Brooklyn Public Library – New Utrecht Library

This is my neighborhood public library, and I’ve been coming here since I was 5 years old. The hours are greatly improved; they used to not open until 1 pm at least three days out of the week, but thanks to city funding, they now open at 10 am everyday, except Sunday, when the library is closed. The current structure is modernist, utilitarian, and there is nothing aesthetically pleasing about this branch, but it’s a place to come and study, read, and relax. I do not bother even trying to use the computers, though, as those seem to be monopolized by the same people always, as if they live in the damn library. It’s not fair to the taxpayers. This location has an auditorium, which is home to several performances, and the selection of books is just fair, but there are interesting reads to be found here, thankfully. My favorite programs are those offered by the Italian Opera Company, which performs opera arias, Broadway show tunes, and folk songs. Those are generally the only times I come to this library, and seeing them perform, plus reading for a few hours, makes a lovely way to pass the afternoon. The problem of vagrants pervades this branch, sadly, as it does many other public library branches.

Maritza and Frieda were both helpful. It was my 1^st time back in a NY library. I got my library card and when I asked if there was a pamphlet with info on this branch, none were available. I felt there should be some sort of intro to the location and nothing. Sadly I only have the library in Las Vegas to compare to this location and sadly Las Vegas was more superior. I was told the DVDs had to be ordered due to thief. The place was full and kids seem to be very active here. I will have to order DVDs online and return to evaluate system better.

Since the Ulmer Park Branch is closed for renovation, I have been going to this library.
It’s bigger than the Ulmer Park Library, with two floors. The second floor is filled with books for children. The ground floor is filled with everything else.
I like this library a lot more. Especially since the people working here are a lot nicer.
If you ever have some free time on a Saturday, you volunteer here for about 2 hours through New York Cares!

Occasionally there are adults who talk on the phone in the library in the adult study section, but none of the volunteers or staff members bother to shut them off. I came to the library to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and to do paperwork, as most adults do.
I came here several times, and towards the last hour of the closing time, a hobo /​homeless man came into the library. I’m not trying to be rude but the stench disgusted me. I also didn’t feel safe either.
The cop who works here is really rude too.

This is a spacious location with a good number of computers and tons of space to stick around for studying, reading, etc. The selection is fair and now that they have installed check-​out machines, you can get a lot done without having to deal with anyone.
What I do not like about this location are 1) the hours are very limited, 2) the workers are hit or miss. There are about two workers at this location that are wonderful, while the rest are useless. Every time I come here I see a lot of people sitting around doing nothing and getting ticked off when they have to help someone… i.e. WORK.
The reason this irritates me so much is bc I have volunteered here a number of times with NY Cares, arranging the books on the second floor. I love to volunteer and help out organizations, people, etc. that are overwhelmed and need extra assistance, but I do not like using my time to help places that have excess workers who are so blatantly under productive.

Live just a few blocks away but for some reason never really took advantage of the local library even though I am a voracious reader. Well I saw the place had a recent face lift and decided to get a card and give it a try. They have installed self serve machines and it really helps speed up the checkout process and is kinda fun too. Even better is you no longer have to wait on line to return, there is a drop off box (its inside however so not a 24 hr drop off like Blockbuster video used to have) so you just go in, drop and run.
As for selection, it’s a smaller library so they could have more books but all you have to do is go online and reserve something and they will have it for you, you can also renew and pay fines online now. They have a pretty decent dvd selection including alot of new releases and it kinda brings back that old video store feel when you never knew what you were going to get. To my happy surprise they have a decent selection of graphic novels as I am a comic book geek.

When I moved to NYC my friends joked with me not to go to the library. And if i did, do not get a card and do not borrow books because if I fail to return them on time Ill be sent to Rikers Island in an instant.
So i never went.
My move to Brooklyn left me with no cable (and a room mate who refuses to accept he is cheap… but we all know the definition).
So, i was on a mission to find some study books and maybe a good novel or two to keep me occupied rather then stare at my black tv praying it will magically turn on and show me will and grace repeats.
Upon my quick and painless registry for a card i received within 3 days in the mail, I quickly walked to my oh-​so-​close New Utrect branch. I was greeted kindly by the two fantastic librarians behind the counter and found rows of PCs and something even more exciting: DVDs. Hundreds.
I started renting them immediately and havent stopped since. I always have my 7 DVD limit on hand and love it. Netflix, what?
Heres the clincher… you can go into the Brooklyn Public Library catalogue and order any DVD you want. Yes. Order DVDs. Theyll ship them in from anywhere and let you know when theyre ready to pick up.
With such great things available to you here, the people working here can be devils and i wouldnt mind. But heres the thing, theyre not! Theyre nice and so helpful and i look forward to saying hello almost every day now. I have no warrent for my arrest, and yes, i have returned some things late.
Its my understanding that you can even go online to their site and rent eBooks as well. What DONT they offer?

I haven’t been here in awhile but this place isn’t bad for a smaller sized library.