While having our NYE's dinner celebration, we noticed the Princeton Public Library across the street. We are a family that loves going to the library. So the next day we decided to check it out. This place blew us away. The modern architecture is stunning with different levels, and there is even a fireplace. There is also a room dedicated just for magazines with the most current issues. If you like movies the library has an impressive selection of DVDs. Even their restrooms have fancy Dyson faucets. There is a cafe as well. One of the upper levels offers a nice outdoor patio balcony. Good to see the tax dollars going back to the community. No matter how old you are, go get yourself a library card. There is a parking garage nearby. It's a great way to spend the day reading a book or two. read more

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One of the largest public libraries and most busy - right near Princeton University campus. Use the Spring Street Garage for easy access. Big floor for the children's section. read more

Princeton Public Library - other side entry - Libraries Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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The library is in the heart of Princeton shopping district in a modern building. It is state of the art with self checkout, computers, spaces to study, a children's floor, and lots of other stuff. A cafe is in the 1st floor by the entrance with tea/coffee and other drinks, sandwiches and snacks. It also has seating. A used book nook with a wide variety of books is also on the 1st floor. The books are very inexpensive! The library also sells t shirts and other things. I'm not a resident so I don't borrow books but I always stop in to browse the books. The third floor has an outdoor patio where it's nice to take a break. Bathrooms are also on the 1st and 3rd floors plus water stations. read more

It's a nice quiet place. Really encourages me to get my work done, especially when I sit outside!

TLDR: great clean library with an expansive selection of books and spacious private rooms to reserve for meetings / studying I've been coming to this library for over ten years, and Ive always had a positive experience. I've taken out books, used private rooms, rented movies, participated (and volunteered) for the summer reading program and more. The staff are friendly and very helpful. This library is a great hub and a cornerstone of the Princeton community. Tip: if you're a library card holder you can get your parking validated here for two hours at the parking lot next door read more

The Princeton Public Library is bright and airy ... and very welcoming.  It is above average in size for a municipality of Princeton's size -- much larger than when i was using it on a regular basis in the 1980s.  The Library staff are friendly and helpful. read more

Sweet library; really friendly staff, great book selections, and awesome private rooms for tutoring sessions and other school work related needs. read more

This library is a great study spot. It's three stories with plenty of windows and study areas. The third floor is the children's section with plenty of books and other media. The second floor has study rooms you can reserve for an hour without even having a library card. They have a cafe on the first floor. I didn't try their food but the americano I got was pretty good and they have a selection of chips and other drinks as well as sandwiches and salads. You can park in the parking garage for free for the first 30 min and the hourly rate isn't bad after that. I think I paid 6.50 for 5 hours. My only gripe is that the cost for a library card for non-residents is $175, which I would not pay, but it's still a good spot to study and relax. read more

Need a place to study, research, relax, or meet with co-workers? This is the place! Princeton Public Library is the best library I've ever had the privilege of enjoying. The best part about this one, they are keeping up with the times! It provides an excellent place to co-work with everything you need from a business center and library. I like to meet friends, study partners, and co-workers in their study rooms. They are private and quiet. They also have conference rooms for rent for either a non-profit or profit rate. If you are a member of the community, come here, grab a book, get a coffee at the cafe, and relax! read more

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This library is outstanding. Very friendly workers, nice quiet rooms to study as well as a nice wide variety of computers that one can use. I have been going there for many years and I have yet to have any problems. I like how friendly and professional the workers are, very helpful and very kind. Highly recommended place to go to. Hopefully when this pandemic subsided, they'll be open longer and open up the nice cafe, but a wonderful place. Highly recommended read more

Princeton Public Library - The back of the library - Libraries Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

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One of my favorite places to work in the area, Princeton Public Library offers a plethora of resources and quiet study spaces for its members and even visitors (though to a lesser extent). For members, a wide collection of books is available for borrowing, although there doesn't seem to be an expedited loan system in place if you'd like to borrow from the nearby systems such as the university or Mercer County libraries. The library as a whole is pretty high-tech, with kiosks that can sense the books you put in without even scanning them and digital library cards that you can access via their mobile app. Even booking study rooms (of which they have 9 and some small conference rooms) can be booked online quite conveniently. Parking is extremely convenient, as there is the Municipal Parking Garage located immediately next to the Library. Library cardholders can get two hours free if they validate their ticket in the lobby while showing a valid card. Definitely worth a visit, and could be your new favorite place to work or just grab a book from their ever-expanding collection! read more

