New York Public Library – Webster Library

Cute little library I’ve never been to before. It was quiet and I got yelled at a little when my cell phone went off. The children’s area is cute with a garden courtyard view from the window. The audiobook collection was Very nice.

We love living close to Webster Library and it has become a part of our regular routine. Our 2 kids love stopping by for books, and their children’s program is also wonderful.
I only dock a star because we’ve had a few not so pleasant encounters with one particular member of staff who doesn’t seem aware that even in a library, children forget to always whisper. The other wonderful staff make up for it though, who are always pleasant and helpful.

I have always had friendly encounters with the staff here (I see that is a point of contention), and for that reason this branch gets above 1 star. However, the library itself is no good if you’re looking for a quiet place to read or study. Children and their parents regularly speak well above a conversational tone.

Webster is my local branch. I wish the selections were better. Non-​fiction section is pathetic (lots of trashy reads) Best selection is their mystery section, their health and diet section, their childcare section, their «how to «section for passing TOEFEL tests, SATs, etc. Caters to a rich upper=east cliental who are in need of practical information to improve their lives. The 79^th street branch between 2^nd-​3^rd Ave. is a much more literary place.

I love this little branch of the New York Public Library nestled on York Avenue. You wouldn’t expect a library here and I especially love its quaintness when compared with other locations.
I actually go out of my way to pick up books at Webster, since I have found their service to be much better than nearby Yorkville.
If you’re looking for a library that meets the standards of the NYPL, and you’re on the UES, look no further.

Conveniently located, but not a great place to study or read after school lets out, because then this place gets LOUD.
Love the used book store– pretty great selection and you can’t beat the prices!

I like the building, and that’s about it.
The staff moves slowly. Smiles are rare. The selection of books is geared towards easy reading. If you’re looking for mysteries and pop/“urban” books, this is an acceptable library.
I’ve been to some great libraries in places like suburban Ohio and rural Texas. Compared to them, this is a dump, which is sad because New York is a city of writers and readers.

Great Library!-Wish it was still in my neighborhood (I probably never should have moved away from the UES)!
If you are looking to buy some books on the cheap, look no further than the Webster branch of NYPL. They have an entire basement full of books for sale, many of which are only $ 1. I stopped in today and bought 6 new books. The people who work at the shop are always very friendly and make you feel like they really appreciate your business.
The library itself also had a very helpful librarian today. I was looking for a book that wasn’t at the sale and I could not locate it on the shelves. The librarian helped me search 3 locations it could possibly have been in and alas we found it!
I will definitely venture back to the UES next time I want to stock up on books but in the meantime I guess I will stick with the 115^th st. library in my neighborhood whose selection does not even compare.

I will start by saying, I spend 95% of my time at this library in the children’s section with my kids, and go about once a week. With that in mind, the children’s section is good, with some comfy seating and nice natural light. Kids DVD selection is great. If you want a quiet experience, go before 3:30 pm. There are tons of tutors/​kids there after school and it’s really loud and crowded. I’ve never been to the kids programs, so can’t comment on that.
Library staff are great. Very friendly, helpful and they encourage library manners from patrons (in a very considerate way).
Book cellar (I think that’s what it’s called) has used books for sale, cheap. Good selection of parenting books, okay on children’s, lots of other genres.
Adult sections: only been there once or twice. Selection is okay, pretty small, but I’ve always found something. DVD selection okay too.
All in all, for library time with my kids, I prefer this over 79^th and 67^th (oh, it’s closest, but even so, I’m glad it’s this one). (FYI: kids programming at 67^th is great, as is children’s librarian. It’s just way too crazy there after 2:00pm.