Carteret Public Library

I visited this library at 6:45pm, there closing hours that day were at 7pm. At 6:48pm one of the librarian came to inform me that they will be closing in five minutes. I then hurry to get the book I need for my kid. As I’m checking out my book I asked a simple question which warrant one the librarian to tell me “I can come back tomorrow and ask that question” at 6:54pm. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit during the day today, but their services were outright rude, and unacceptable!!!!

Never had a problem at this library before until today. Kicked out, threatened and had 3 cop cars called on us just because we asked why out of all the people wearing hoodies was I the only one forced to leave along with the people i came with? Since when do libraries not allow hoodies? Or what about when someone wears a hijab are they going to get kicked out too? Then when we asked for proof of such rule they mention the 3 cop cars coming to escort us out. I always wore my hoodie inside and NONE of the staff ever had a problem with it, i WASN’T the only one either on this specific occasion and it was ONLY when I brought up others in the building wearing a hoodie ONLY THEN they kicked out the other people. It’s sad to see all of this happen all because of a security guard fresh out the military on a power trip. I came in a group of 6 and none of us have ever had a problem until that new security started there

Security guard on a power trip. Told us we couldnt wear hoodies so we took it off we complied. After that we went to the study room which we were then kicked out of by him because it was reserved during that hour meanwhile it was empty. He was babbling about the Israel-Palestine conflict and saying he will attack anyone againts the USA and Israel loudly. He also was bragging about how he had just came back from the military. He then came up to me because he said I was staring at him while he was loudly making these statements and passively aggresively asked me if there was a problem. He kicked us out at the end with no justified reason. Its very scary for a person to make this types of statements specially in a public and in a safe space such as a library especially when that person has previous military experience which can harm someone.

Normally I don't do things like this, but on recent very warm day, I stopped in just to get a little air conditioning and rest a few minutes. Even though I was trying to be as nondescript as possible, I guess a few did notice my resting, and asked if I was alright. I don't know if it was staff or not, but I found the concern most commendable. Thank you very much.

This library has been my absolute sanctuary growing up. I would go straight after school and have to be kicked out because I’d rather be there than anywhere else. No longer visit as much cause I’ve moved but thank you, genuinely.

A nice library. Many books to choose from. Helpful people who work there.

Very good library with a very helpful staff! They have done great work to keep this place updated such as the new computer lab.

Best library around!!!
Super clean, quiet, and one of my favorite libraries to go to! Staff is super friendly too

What can I say about the Carteret Public Library? This place is just lovely. A cornerstone of our little town!

It is a VERY family oriented library. Excellent library for students to do their homework away from home. Very friendly an cordial staff.

Carteret Public Library has always been a superb resource for the community. Kids can have a safe and quiet place to study, use the internet and read a variety of books. The librarians are always so polite and helpful. I have always come here and will continue to keep using all the resources they have.

A pretty good library! They have a good collection of books and movies and the WiFi is pretty reliable. The seats are a bit on the hard side, which sends the wrong message, but it’s fine. It gets loud when the kids are let out from school and they come in to hang out. While I would rather the library set up daily activities of some kind to orient the kids, it’s better this than them going out onto the street and getting into trouble. The library is quite clean as well. The staff have always been nice, but firm (as any librarian should be!) and I’ve never seen any problems between them and patrons.