Quite a nice library with several quiet rooms and a large conference room for bigger meetings. You need to make reservations at the second floor reception desk. Public parking in the rear, though paid street parking is also readily available. What impressed me the most is that they really have a nice "tech center" with lots of Macs to get your work done. Plus, a coffee place inside gives a nice informal feel as well. In fact, this library is quite bright with lots of natural light. read more

Princeton Public Library - Tech center - Libraries Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

a great public library many books many conference rooms well located amazing staff great resources great architecture quiet and nice modern great selection of av electrotech a great place to meet read more

This is a big library. It's really nice. The bathrooms are clean. They have a big kids and teens selection and plenty of room to sit and read or to work at. My kids also found some used books to buy. read more

This is a really nice, bright, modern library. Set up more like a Border's or Barnes & Nobles than the traditional heavy, dark, stuffy, 50's lighting styled versions a lot of us grew up with. Navigation is a little difficult, but that is true for any library one isn't used to. When you walk in, there's a cafe to the right. In front of that, the bookdrop and pamphlets listing upcoming events, such as last week's Environmental Film Festival (movies, lectures, discussions...) Step in a few more feet and the bookshop (including novelties such as stuffed tigers and mugs) is on the left, the manual checkout desk on the right. There's also an automated checkout--place your books and card on the screen, and you're ready to go. New books are easy to find and browse through, with comfortable chairs. And the best part? You can browse books online, choose the books, and receive either an email or phone call when your books are ready to be picked up. And they'll send you an email if what you have checked out is approaching its due date. There are private, conference rooms upstairs too. read more

There is so much to do at Princeton Library. At the beginning of every week I always look to see what amazing events the library has planned for the people who are smart enough to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. We go for music class, story time, lecture series and more! The librarians are amazingly helpful and patient and they have private rooms for every thing you can imagine. The little cafe has great food and the staff that works it are so nice! read more

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"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library," - a quote by Borges that is written on the side of the building. Yes - a paradise of a public library that is community-oriented, friendly, resourceful, and impeccably designed. read more

Princeton Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

I agree with Jeff B. This is one of the nicest public libraries I have ever been to. It is spacious and has an incredible selection. I frequent this library for the baby storytime which is excellent. They run this program Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 11AM followed by playtime. There is also a children's playroom on the third floor. The cafe downstairs is run by the Terra Momo group so of course everything is great. The pastries, rolls and soups are all worth a stop. read more

This is a very nice library, especially in a college town. I've been to New Brunswick's Library and it is creepy as hell. It's dark,and staff is not very friendly, and the place is filled with old books. At Princeton Public Library, they have every book ever, that you would want to read. Probably by how big this library is. It's 3 floors. Children is 3rd. Research books on 2nd. Everything else is on the 1st. I don't particuly like that this library is 3 floors. I do think it makes it a little overwhelming. However, I do appreciate how many books they sell for all ages. I found a lot of books that I could not find at my local library, and that I could find here. The staff is friendly as well, and don't hesitate to ask them about anything. Amazing library, though! This is my only stop now if I go to Princeton! read more

