About Central Library

Central Library
May
21
2:30PM

Stained Glass Quilt Block Workshop

Artist Alacia Stubbs guides you in sewing a fabric block in the Stained Glass pattern that can be used as part of a quilt, pillow or wall hanging. All supplies, including a pre-cut fabric kit, will be provided. Kits are limited; preregistration is required.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this event. Please check back closer to the event date.

May
21
3:30PM

Homework Lab

Finish homework or work on a project at Homework Lab! Laptops will be available for use.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required
Additional Event Dates/Locations
This is a recurring event. If registration is required, you must register individually.

Additional Dates


May
21
4:30PM

Community Word Project

Children ages 8-12 will engage in activities that help them learn new words.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

More...
May
21
6:00PM

Create an Email Account

Learn how to set up (open) your own email account. Basic mouse and keyboarding skills are required. Preregistration is required by phone or in person at the Cyber Center Desk. For details, please call 718-990-0769.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this event. Please check back closer to the event date.

May
21
7:00PM

Small Business Workshop

Do you have an idea for a business? This workshop will teach you how to develop a business plan, create a demand for a product or service, set goals and objectives, create budgets and timelines, identify resources and prepare to open your "doors." Visit the Job Information Center or call 718-990-8625 for more information.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required
Additional Event Dates/Locations
This is a recurring event. If registration is required, you must register individually.

Additional Dates


May
22
9:30AM

Introduction to Emerging Technologies

Our tech experts will answer any questions you have about blogs, social media, smartphones, wikis and more. Students must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills. Preregistration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk or by calling 718-990-0769.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this event. Please check back closer to the event date.

May
22
10:00AM

Sewing Circle for Women (in Bengali)

Learn how to turn sewing skills into a career and earn money working for yourself. Bring your friends!


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required
Additional Event Dates/Locations
This is a recurring event. If registration is required, you must register individually.

Additional Dates


May
22
10:00AM

Job Search Strategies

Beginning a job search can be overwhelming. Prepare yourself for success! This workshop will cover what you need to get started, types of job search websites, how to safely find and apply for jobs online and appropriate ways to follow up after applying. Call 718-990-8625 for more information.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
22
1:00PM

Rally at City Hall

Tell your representatives in City Hall that you love libraries! Libraries need to be funded! Restore Queens Library's budget! Save library hours of service and save library jobs! We'll be on the steps of City Hall, Manhattan, at 1 pm.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
22
4:00PM

ShapeUp NYC: Aerobics for Adults

Keep that New Year's resolution with free weekly fitness classes through ShapeUp NYC. Aerobics for Adults provides a moderate workout that burns calories and improves cardiac function. Instructor: Danielle Howell. Space is limited. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required
Additional Event Dates/Locations
This is a recurring event. If registration is required, you must register individually.

Additional Dates


May
22
4:00PM

Deconstructed Book Recycling Bin Project

Spare the life of discarded picture books by turning them into useful, attractive recycling bins!
for teens


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
22
4:00PM

Book "Deconstruction" Recycle Bin Project

Let's recycle with creativity! We'll create a recycle bin out of hardcover books.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Online or by phone
Availability: 20 openings

May
22
4:00PM

"Rock Da Mic!" Poetry Slam with Shanelle Gabriel

Teens, it's time for you to rock the mic! In recognition of Hip Hop Awareness week, spoken word poet Shanelle Gabriel will host and perform at this slam poetry jam, and you and other poets are invited to grace the mic, too! Upon arrival, sign up to spit your piece.


Location: Central Library
Registration: By phone or in person

May
22
6:30PM

Online Job Applications

Learn how to navigate online job application websites. This workshop covers how to register and build an employment profile, apply for jobs and upload your resume. You need basic computer skills and an email account. Preregistration is required. Call 718-990-8625, visit the Job Information Center or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is now closed

May
22
7:00PM

New Food Terms

Lately, the terms organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, glycemic index, veganism, raw food, free-range and cage-free seem to be everywhere. What do they mean? What is the fuss all about? Learn more about these and other terms in this workshop presented by a registered dietician.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
23
9:00AM

Mock Interviews

It takes practice to perfect your interviewing skills. Mock interviews let you make mistakes before they count. In this workshop, you will learn how to prepare for your interview, successfully deal with difficult questions, and follow up properly after the interview. Space is limited. To schedule an appointment, call 718-990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center. Mock Interviews are held on the Main Floor of the Central Library, in the Job Information Center.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this event. Please check back closer to the event date.
Additional Event Dates/Locations
This is a recurring event. If registration is required, you must register individually.

