Try PencilWorks for a Day Before Choosing a Desk

PencilWorks, located at 61 Greenpoint Avenue, lets you try its coworking space for a day before you commit to anything long-term. With day passes currently starting from $28 on the official site, you can evaluate the work environment, amenities, and surrounding neighborhood firsthand.

This approach is especially useful since workspace needs vary so much person to person. By spending a day at PencilWorks, you can gauge everything from chair comfort to room availability—helping you decide if their dedicated desks (from $399 per month), offices (from $995), or other memberships are right for you. With every price subject to availability and updates, always check their site for the latest.

What Makes PencilWorks Unique

PencilWorks stands out by blending Brooklyn industrial history with flexible modern amenities. The building is part of the 1920s Eberhard Faber Pencil Company complex, an official city landmark according to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Today, it houses coworking desks, private furnished offices, commercial lofts, conference rooms (from $29.97/hr), and even virtual-office services (from $49.99/month)—all listed on the official page. Historic context gives the space visual character, but if accessibility or mobility is a concern, contact staff to clarify how vintage building features might affect your experience.

Amenities currently include both wired and wireless internet, multiple meeting and media rooms, reception and office services, on-site printing, daily housekeeping, and—if you opt for a full membership—24/7 workspace access. Public day-pass hours are listed as 9am–6pm, Monday to Friday. These details and pricing may change, so verify at pencilwork.com before you go.

Who a Test Day Suits Best

Trying a day at PencilWorks is worthwhile for freelancers, remote employees, small teams, and entrepreneurs who need reliable infrastructure before making a bigger financial commitment. A day pass is also useful for out-of-towners, those seeking a one-off productive day in Greenpoint, or even locals comparing coworking options in Brooklyn. Since the environment, guest policy, and membership benefits can shift, use your trial to ask about any specific requirements or concerns you have.

PencilWorks is near several Greenpoint transit options, including the G train, local buses, and the NYC ferry, which makes short and long commutes straightforward. The area is a hub of neighborhood cafés, restaurants, and small shops for taking breaks, all factors worth exploring during your test day.

How to Get the Most From Your Day Pass

1. Call Ahead (and Confirm Details)

Visit pencilwork.com or phone 646-396-3020 to book your day pass and ask about real-time availability, guest policies, changes to hours, and whether you can tour other workspaces. Confirm if printing or other services are included for day users.

2. Use Your Typical Work Setup

Bring your own laptop, headphones, and any devices or materials you routinely need. Test wired versus wireless internet speeds by uploading/downloading files, streaming meetings, and running the software you use at your busiest. Because Wi-Fi quality can vary by seat or room, move between spaces to assess signal consistency under actual workload.

3. Assess Desk, Chair, and Light

Sit at several desk types to check chair ergonomics, surface space, and available power outlets. How much natural light reaches work areas? Is there glare or need for shade? If you require standing desks or other specific setups, ask the staff about your options during the visit.

4. Check Meeting Room and Phone Booth Access

If you anticipate needing private or quiet spaces, consult with the onsite team about reserving meeting or media rooms. Room rates, included hours, and availability can change based on demand and membership tier. Some plans allow easier advance booking, but always verify what’s included for drop-in or day use.

5. Consider Noise, Privacy, and Guest Rules

Work at different times and in various zones to observe noise levels, foot traffic, and privacy. Ask about the current guest entry policy and if you can host clients or visitors on a day pass.

6. Test Printing and Housekeeping

If printing, scanning, or mail is essential, use these services the same way you would if you joined long-term. Confirm applicable limits or charges for one-day users.

7. Investigate After-Hours and Cancellation Policies

Although day passes have fixed hours, ask staff what’s required for after-hours or 24/7 access. Inquire about membership cancellation or upgrade policies, especially if you may need month-to-month flexibility in the future.

Neighborhood and Building Context

Greenpoint has grown as a creative and tech hub, with diverse dining and retail close to PencilWorks. The former Eberhard Faber complex adds architectural interest; however, building access and elevator details for those with mobility needs are best confirmed directly with the staff, as adaptations in older buildings can vary. If proximity to transit or specific local amenities (like restaurants or parking) matters, map your journey ahead of time and factor that into your assessment.

Before you go

PencilWorks offers a practical way to trial its space—a smart plan before locking in any monthly membership. Always check their official site or call for the latest information on availability, prices, amenities, access hours, room booking rules, and cancellation or upgrade options, as these can change over time. If evaluating a coworking space for your business or remote work needs, nothing substitutes for a real onsite test—so arrive prepared, run through your day-to-day tasks, and ask every question you can. That way, you can choose the workspace that truly fits your routine and priorities.