Honestly, I couldn't cite a visit where I wasn't totally dissatisfied coming to this library, but as what most people would say and praise, Princeton Public Library is the quintessential modern library around, even when it comes to our state of New Jersey! One of the other appeals that lures me into visiting Princeton, as well as to other positive attributes, the library at the heart of the town welcomes all, whether it's Princetonians/residents, people who live nearby, or travelers. Even at an angle outside, you can slightly see an open book at the roof, giving proof this is the mecca of learning. PPL is situated in Princeton's Witherspoon St (just like with Nassau St, it's the other "Main St" in town), right in front of the town's popular restaurants, with 80% of the appealing boutiques, other restaurants/food shops/salons/features locals and travelers love, all a ten minute walk away. Plus, it's a popular congregating area for those seeking shelter or a venue to cool off, or warm up. Hinds Plaza is right outside if you'd want to take a breather outside, with chairs and tables giving you a glimpse of the town's finest. Inside, you're greeted with many of the amenities the library takes pride in, such as a cafe, Terra Libri, which in short, gives you freshly baked goods all locally sourced in Princeton/area, and NJ, plus, if you enjoy Mediterrea and Teresa Caffe, it's related since it's owned by the same managing group, even with Terra Momo giving the pastries/bread. Further inside, there's Happy World, a unique mosaic of thousands of smaller artwork and artifacts created by an artist, gives the library some unique life, I love seeing it every visit. Usually some other artists get their work featured in the library. Near the other pair of doors, there's the community events bulletin, offering events exclusive for the library, such as arts and crafts, lectures and book signings, daily homework help from Princeton U students, film presentations, and more to stimulate culture and enrichment. The other tier would be events that are going in Princeton/surrounding area, and if you're someone who loves to mingle or get involved with the community at large, this is your essential guide! You can either look for: meet ups with the mayor, lectures, historical research, and many other events the townsfolk would host. Going into the library proper, it's easy to go head over heels over the presentation offered here. Beautifully arranged selections of books, a dedicated section for children/teens (3rd Floor), audio cds/audio books, internet access, a fireplace (in wintertime/cold Fall), tables with lamps, "quiet rooms", conference rooms, and a wide arrange of literature. This is also one of the few public libraries I've seen in NJ that offers foreign language books, and it comes in: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese, nowhere else have I've spotted this, and I'm thrilled to finally be at ease to read German literature, even French! If you actually live (and prove) you live in Princeton proper (neighbors like Princeton Junction (West Windsor) or Princeton Meadows (Plainsboro) don't count), you can enjoy the perks of a free library card, same for teachers, students, and other persons of interest. Maybe if I'd visit more often, I'll look into it, especially for their online catalogue. The staff can be helpful, and receptive when it comes to academic work, to which I'm grateful for. I'm thrilled with my visits here, and overall, it's 110% the best library in New Jersey, and if distance wasn't an issue to me, I'd visit more often. Gladly donated to keep the hope for education alive for our youth, and I've yet discovered a flaw in this library, but I'm glad to enrich my mind here! read more

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From eating at their small cafe to mooching off their free wifi, I've had some pretty nice memories at the Princeton Public Library. Off the bat, the aesthetics of this library is what makes it highly appealing. I mean the architecture is just exquisite, it looks nothing like the New York Public Libraries that I grew up with! Here's a few key notes: -Free wifi. Bring your own laptop or use their computers. They have plenty of them on the second floor. (30 min-120 min guest sessions available-no ID needed) -A huge variety of books and tapes -Surprisingly, it's usually quiet despite the number of people there -Clean and sanitary bathrooms on each floor -Cafe food is yummy- I always get the croque monsieur and a cookie :P -Sound proof (or so I assume) meeting rooms are available for public groups, which is pretty nice if you think about it. Makes you more legit -I've never had any trouble with the employees, they all seem friendly and helpful And the list goes on.... If you're ever in town, consider visiting the Princeton Library. You might never want to leave read more

Aside from being just beautiful inside, this library has a lot to offer the community. It's cafe and library store are unique additions to what one thinks of as a traditional building. The classes offered for free to the public and area business-people keep everyone educated and the services are outstanding. I requested that a book be ordered for the collection, and not only was it ordered, but it was automatically put on hold so I could be the first person to borrow the book. The children's floor is a site to behold and makes me wish I was a child again. There are so many wonderful things to say about this library - I'm just happy I live close enough to take advantage of its services. read more

Princeton Public Library - Taken by Amy Kearns - Libraries Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

