The Mid-Manhattan Library
I wanted to love this library, and I gave it the benefit of the doubt for the first ten times that I went there. The staff is capable, the selection of materials is enormous, and the location is great. All of that being said, I have come to hate this library for these three reasons.
1). Smelly homeless people.
2). Loud homeless people.
3). Snoring homeless people.
You can not escape the putrid smells no matter where you go in this library. The stairwells stink. The bathrooms stink (more than your average bathroom). And if you are lucky enough to find a seat that is not next to a smelly person, don't worry. One will sit next to you and rustle their plastic bags within fifteen minutes.
I am not here to address the problem with homelessness that our country is facing. But I will say that there must be better options to solve the problem other than turning libraries into homeless shelters.
