- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Queens Central Library
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Jamaica
89-11 Merrick Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11435
(718) 990-0700
89-11 Merrick Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11435
(718) 990-0700
- Nearest Transit:
-
169th St (F)
7 reviews for Queens Central Library
The most comprehensive selection of books in any library I have seen. It's been ages since I've been here but would come here a lot with my family as the location is not a good area. This location (I believe) is the main branch in the borough of Queens.
Patrons do not need to spend money in order to read! Reading is fun which is can eleborate and put one's imagination to works.
Vast. Looking over the bookshelves and ducking heads, you can look very far in the distance. I get that thousand mile stare again...
It's the largest library I've seen to date - and surprisingly in excellent order. I made a friend while looking for the Ice-T biography, "The Ice Opinion: Who Gives a Fuck?" We couldn't find it upstairs but his little push cart among the hundreds of thousands of books seemed so insignificant, it seemed like a joke. Not only that, he was going through each book in the library to make sure they were in order. I should have let him have the Ice book.
The accessible library is one big room. If it's not on the shelves, try the reference desk and they will look in the basement archive which probably has just as many books... I would love to see what that room looks like.
The Queens Central Library, the flagship branch of the Queens public library system, is a little known gem in Jamaica, Queens, just a few blocks from the F train subway stop at 179th & Hillside Ave. (It's also across the street from a bus hub, and just a few blocks from one of the LIRR stations.)
(For this review to make any sense, you have to understand that the Queens public library system is separate from the rest of the NYC public library system. For most of the time I have lived in NYC, I've lived in Manhattan. However, I lived in Queens for about a year, so I've used both library systems. The Queen Central is equivalent to the Mid-Manhattan branch of the NYC Public Library.)
The Queens Central collection is massive, both broad and deep. I can't count the number of times I have found books here that the NYC public library system didn't have at all (or used to have but lost). And in contrast to the NYC libraries, you can usually find all the books you need under a single roof at the Queens Central Library, rather than having to track books down at various branches scattered around the NYC library system.
There is a huge foreign-language books section, with works in dozens of different languages.
The library system's website uses a sophisticated fuzzy search algorithm that helps you expand your thinking when looking for books and other items (in contrast to the more traditional search function used by the NYC libraries). The library has also been employing multiple computerized checkout stations for a while, so you don't have to wait in a long line to check out your books and other items.
The library's design and lighting lend an open, almost suburban welcoming feel to the space -- the opposite of the fluorescent prison feeling you get at, say, the Mid-Manhattan branch of the NYC Public Library. And I've never seen smelly homeless guys hanging out in the Queens Central Library (they are basically part of the furniture at the NYC Mid-Manhattan Library), although I did see a mildly-psychotic guy who was annoying people at the computers at Queens Central once.
I believe you don't have to live in Queens to be able to use the library. Students and NY State residents can apply for library privileges.
Vast, wonderfully vast library that is quite comprehensive. Coming here is a treat because there's so many shelves and displays calling out four you. Okay fine, I'm a nerd that likes books -- but I like this library so that has to be worth something.
I use to live a block away from this place while I was going to Hunter college. I never had to buy one accounting book because of this place, saved my parents thousands of dollars. Their are so many books of math, science and business along with other subjects that it's mind blowing. Their foreign language section is massive. I remember getting Bengali books and videos for my dad and step mom. They also have an art space to enrich the community. I miss Jamaica only when I think of Sagar or the library.
What can I say? I am a NERD to the core...and I am not afraid to admit it. I love this library, they have everything! In fact, the Queens library system is one of the best library systems I have encountered ( I have lived in the WDC and Boston areas). So much to read, so little time :) I am forever loyal to books, they make me happy!
The central branch of the Queens Library has an immaculately well-stocked and current collection. Bonus points for shelves as far as the eye can see filled with non-English language books and magazines. The other branches in the Queens library system are absolutely pathetic in comparison, but the web request system works so well that I rarely have to haul all the way out to Central. Minus one star for the filthy bathroom and inconvenient location. Don't walk there alone at night.