I have visited and worked in many libraries during my days, and never have I had the reaction of sheer joy, shock, awe, amazement, and happiness as when I went into this one. This is the direction all libraries need to head. it's one part beautiful- the exterior is unique and interesting, not dull or weirdly futuristic...the interior is lit with a ton of natural beautiful light, expelling the stuffy and dark shell of libraries from the past. Yet, the interior still feel familiar and comfortable with a lot a comfy seats and even a spot with a fireplace for when it gets cold. One part cutting edge- this library pretty much had all the new innovative concepts libraries are only just thinking about introducing. There was a cafe, a bookstore, DVD viewing stations with flat screen TVs, CD listening stations, easy to use-self service internet stations, etc. etc. forget the university... go to the public library! read more

I'm sitting in the Library Cafe as they prep for their "Grand Reopening" I think the new interior of the cafe looks nicer than it did. It's not a dramatic change, but a subtle face-lift. The new softer lighting is nice. It's fun watching the team of seven people discussing how best to display and serve all the new foods right now. I appreciate all the attention to detail(!) But I already miss the old salads display - the front counter used to be a refrigerator case filled with fruit, veggie, and pasta salads. I particularly liked the fruit salad they used to have - lots of pineapple. Hopefully they'll be reintroducing those somehow, at some point. Right now, they have a few sandwiches, yogurt and granola, but mostly pastries (from Witherspoon Bakery) and beverages. The croissant I just had wasn't as good as they were a few months ago (now smaller, tougher, slightly dried out). But the coffee is *dramatically* improved. Seriously, so much better. Their cappuccino machine apparently isn't working at the moment, but I'm looking forward to next winter if they get that fired up and running. On balance, I'm happy. I like the new look, and I love the new coffee. The coffee is the most important thing to me as I sit with a book or my laptop. The pastries are beautiful; I hope today was a fluke and in the future they'll taste as good as they look. read more

This is soon-to-be yelp elite, Todd O. reporting live from the Princeton Public Library (yes, that means free wi-fi from this hot spot). While the sign downstairs clearly states, no food or drink allowed, I've smuggled my favorite Halo Pub mocha (and accompanying donut) into the location...shhhhhhh! (not only should you be quiet in the library, but please don't tell on me...thanks). This public library looks like an extension of the university, as it truly is an architectural beauty. In the summer, I enjoy doing work on the 3rd floor outdoor area, as well as right outside of the premises as I steal the wi-fi signal. The library has multiple tables to do work, is never overcrowded (at least in my experiences), more than adequate lighting, and even has a cafe downstairs. Does this place deserve 5-stars? Yes. So why you ask, is this a 4-star review? Like the elitist university, this place refuses to allow me to obtain a library card and borrow books/dvds/magazines, despite my "Princeton" city residence and zip code. That's 0/2 for me when it comes to applying for Princeton. read more

I want to like this place, I really do, but having to pay to rent dvd's per day is NOT a library; it's a movie store! At $1 a day, its basically the same as a Red Box, which they also have outside. Also, whenever I try to get my parking validated, some of the staff are rude about it, treating me like I'm some sort of criminal. I agree with other reviewers, that the library is more of a community center, having many programs for kids, teens, ESL people, and lecture series. So many people take advantage of these things, which is great; however, sometimes it can be difficult to find a place to study quietly when it gets crowded and/or loud and all of the study rooms are taken. The cafe is great! When I get hungry, I don't have to leave the place. And they get a lot of their stuff made fresh from the Witherspoon Bread Company next door. Also, the permanent book store is great and I have seen some great deals on used books. The overall design of the library is modern, open, and airy, which has its pros and cons. It has a lot of natural light, and with that comes an automatic retractable solar shade that can be slightly annoying when it is always adjusting itself. Also, having an open, tile-floored staircase enables one to hear every single person going up and down. I have spent much time procrastinating, sitting at the tables watching the retractable shade and listening to people on the staircase. Overall, I would say that the library is a great place for community and baked-good-eating, but a not-so great place for silent studying/reading and dvd renting. read more

A superb example of what a public library can be. I don't even know where to begin. The cafe? The fireplaces and comfortable reading chairs? Wonderful programs for all ages? Convenient services like book reserve online and free mail order lending for those who can't make it to the library in person? The fact that they go out of their way to make community members comfortable during mass power outages? Friendly and helpful staff? All this and more... The only negative thing about it that they won't let me live there! It's a treasure for our town. read more

Enjoyable place to stop and read. Has a book store/ cafe feel - right in the center of town and next to the Witherspoon grill and parking..