Additional Dates


May
23
10:00AM

Google Docs

Learn about Google Docs, an online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor that lets you create, store and share documents and collaborate online in real time. Basic computer skills and a Gmail account are required. Call 718-990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center to preregister, or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is now closed

May
23
10:30AM

Toddler Learning Center

Children ages 18-36 months and their parent or adult caregivers interact while playing with toys and listening to a presenter speak on parenting topics. Preregesteration is required.


Location: Central Library
Registration: By phone or in person
Details: Customers are required to attend all sessions of this program. Registering for this event will reserve your spot for the entire program.
Central LibraryThu, May 30, 201310:30AM - 11:30AM

May
23
12:00PM

Codecademy Lab

Codecademy is a free, easy online learning platform you can use to teach yourself computer languages like Python, HTML, CSS and Ruby. Use lab time to practice coding and collaborate with other learners. Preregistration is required. Please call 718-990-8625, visit the Job Information Center, or register online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Online or by phone
Availability: 5 openings

May
23
3:30PM

Game On!

Children ages 8-12 play board games.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
23
4:00PM

Hip Hop Awareness: Graffiti In the Library!

Teens, join D-Cross in a brief history of the art of graffiti, then create your own graff masterpiece with materials we provide.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this event. Please check back closer to the event date.

May
23
4:30PM

Math Day

Children ages 8-12 participate in math activities.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
23
6:00PM

The Big Read: Film Screenings and Discussions

Not everyone predicts a rosy future. Join us for a screening and discussion of dystopian films, starting with Francois Truffaut's "Fahrenheit 451" on May 9, followed by "The Hunger Games" on May 16 and "The Time Machine" (1960) on May 23.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
23
6:30PM

Computers for Beginners (in Spanish)

In this workshop you will learn how to use a mouse and touchpad, navigate the desktop and use commands. Computer terminology will be translated into simple language you can easily understand. Preregistration is required. Please call 718-990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center, or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Online or by phone
Availability: 10 openings

May
24
9:30AM

Introduction to Email

In this introductory workshop, you will learn how to create an email account, log on, navigate your email account, send and receive messages and attach documents. Preregistration is required. Please call 718-990-8625, visit the Job Information Center or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is now closed

May
24
2:00PM

Open Lab

Need more time for your job search or to update your resume? Do you just want to brush up on Microsoft Office applications that you learned in class or practice Metrix Learning? Join us Every Monday and Friday in the Cyber Center Training Room from 2:00 to 5:00 pm for open lab practice. No registration necessary. For more information, visit the Job Information Center.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required
Additional Event Dates/Locations
This is a recurring event. If registration is required, you must register individually.

Additional Dates


May
24
3:30PM

Teen Movie Fridays at Central

Teens, join us every Friday to watch the latest movies.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required
Additional Event Dates/Locations
This is a recurring event. If registration is required, you must register individually.

Additional Dates


May
24
4:00PM

Breakdance Workshop with Kid Glyde

Breakdancing is one of the most exciting, high-energy Hip Hop dance forms ever. In recognition of Hip Hop Awareness Week, Kid Glyde will demonstrate his craft and teach teens basic techniques of breakdancing. Preregistration is required.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this event. Please check back closer to the event date.

May
24
4:30PM

Memorial Day Craft Program

Children ages 6-12 will learn about Memorial Day and make a craft to take home.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
24
4:30PM

Learn Arabic at Central

This course will introduce you to the basic vocabulary and grammar of Modern Standard Arabic. We will start with the Arabic alphabet and continue to phrases and complete sentences. The course will also explore many common phrases and terminologies used by Arabic speakers today.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Online or by phone
Availability: 11 openings
Additional Event Dates/Locations
This is a recurring event. If registration is required, you must register individually.

Additional Dates


May
25
9:30AM

Microsoft PowerPoint for Beginners

Learn the basics of Microsoft PowerPoint 2010. This workshop will cover how to create a slide presentation, add photos and images, and create handouts. Preregistration is required. Please call 718-990-8625, visit the Job Information Center or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is now closed

May
25
11:00AM

Saturday Science Lab

Explore our world with the Discovery Team! Elementary school age children investigate the workings of the world around them through hands-on explorations. Parents and other adult caregivers are encouraged to join us for family learning.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
25
2:00PM

Zumba Fitness Fun for Kids

Explore dance and movement to the sound of international music with Lauren Singer! Zumba steps will be simplified for children ages 4-7, who should wear comfortable shoes and bring a towel and a bottle of water. Space is limited and available first come, first served.


