This library is absolutely beautiful!!! I went here to study, but unfortunately i didn't get much of that done because of how loud it was. I felt like saying shhhhh!! Lol. But, this library has an old school vibe to it. Classic library in my option. It has a beautiful balcony, fireplace and beautiful tables and chairs that are made of wood. No ac tho so it was pretty warm in there yesterday. They also had trivia with some of the neighborhood kids which made it soooo loud in there that i just decided to go back home and try my luck there. This is my neighborhood library so I'm sure I'll return. Just when there are less kids and quiet. The building is nice. Reminds me of an old historic building. This library has been here since the early 1900s and they kept it up pretty well because it's still as beautiful as i imagined it was when it opened. read more

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Great local library. Helpful and polite staff greets you as soon as you walk in and are eager to be off assistance. On the day I visited the foyer had inspiring displays for Women's History month. The library was fairly packed with few seats available as schools were closed for a snow day. Children were engaged to the left of the room while only adults occupied the right. It was very quiet given the mix of population. I needs the WiFi code so I could work form a laptop and that went smoothly. I was also able to update my library card to one with pictures of the Brooklyn Zoo. One of the librarian I engaged with and shared why I was writing told me about a phenomenal program called Power Up where local residents can compete for a $20,000 prize to start a business in Bk. She instructed me to go to the Grand Army branch to learn more. Macon Library is def alright with me. It also helps that this block had plenty of parking and great little spots to eat. read more

Brooklyn Public Library - Macon Library - Empowering Women's History display - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Beautiful building, wonderful location, staff a bit aloof and disconnected from reality but pleasant. The vintage building is so interesting to have in my neighborhood of years. Ryan was very helpful, she assisted me with nice copy computer. Thank you. read more

Today I am visiting with my teenage son as we search for books for his August reading list. It's beautiful here. The decor is classic and the history is rich. This two story library still has the original eye catching cherry wood fireplace from 1907. The staff is extremely helpful and professional. This library houses the American Heritage Center, renamed as The Dionne Mack-Harvin Center, at Macon Library and contains material on African American history and culture as well as the "Preserving Footsteps" collection. All public computers have genealogical databases includes Ancestry.com The Macon Library was chosen as one of the top 5 branch libraries in New York City in 2014. My concern are the patrons. The majority of the patrons no longer value the functionality and sanctity of a library. No one is quiet, everyone is on their cell phones, children are unsupervised and security seems to struggle to restore order... I'm a reader and a lover of literature and prose, this place is not a haven to indulge that love affair. But wait there is hope . The African American Heritage Center is the complete opposite.... it is closed off from the rest of the library and you must be 18 or older to enter. That space is still warm and inviting and a serene space to indulge your love of books, to research your family tree, and to enjoy classic African American literature including James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, and Gwendolyn Brooks, this is the sole reason that I still patronize this location. The wifi is awesome. The children's selection of books range from the classics "Good Night Moon" to the modern "Diary of A Whimpy Kid" series. Lap tops are available for use. You can reserve books and request that books be delivered here from other neighborhood libraries if they are unavailable at this branch. There are several activities scheduled throughout the week that are family friendly and Macon Branch Library is located around the corner from our home. And all you need is a card. read more

Brooklyn Public Library - Macon Library - Original cherry wood panels, benches, and fireplace - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This library is located in my neighborhood of Bed-Stuy. I've always gone to the Dekalb Branch over in Bushwick but recently I've discovered this one and it isn't so far away from me either. I definitely prefer this one over the Dekalb one mainly because I always felt like the Dekalb workers were looking at me every time I went in there and it made me feel uncomfortable. If I'm going inside a library, I really don't want to be noticed. Everyone should mind their own business. Anyways, this library is really busy with a lot of the locals coming in and also moms and their children. I really like this branch; it feels really inviting and homy. (BTW I wouldn't do serious studying here since it can get noisy.) read more

Brooklyn Public Library - Macon Library - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I'm going to sound elitist, and I hate to sound so, but I can't help it when it comes to certain things. And a library is one of them. What was once a bastion for learning, research and development as well as a safe refuge for the youth, elderly and others has turned into the spot to check Facebook messages, watch idiotic YouTube videos and have private (snicker) cell phone calls. Mind you, I don't have a problem with people doing these things (well, not the last one) occasionally, but when I'm trying to study or read and don't feel like being at home to do so (as ironically I'm trying to escape those same diversions at home!) I'd like some quiet! But, I suppose that's too much to ask. All that said, it's apparent the Macon staff are trying their best to accommodate everyone's needs, and as they've actually had some stuff in print that I needed I can't and won't 'ish all over their branch or the BPL system on a whole. I truly do appreciate the the library is here at all, and would rather have it with some issues than to not have it at all. read more

