Questions? Call the NYC Library

917-275-6975.  That is the number of their reference desk where people are available to answer your questions.  If they can’t find the answer in five minutes they will direct you to other resources that might be able to help. You can also contact them over chat or email from this page. I’d suggest adding the number to your cell phone so it is handy when the need arises.

Laptop Unfriendly Library

I went to a library today to do some research and some writing on my laptop.  The internet browsing library informed me that I wasn’t allowed to plug my computer in to the outlet.  I asked why and he said it was “library policy”.  This wasn’t an answer–he was just being redundant.  I prodded a bit more and found him even less helpful–probably because I was infringing on his valuable web surfing activities.  I gave up and just used my battery.

Most libraries are trying to redesign themselves to attract people.  I’ve been to some where they added rows and rows of tables with Ethernet and power jacks for people with laptops. This one seems to be concerned that patrons might actually come to the library.  Has anyone else run into this at a library?