Location: Central Library
Registration: By phone or in person

May
25
2:00PM

Intermediate Microsoft PowerPoint

Learn how to customize your PowerPoint presentation. In this workshop, you will learn how to create slide animations and transitions, insert text boxes, change themes and colors and insert tables, shapes and charts. Please call 718-990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center to preregister, or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is now closed

May
25
3:30PM

Pigeon's Birthday Party

Pigeon, the star of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" and other picture books by Mo Willems, just turned 10 years old. Let's celebrate with stories, games and a craft for children in grades K-3!


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
25
4:00PM

Hip Hop Appreciation with Hip Hop Book Club

Join Queens Library and the Hip Hop Book Club for a journey down memory lane in this Hip Hop appreciation celebration. We will hear from Kid Lucky, a hip hop vocalist and creator of beat rhyming, a style that combines beatboxing and word rhyming.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
26
2:00PM

Sunday Movies at Central: "Skyfall"

Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. When MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem; Columbia Pictures; directed by Sam Mendes; rated PG-13; 143 minutes; 2012


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
28
11:00AM

Rally at Central

Do you love your library? Join us in standing up against proposed budget cuts.
Proposed budget cuts are threatening Library service in this community.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
28
11:00AM

Central Rally with Local 1321

Join Local 1321, library staff and library lovers to advocate on behalf of Queens Library. We must see the proposed budget cuts restored to save jobs and service hours.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
28
6:00PM

Internet for Beginners

In this single-session workshop, participants will learn how to search the web for reliable resources and how to navigate a website. Basic mouse and keyboarding skills are necessary. Preregistration is required by phone or in person at the Cyber Center Desk. For details, please call 718-990-0769.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this event. Please check back closer to the event date.

May
29
9:30AM

Email for Beginners

Learn how to send and receive emails and get a general overview of email etiquette. Students must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills. Preregistration is required by phone by calling 718-990-0769 or in person at the Cyber Center Desk.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is not yet open for this event. Please check back closer to the event date.

May
29
10:00AM

Resumes and Cover Letters

Do your resume and cover letter stand out from the crowd? Make them the best they can be. This workshop will cover how to get started, types of resumes, what to include and exclude, and tips for making your resume and cover letter stronger. Visit the Job Information Center or call 718-990-8625 for more information.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
29
4:00PM

Quilting Club

Share and learn at the Quilting Club for teens.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
29
4:30PM

Science Program

Children ages 8-12 engage in science activities.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

May
29
6:30PM

LinkedIn for Beginners

Social networking site LinkedIn allows you to manage your professional identity, build and engage with your professional network and access knowledge, insights and opportunities. In this workshop you will learn how to use LinkedIn to look for employment, network, and keep up with colleagues. Basic computer skills and knowledge of the Internet are required. To preregister call 718-990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center, or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Registration is now closed

May
30
10:00AM

Introduction to Pinterest

Pinterest is a popular site that lets you save and categorize images and links on a virtual pinboard for personal or professional use. Learn more about it in this introductory workshop. You must have basic computer and Internet skills. Call 718-990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center to preregister, or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Online or by phone
Availability: 5 openings

May
30
12:00PM

Codecademy Lab

Codecademy is a free, easy online learning platform you can use to teach yourself computer languages like Python, HTML, CSS and Ruby. Use lab time to practice coding and collaborate with other learners. Preregistration is required. Please call 718-990-8625, visit the Job Information Center or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Online or by phone
Availability: 9 openings

May
31
9:30AM

Introduction to the Internet

After this workshop, you will be able to take advantage of everything the Internet has to offer. You will learn the basics of the Internet, how to search for and browse websites and how to navigate the Internet safely. Please call 718-990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center to preregister, or preregister online.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Online or by phone
Availability: 4 openings

May
31
4:00PM

Film: "The Dhamma Brothers"

This feature-length documentary follows the stories of a group of Alabama state penitentiary inmates who volunteer to participate in an intensive Buddhist meditation program. It addresses issues of civil rights, the American penal system, the possibility of rehabilitation and religious tolerance, and aligns with educational standards in social studies, psychology, sociology, comparative religion and more.


