Although not large , just one floor, this library seems to do a good job of serving the community. They have an extensive collection of books in the various foreign languages commonly spoken by the various immigrant groups in Atlantic City: Vietnamese, Spanish, Urdu, Russian, Hindi, Chinese, Korean, Gujarati, Bengali, and French. Numerous computers available for patron use, several foreign language newspapers, a good selection of music CDs and DVDs, including many foreign language movies. There is a nice quiet study area with several study tables underneath a skylight. In what is frankly a rather rough area of Atlantic City, but inside the library is quite pleasant. The restroom could use a bit more frequent cleaning, although it wasn't terrible.. read more

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It's a good beach library. It's made for vacationing beach goers and basic needs of residents. I've got a graduate degree to be a librarian. One thing they drill into our heads in librarian university is that as a librarian you must cater to both community standards and reading level. That means if the majority of readers are vacationing, 8 books on Michael Jackson and one on Jefferson rule. You as librarian buy Steven King, Louis L'amour, and James Patterson. Let Lin Manuel Miranda read Hamilton on his vacation and make millions on a play. To buy books nobody reads on vacation is a waste of taxpayer money in universal library logic. If you need a serious research library, find one whose community mostly does research only as in the main branch of a university, New York Public Library or think tank. That's where the rare, serious stuff is. Atlantic City Public library adheres to the principles of serving its community and does and excellent job doing that. With 32% of Americans illiterate, and 50% not being able to read 8th grade level- and this means not understanding what 'Do not take this medication on an empty stomach' means- libraries provide programs to catch up on literacy and other educational programs like computer lessons for adults. I didn't check but wouldn't be surprised if they had literacy initiatives for the residents. AC Public Library has a nice collection of graphic novels, cook books, non-fiction and CD's. The space is nice and wide open. Yes I wish there were more chairs to sit on. I found the workbenches to use computers and do other work way too crowded. It was uncomfortable being elbow to elbow with others. The skylight is a nice touch. I didn't feel unsafe inside. I felt unsafe outside. It was quiet today. There was plenty of security inside but I would avoid flashing a fancy computer, cell phone or iPad out of doors. Even if it's in a case. I would only go to this library during strong daylight hours. Leave an hour before dusk to give yourself enough time to get home safely. Yes some of the public doesn't smell nice but libraries all over are struggling with the poverty issues their users find themselves in. The area is depressed which is all the more reason to keep this library's doors open and not closed permanently. Libraries have a chance to bridge the technology and literacy gap for the poor. This library is no exception. To shutter this lovely library would be a grave mistake. read more