Great Neck Area Library

Today I made a very rare appearance in the library.
I usually reserve my items online and then pick them up at the drive-​thru at another library. I almost never go in and browse around. Today I decided to return a book to Great Neck Area Library which does not have a drive through, so I was required to park.
All items are to be returned at the automated book return at the exterior of the front entrance. I see this as a great addition, now present at all area libraries. Items are checked in on-​time and library staff can attend to other matters.
I stood there in the cold and thought why not just go in and look around, I wasn’t in a rush. I was greeted immediately upon entering by a staff member at the circulation desk. I had no real purpose, so I went over to the nook by the window along the right wall to peruse the books and movies for sale. Items are generally priced $ 3 and below and some of the books looked really new. There was a rolling chair in the section so I sat and flipped through a few of the like new books. I seriously contemplated making a purchase after seeing the holiday sale sign declaring Buy One Get One Free!
I checked out the DVD aisle, although there were plenty of movies I didn’t see much of interest. They did have Game of Thrones though. I decided to borrow Elysium. There is also a «book swap» section, so cool you can get free books and drop off books you’ve read a hundred times.
I did not have my library card on me and I was able to check out my item using my licence (picture ID).
There is a bin near the parking lot where you can recycle household batteries. Yeaaa for keeping them out of landfills where the acid will leach into the ground.

It was interesting to visit a library that I didn’t know existed. Of course I knew there was a Great Neck Library, but the location is so off the beaten path you need a map. All joking aside, for this first timer the library is only a block off of First Court, but accessed off of Old Donation Parkway. Turn onto Bayne Dr. which takes you to not only the library, but also Lynnhaven Middle School.
My son needed to pick up materials that were immediately available and happen to be at GN Library. Upon approaching the area I passed the backside of Lynnhaven Park which is completely detached from the basketball courts on First Court and has a newer playground, so look for an update to this park. The parking is long paved lot beside the building. The size appears to be adequate for it’s patrons.
The building is possibly one of the older one’s in the VB Library system. The lot was clean and exterior area was free from debris. A shocker was a cool small park like area with picnic tables opposite side of the parking lot beside the library. I noticed when walking in that they have installed the new automated return system.
When entering you will find a small check out counter up front. To the left a very large children’s library that is carpeted walled off and has a door. This is nice for security of small wondering kids. There are activity tables a computer and small chairs. I entered to just look around a bit and found children playing more than reading and a lot of materials in need of being reshelved… so was not impressed. However, I found all of the other areas clean and neat.
Adult Fiction were just beyond on the left. and right back the bulk of the collection Non-​Fiction. Also audio books or on the right exterior wall. The middle area has tables to read, or study. The square footage is not overwhelming and it’s obvious it’s an older facility, possibly early 80’s. However, they seemed to have the necessary materials to serve the GN area.
The have a small computer area of around 8 cubicles. It probably services this area okay, but nothing exciting. Just across from the computers is the Reference and quiet study area. To the left exterior is a meeting/​multi-​purpose room. No sink, or kitchen in the room like newer facilities. If they have private study rooms I did not see them, but would be surprised if they did not have at least two some where.
My son checked out his own materials with my supervision at a distance. He said the process went smooth and the staff person, a younger black woman was nice. He also needed help at one point in locating a book and received immediate assistance and said this staff person was friendly and helpful in finding what he needed.
I am assuming that this this library is on the lower side of circulation, but could be wrong. They had patrons enjoying different types of materials, but for the HUGE GN area is was not overly busy for a weekday. Could it be that this location is just not thought of since it’s not on a main road. I could not get overly excited here, but if your in the Great Neck corridor and this branch works best than go for it! I think you will find it meeting a lot of your needs.