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Princeton Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
65 Witherspoon StPrinceton, NJ 08542
(609) 924-9529
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
13 reviews for Princeton Public Library
13 reviews in English
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Review from Dorothy W.
Princeton, NJ
12/11/2011
From eating at their small cafe to mooching off their free wifi, I've had some pretty nice memories at the Princeton Public Library. Off the bat, the aesthetics of this library is what makes it highly appealing. I mean the architecture is just exquisite, it looks nothing like the New York Public Libraries that I grew up with! Here's a few key notes:
-Free wifi. Bring your own laptop or use their computers. They have plenty of them on the second floor. (30 min-120 min guest sessions available-no ID needed)
-A huge variety of books and tapes
-Surprisingly, it's usually quiet despite the number of people there
-Clean and sanitary bathrooms on each floor
-Cafe food is yummy- I always get the croque monsieur and a cookie :P
-Sound proof (or so I assume) meeting rooms are available for public groups, which is pretty nice if you think about it. Makes you more legit
-I've never had any trouble with the employees, they all seem friendly and helpful
And the list goes on....
If you're ever in town, consider visiting the Princeton Library. You might never want to leave -
Review from Tracy K.
Syosset, NY
1/29/2012
Enjoyable place to stop and read. Has a book store/ cafe feel - right in the center of town and next to the Witherspoon grill and parking..
Listed in: Princeton, NJ
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Review from John L.
Trenton, NJ
12/22/2011
This library is a beacon to other libraries on how to offer community services, learning, and media to patrons. They are a self-proclaimed community living room, and I can;t think of a better, more comfortable place to enjoy an morning, afternoon or evening of quiet.
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Review from Brad N.
Princeton, NJ
9/22/2011
Best library I've ever been to. Cool things you can check out: Kindle, Nook, Sony eReader, and GPS. You can also sign up to receive books by mail. Very nice librarians. Tons of computers. Free wireless without a password. Sometimes I even come by the plaza at night after closing hours to steal their WiFi.
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Review from Kath S.
Manhattan, NY
1/8/2011
I want to like this place, I really do, but having to pay to rent dvd's per day is NOT a library; it's a movie store! At $1 a day, its basically the same as a Red Box, which they also have outside.
Also, whenever I try to get my parking validated, some of the staff are rude about it, treating me like I'm some sort of criminal.
I agree with other reviewers, that the library is more of a community center, having many programs for kids, teens, ESL people, and lecture series. So many people take advantage of these things, which is great; however, sometimes it can be difficult to find a place to study quietly when it gets crowded and/or loud and all of the study rooms are taken.
The cafe is great! When I get hungry, I don't have to leave the place. And they get a lot of their stuff made fresh from the Witherspoon Bread Company next door. Also, the permanent book store is great and I have seen some great deals on used books.
The overall design of the library is modern, open, and airy, which has its pros and cons. It has a lot of natural light, and with that comes an automatic retractable solar shade that can be slightly annoying when it is always adjusting itself. Also, having an open, tile-floored staircase enables one to hear every single person going up and down. I have spent much time procrastinating, sitting at the tables watching the retractable shade and listening to people on the staircase.
Overall, I would say that the library is a great place for community and baked-good-eating, but a not-so great place for silent studying/reading and dvd renting. -
Review from Todd O.
1/9/2011
This is soon-to-be yelp elite, Todd O. reporting live from the Princeton Public Library (yes, that means free wi-fi from this hot spot). While the sign downstairs clearly states, no food or drink allowed, I've smuggled my favorite Halo Pub mocha (and accompanying donut) into the location...shhhhhhh! (not only should you be quiet in the library, but please don't tell on me...thanks).
This public library looks like an extension of the university, as it truly is an architectural beauty. In the summer, I enjoy doing work on the 3rd floor outdoor area, as well as right outside of the premises as I steal the wi-fi signal. The library has multiple tables to do work, is never overcrowded (at least in my experiences), more than adequate lighting, and even has a cafe downstairs.
Does this place deserve 5-stars? Yes. So why you ask, is this a 4-star review? Like the elitist university, this place refuses to allow me to obtain a library card and borrow books/dvds/magazines, despite my "Princeton" city residence and zip code. That's 0/2 for me when it comes to applying for Princeton. -
Review from Michael G.