Nice quiet library in the heart of Brooklyn. Been going since I've been in elementary school. Security guard cool the staff is helpful. Parking is easy restaurants surrounding this place it's great to go if you live nearby read more

Every time i walk in this library something is always broken. Then it'll be broke for days even months. Stop avoiding the problems in the library. read more

I come here often because it's closest to me, but not that close. It can get real hot during the summer because they don't have enough air conditioning. The librarians are mostly nice, there are some that are really out of it, like they don't want to be doing their job, but it's not being rude to people or anything so I don't mind it. Their service is mostly good and the library itself is decent. I wish they stayed open longer on more days though. read more

If you're looking for a nice peaceful place to catch up on work or just simply read a book... DON'T COME HERE. I simply utilize this library because it's the closest to my house and I have weak wifi connection. loud children, people on their phones.. Really? Is this a library or the local hangout spot? People who work there are pretty helpful but come on.. Have some order in here! Another thing that annoys me about this location is the amount of people who use the computer for shit like Facebook! When I'm actually trying to type and print a paper I have to wait for someone to finish checking their Facebook messages. Ugh.... 2 stars for the amazing wifi read more

I get my holds here. But man I always get fines down there for books I've returned! Oh wells.

Atmosphere Nice library, clean, well renovated, great for working. As far as New York City district libraries go - this is as good as it gets. Internet As of last week - very weak wifi - not sure if it works at all. Didn't take a star off for this - since - well it's a library and sometimes it's a blessing to be internetless read more

My neighborhood library! I loved taking my toddler to the classes. I cannot review how the library is outside of the classes but Ms. T was the best! read more

Coming from a bunch of PWI institutions with top-notch libraries, this one left much to be desired. HOWEVER, I have and will continue to go there for the following reasons: 1) It is only 2 blocks from my house so it's very convenient. 2) I study best when there's background noise-in this case, perfect as there is always, and I do mean ALWAYS plenty of chatter, kids running around, etc. 3) I can get all my interlibrary loan holds from here 4) The little room in the back rocks my world. Provides an excellent change of pace and it's a perfect nook for when I'm facing a deadline. Until school lets out....then it's mad house central. All in all, it's an okay library. Not the best but definitely not the worst. Oh and definitely don't leave your belongings unattended. You would think that's common-sense but apparently that's not too common... read more

For such a petite residential library this library has an inordinate amount of interesting books. I wouldn't advise limiting your use of Brooklyn libraries to Macon but if you're in need a semi popular book (older than 4 yrs) don't overlook it. Like many of the Brooklyn libraries I wouldn't advise actually reading here -especially after school gets out. True silence has no name, but at Macon the closest thing to silence is a cluster of people coughing, abusing keys, and talking on the phone; all using inside voices mind you. In other words, Macon was a nice gift to the nearby Bed-Stuy residents, but treat it like a fast food takeout restaurant, get in and get out. read more

I went to three different Bed-Stuy area Brooklyn Public Librarys in one day and this one sucked the least. On a hot summer day, this location had wonderful air conditioning blasting through every corner of the building. On the main floor, there are the most comfortable chairs (only four of them) at the end of each book shelf. Try to get one of those. If not, you're stuck with those hard, stiff wooden chairs in the corners. The top level is tiny. The basement is the bathrooms. The down side to this place is that it's close to a school, so if you go midday, there are screaming kids there. It's not quiet. In fact, I would venture to believe it's never quiet. (a library! go figure). The staff (as with any New York City public government agency) is rude, lazy and irritated at life, so try to ignore them and go about your business. For anyone who didn't grow up in New York City, this is a joke of a library (as far as size and volume.) I mean, literally, I can go on a $500 shopping spree at Strand or Abebooks.com and end up with more books than this library. Go there, get your book and leave. read more

We raised our kids on Long Island and were lucky to have access to a small, but wonderful library. It was well stocked with books, audiobooks, movies and research materials. The Macon Street library is located in a much more beautiful building, but sadly lacks materials. I hope that the city library system wakes up and begins to stock this historic library with more materials. We pay the same taxes as everyone else and deserve the same access to goods as any other library located in more affluent areas. read more