This library is a lot like a community center. They host excellent events and guests (R.L Stein, Terry Gross, and Edwidge Danticat, all this fall), extensive movie series, and outreach programs like handmade hat drives. Their wall of happy tiles (all created by community members) is another testament to their local engagement. It's also the most inspiring space I've visited in Princeton, University buildings included. Despite being in the northeast, it's bright, open, airy, with good flow. As others have mentioned, it has a cafe and used book store just inside the door. They have a few floors of quiet spaces for reading and working, desks, comfy chairs, etc. And it doesn't feel a bit institutional. Stop by and enjoy! read more

One of the best libraries Ive ever been too -has a cafe with the breads and pastries from the best bakery in town -super comfortable chairs -free parking for local residents -there is a used book store -free wifi and huge tables -all that natural light and windows -there is a outdoor plaza where you can relax and read I love it. Wish our local libraries were like that too. read more

I am a librarian by education and never have I seen its equal. They do everything a community library should do, with wi-fi, audio listening stations, DVD rentals, workstations, meeting rooms, comfy chairs, wonderful guest speakers, and classes for the public on everything from computer skills to language instruction. It is as pleasant a place to spend some time as you will find with beautiful views around Princeton. They even have cookbooks and Lonely Planets travel guides in their collection, which seems obvious, but isn't in the library profession. I sometimes head over here on my days off and spent some time, get lost in a book or some research, and just enjoy myself. Wonderful place, wonderful staff, competent, friendly, and professional. read more

Very nice and modern. Huge selection! When you first walk in there is an area where they sell used books, super cheap! I bought 3 used books in great condition for only $4. There's a cafe at the entrance which is nice. Many areas to sit and study. read more

Great place to teach little children that books are the source for any information. Lots of German children book. You really find every book here!! They have a beautiful children library and a playroom where you can spend a good time on rainy days and want to take the kids out of the house. Lots of public computers and printers, nice and helpful staff! They offer children story time! It's a great place to meet other parents and children! read more

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Princeton Public Library rocks! Free Wi Fi, coffee shops, free computers to use in a great new building. The librarians get all the movies that I request to add to their collection. (I didn't ask them to order Schulmadschen Report nor Emmanuelle yet.) read more

This is such a magnificent place. The number of services this place offers (aside from lending books) is just insane: - a full restaurant on the ground floor with Terra Momo sandwiches, coffee and seating - a used book store - a fireplace - a roof deck (!!!!) on the third floor - free wifi - private conference rooms on the second and third floors, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows - a large community room on the ground floor for lectures and large meetings - lots of tables to sit at read more

Grownups chattering, laughing, kids running, baby wailing, it's a busy library. There are some quieter spots but are usually taken quickly.

This is the best public library I've ever had the privilege to frequent. It's spacious, the selection is great, there are so many comfy chairs, the staff is friendly, and I feel quite comfortable just hanging out for an hour and reading. read more

This has to be one of the best libraries anywhere. When I moved to princeton a few years back I was excited that I would be able to get a library card. Now they re imagined the second floor and it's even better than ever. Great public programs , a cafe, places to chill. read more

I've been here so many times on weekends in last few years even I have to drive 1hr+ to get here, pay for toll and parking. This is the BEST library in NJ so far, much better facility/availability than other 7 public libraries that I visited in my area. This offers good business hours, nice furniture, no-fuss wifi, near-by coffee/lunch options. Recently they re-opened 2nd floor after the renovation, OMG, its so cool, clean, and comfortable. So many desks, variety of sitting options (chair, couch, sofa, nook)!! I wish you are closer to me but this is the BEST EVER. read more

I love this library. Great storytimes, chess club for kids, a whole floor dedicated to kids, a PLAYROOM, a teen area, fun community events, farmers market outside on Thursdays. This is the best library I've been to in the United States and I've lived all over. Real community feel here too. Love the cafe inside which serves GREAT food (but watery coffee....). We go here at least twice a week with the kiddos. read more