Brooklyn Public Library (Central Library)
Library
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
"Beautiful exterior & decent cafe with reasonably priced,..."(3 Tips)
"Beautiful architecture and only library in Brooklyn open on Sunday."(2 Tips)
"Great place to relax, read a book, and marvel at the architecture."(29 Tips)
"A great place to work from when you can't work at home or a cafe."(14 Tips)
118 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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The Corcoran GroupNovember 7, 2013Free Wifi + online capabilities for reserving books makes this a great library. If you plan to get late night studying done here though, you may need to go elsewhere - it closes at 9pm.Upvoted Feb 6
Michelle CJanuary 29, 2017The young adult section is to your immediate left when you enter. Checkout is in the center atrium area. It's a massive, beautiful library steps away from the Grand Army Plaza and its Saturday market.
CompassApril 18, 2014Readers of all ages and interests frequent the majestic book archive known for impressive art deco architecture, a casual sandwich cafe, and sunny, street front public plaza.Upvoted 1 week ago
The flagship of the Brooklyn public library system. They have wifi. If you need a place to plug in, go the the science and technology section.Upvoted 6 days ago
Sankofa TafariMay 23, 2017I love that I can sit outside and drink my coffee and have breakfast lunch or dinner. #kingofcoffeenyc #sankofatafari #durambessa #lionofthebx #nyc #nyccoffee #yebunanegus
Elie BleierDecember 13, 2014Beautiful exterior, and too shabby on the inside as well. Check out the photo exhibits just after the entrance, and the Four & Twenty Blackbirds cafe in the main lobby.
Not only for books also for CD's, films and ebooks, as well as maga7ines. And now with the fab pie cafe with best pies in NYC from 4 and 20 blackbird
Lucky MonkeyMarch 29, 2014Newly opened cafe in the grand hall serves up delicious selection of food, including great pastries, and stumptown coffee. How about that!
Megan MMarch 4, 2016The library is beautiful but if you are trying to get a passport on Saturday and Sunday, be aware there is 3-4 hour wait. They give you a buzzer and you can roam around the library in the meantime.
this is my favorite place nearby my apartment to do work. it's not always the quietest, but there are large desks with comfy chairs on various floors, and a great selection of books.
Alex RainertAugust 13, 2011Pro tip: if you new a passport made or updated, they have a secret office here right where you walk on. Open on weekends too!
Here are enshrined the longing of great hearts and noble things that tower above the tide, the magic word that winged wonder starts, the garnered wisdom that has never died.
Huge selection of books. A nice atrium with a cafe and seating in normal times. Worth visiting for the architecture and exploring the stacks
Smell the loveliness of the books and the thoughts in them. Sit outside or on the 3rd floor, while reading, and watch the sun go down (not in that way, purrv.) p.s. don't slurp on your drinks!!!!!!!!
Melissa WilfleyOctober 6, 2013Take your food truck goodies from in front of Prospect Park, cross the street and eat at the lovely outdoor tables in front of the library. Even have umbrellas :)
Pro tip: put your books on hold online and they'll reserve them and send notice when they're available. In and out!- They have a podcast studio you can rent for free! 🎤🎧
- A huge place to walk around, enjoy architecture, and search for books. Definitely a place where one can spend a few hours.
Mark HeyertAugust 4, 2018An outstanding library. You have to have a separate library card as the BPL is a separate organization from the New York Public Library.
The Information Commons on the first floor is the only area in the library with fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, it's also the loudest part of the library.- Cheryl HerrickAugust 23, 2011Beautiful exterior & decent cafe with reasonably priced, kid-friendly food. Big kid section that's got plenty to read, computers, etc., though isn't especially cozy.
- The Brooklyn Public Library, through the joining of municipal enterprise and private generosity, offers to all the people perpetual and free access to the knowledge and the thought of all the ages.
- Marc MayerAugust 23, 2015A great place to work from when you can't work at home or a cafe. Book meeting rooms, use Adobe CS products, too!
Rob JuckettMarch 5, 2015Nice building, good WiFi and clean bathrooms. Plus books so you can learn to read good and do other stuff good too like zoolander- Zain M.November 14, 2015Great place to relax, read a book, and marvel at the architecture. The books here, however, are a bit dated.
Mike BloombergFebruary 24, 2012On 2/21/12, I announced a new partnership between NYC's Workforce1 Career centers and public libraries that will give New Yorkers more access to job readiness services: http://bit.ly/z10G2P
Angela HuJuly 10, 2012Exterior prettier than interior. But nonetheless an impressive library. There are tables outside with shade: perfect for reading and taking in the Brooklyn scene.
You can take out just about any book you want right away. Gettin a hold on a book is straightforward & you usually wait a week to 3 weeks on average.
JessicaJune 26, 2012There are free language conversation groups in the multilingual section (French, Chinese, English, Japanese, Spanish, etc) that are open to everyone!
Everything, from hour long computers to eating in the cafe ,it's hard to be ,even being open on Sunday.
nikkiDecember 12, 2016renowned architecture at this branch, but go online to have your book requests sent to the most convenient BPL location for you :)
You can reserve DVDs online and pick them up. And you can renew them every week online unless someone else has a hold on it. This has helped me get through my Netflix queue faster!
The best library in the entire city. it has three floors and the collection are simply phenomenal. Overal, the interiors remind you of a museum.- Angelica YoungDecember 2, 2014I'd say this is most spacious library available in NYC, aside from maybe The New York Public Library
We're so lucky to have this epic institution in our community. Don't sleep on the e-book lending.- Elie BleierDecember 13, 2014Second floor and to the right for quiet study spot with chargers. Internet is slow but works.
Nick CohenJuly 1, 2018Surprised to find a library that manages to have no comfortable reading chairs.- Sacha ThompsonApril 17, 2012Sacha Thompson March 8, 2012When you donate to Support Our Shelves BPL can purchase new books, DVDs, and eBooks that benefit all Brooklynites! Donate https://bpl.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/donate/
Caylin NietoNovember 23, 2014Great selection of new books. You can usually find what you want at Central!
- Sacha ThompsonMarch 8, 2012When you donate to Support Our Shelves BPL can purchase new books, DVDs, and eBooks that benefit all Brooklynites! Donate today! https://bpl.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/donate/
- Jorge Alvarez-WashingtonJanuary 3, 2014I love this Library it's so peaceful! This is the best Library of New York City!
Gaby WilsonOctober 4, 2010If you need to use a computer and the Popular Library has a long line, you can borrow a laptop or look for computer stations in any of the other sections.
ansor ridwanFebruary 20, 2011You can mooch the WiFi all day. They have restrooms AND water fountains! Plus, there's paper everywhere that you can look at to learn stuff!
Briana JaNae'September 5, 2016Nice area not the best library but when I need wifi and to charge my phone it comes in handy
Fitz HaileOctober 18, 2012Nice alternative to coffee shop. Plenty of space, mostly quiet. But the wireless internet sometimes REALLY sucks.
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Brooklyn Public Library (Central Library)
10 Grand Army Plz (at Eastern Pkwy)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
United States
Brooklyn, NY 11238
United States
Central Library is located at 10 Grand Army Plaza, at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway.
Open until 6:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Sun
- 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
(718) 230-2100
Features
Wi-Fi
Free
Outdoor Seating
Yes
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Places inside Brooklyn Public Library (Central Library)
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- 9.6
"Wonderful place to learn on Brooklyn heritage and to relax."
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