S. E. Hebert

Review of New Orleans Public Library

I like this library, but there are problems that m...

I like this library, but there are problems that make it difficult and unpleasant to use. It's large, good places to sit with natural light, and the selection in each type of media is the best. It is the main branch (next to city hall and the main post office) and because of that there is an obvious homeless population, which much energy and policies are directed against. Not blaiming the homeless, rather it's the staff that has become very callous and treat everyone poorly. There are excessive restrictions of all types and security guards everywhere; e.g., they limit any member of the public from bringing in more than one bag and certainly rolling bags because they look like suitcases. The parking is very limited and pay-to-park fees are huge, geared toward rich tourists and people who need to make short trips into city hall. In fact, now I will only ride my bike the 10 miles one-way, if I ever want to go. The other option is public transportation which is slow and costs money as well.

Like I said, I do like the branch but I dont use it as often as I would if these problems did not exist. And, most of all, the administration and staff are to be improved I believe.