Princeton, NJ
10/5/2010
I am a librarian by education and never have I seen its equal. They do everything a community library should do, with wi-fi, audio listening stations, DVD rentals, workstations, meeting rooms, comfy chairs, wonderful guest speakers, and classes for the public on everything from computer skills to language instruction.
It is as pleasant a place to spend some time as you will find with beautiful views around Princeton. They even have cookbooks and Lonely Planets travel guides in their collection, which seems obvious, but isn't in the library profession.
I sometimes head over here on my days off and spent some time, get lost in a book or some research, and just enjoy myself. Wonderful place, wonderful staff, competent, friendly, and professional. -
Review from Nnekay F.
Alameda, CA
2/26/2008
I have visited and worked in many libraries during my days, and never have I had the reaction of sheer joy, shock, awe, amazement, and happiness as when I went into this one.
This is the direction all libraries need to head.
it's one part beautiful- the exterior is unique and interesting, not dull or weirdly futuristic...the interior is lit with a ton of natural beautiful light, expelling the stuffy and dark shell of libraries from the past. Yet, the interior still feel familiar and comfortable with a lot a comfy seats and even a spot with a fireplace for when it gets cold.
One part cutting edge- this library pretty much had all the new innovative concepts libraries are only just thinking about introducing. There was a cafe, a bookstore, DVD viewing stations with flat screen TVs, CD listening stations, easy to use-self service internet stations, etc. etc.
forget the university... go to the public library! -
Review from Katelyn H.
Princeton, NJ
9/30/2010
This library is a lot like a community center. They host excellent events and guests (R.L Stein, Terry Gross, and Edwidge Danticat, all this fall), extensive movie series, and outreach programs like handmade hat drives. Their wall of happy tiles (all created by community members) is another testament to their local engagement.
It's also the most inspiring space I've visited in Princeton, University buildings included. Despite being in the northeast, it's bright, open, airy, with good flow. As others have mentioned, it has a cafe and used book store just inside the door. They have a few floors of quiet spaces for reading and working, desks, comfy chairs, etc. And it doesn't feel a bit institutional.
Stop by and enjoy! -
Review from Mike K.
Montgomery, NJ
5/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is my favorite library in the area. I regularly drive past my town's library to come read here - it has a modern but comfortable atmosphere that's very unique. There comfortable chairs, tables, computer stations, and free WiFi. There are often really good events, speakers, and activities if you're so inclined. One point off for some of the icy staff members.
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Review from C S.
Princeton, NJ
1/12/2009 2 Check-ins Here
This is a really nice, bright, modern library. Set up more like a Border's or Barnes & Nobles than the traditional heavy, dark, stuffy, 50's lighting styled versions a lot of us grew up with.
Navigation is a little difficult, but that is true for any library one isn't used to.
When you walk in, there's a cafe to the right. In front of that, the bookdrop and pamphlets listing upcoming events, such as last week's Environmental Film Festival (movies, lectures, discussions...)
Step in a few more feet and the bookshop (including novelties such as stuffed tigers and mugs) is on the left, the manual checkout desk on the right. There's also an automated checkout--place your books and card on the screen, and you're ready to go.
New books are easy to find and browse through, with comfortable chairs.
And the best part? You can browse books online, choose the books, and receive either an email or phone call when your books are ready to be picked up. And they'll send you an email if what you have checked out is approaching its due date.
There are private, conference rooms upstairs too. -
Review from Nicole E.
1/21/2008 1 photo
Aside from being just beautiful inside, this library has a lot to offer the community. It's cafe and library store are unique additions to what one thinks of as a traditional building. The classes offered for free to the public and area business-people keep everyone educated and the services are outstanding. I requested that a book be ordered for the collection, and not only was it ordered, but it was automatically put on hold so I could be the first person to borrow the book. The children's floor is a site to behold and makes me wish I was a child again. There are so many wonderful things to say about this library - I'm just happy I live close enough to take advantage of its services.
Listed in: Libraries
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Review from Sasha K.
Princeton, NJ
12/4/2009
Princeton Public Library rocks! Free Wi Fi, coffee shops, free computers to use in a great new building. The librarians get all the movies that I request to add to their collection. (I didn't ask them to order Schulmadschen Report nor Emmanuelle yet.)
