopping carts sleeping on tables, smelling absolutely terrible. So as not to come off heartless, these people deserve proper, humane care, but also the library should not be turned into a shelter (or a daycare for the screaming babies). The state of libraries in NYC is just embarrassing. Go to rose reading room if you actually have work to get done.

Nicole S. (.

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!

Stephanie K.

This library branch is the foundation of my experience in Brooklyn and NYC whenever I’m back here. Super convenient hold pick-up service, and with a large selection so I always end up browsing and borrowing off the shelf.

Please invent portals so I can come to this branch any time 🙏 Thanks

Cheyenne S.

Only been to the library a few times and the few times that I have been here I just come to have some downtime for atleast 30 minutes to an hour and this same security Guard of the Latino background finds himself abusing his power following me around showing passive aggressive behavior presenting the acts of colorism and sexism by harassing me everytime I come telling me I can't plug my phone in the socket in the walls or anywhere upstairs when all of the seats are filled to plug uour phones and the tables are crowded , then proceeds to tells me Im not allowed to read a book and sit on the floor when I have clearly seen plenty of others do the same right in front of my eyes without these same people being harassed ...it's really ashame that it's 2024 and you still have law enforcement that are supposed to hold safe spaces for the community and instead they choose to target women of color because it helps their ego .. do better America 🇺🇸