Location: Central Library
Registration: Not required

Free computer access is available at all the libraries.

The Central Library in Jamaica has:

  • 78 public computers in the Cyber Center
  • 1 computer for catalog and database access
  • 18 computers in the Children's Library Discovery Center for children 12 and under
  • 4 computers just for toddlers
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Limited free printing

Queens Library Public Internet Use Policy.

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The Central Library @ Queens Library contains nearly one million volumes of materials in comprehensive subject collections, and more than 800 titles of academic and professional journals and magazines, as well as professional indices and abstracts. For more information, see:

What does a Friends Group do?
Friends of Library - Central Library Chapter. Contact Community Library Manager at (718) 990-0700 or Office of Government and Community Affairs (GCA) at (718) 990-0817 if you are interested in joining.

Child Care / Preschools
Community Board
Community Organizations & Services
Fire Department
Local Hospitals
Local Newspapers
Parks and Playgrounds
Police Department
Post Office
Private / Parochial Schools
Public Elementary Schools
Public High Schools
Senior Centers
Elected Officials
History
Special Services

Child Care / Preschools
A Special Place for Kids
89-14 163rd St
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 739-1601
Afro American Parents Day Care Center Incorporated
117-16 Sutphin Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11434
phone: (718) 322-2030
All My Children Day Care
175-44 Mayfield Rd
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 658-1563
All Our Children Family Daycare
148-07 111th Ave
Jamaica NY , 11435
phone: (718) 739-5930
Early Sunrise Daycare
187-08 Hillside Ave
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 736-9064
Head Start
161-06 89th Ave
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 523-1888
Kids Circle Daycare
164-04 Goethals Ave
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 380-1280
Queens Child Guidance Center
161-06 89th Ave
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 558-8657
Sensational Kids Incorporated
176-21 Wexford Terrace
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 883-0851
Allen Christian Pre-School
114-32 Merrick Blvd.
Jamaica NY , 11434
Gil-Blu Nursery - Kindergarten
120-02 Merrick Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11434
Kids Porta Bright Horizon Center
Bldg 350 JFK Airport
Jamaica NY , 11430
Little Flowers Early Childhood
23410 Merrick Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11422
Rochdale Village Nursery & Kindergarten
170-30 130th Ave
Jamaica NY , 11434
Treehouse Day Nursery
168-40 127 Ave
Jamaica NY , 11434

Community Board
Community Board District #12
90-28 161st Street
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 658-3308
fax: (718) 739-6997
  

Community Organizations & Services
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
90-04 161st Street
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 291-0282
fax: (718) 658-1405
Jamaica Chamber of Commerce
90-25 161st Street, Suite 505
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 657-4800
Jamaica Business Development Center
90-33 160th Street
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 206-2255
fax: (718) 206-3693
Community Mediation Group
89-64 163rd Street
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 523-6868
BFFY Jamaica Family Youth Center
90-11 160th St
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 526-5151
Jamaica Center for the Arts and Learning
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 658-7400
fax:
York College Performing Arts Center
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 262-3750
fax:
King Manor Museum
King Park, 153rd Street and Jamaica Ave.
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 206-0545
fax: (718) 206-0541
Afrikan Poetry Theatre
176-03 Jamaica Ave.
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 523-3312
fax:
Black Spectrum TheatreRoy Wilkens Park
177th St. & Baisley Blvd.
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 723-1800
fax:
Chung-Cheng Art Gallery St. John's University Visual Arts
Sun Yat Sen Hall
Jamaica NY , 11439
phone: (718) 990-6583
fax: (718) 990-1881
 

Fire Department
Engine 275, Battalion 50:
111-36 Merrick Blvd.
Engine 298, Battalion 50:
153-11 Hillside Ave.
Engine 315, Battalion 50:
Engine 315, Battalion 50:
Engine 315, Ladder 125, Battalion 50:
159-06 Union Tpke.
Ladder 127, Battalion 50:
153-11 Hillside Ave.
 

Local Hospitals
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
8900 Van Wyck Expressway
Jamaica NY , 11418
phone: (718) 206-6000
Queens Hospital Center
82-70 One Hundred Sixty-Fourth Street
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 883-3000
 

Local Newspapers
Jamaica Times
Queens Chronicle
Queens Tribune

Parks and Playgrounds
Rufus King Park
Jamaica Avenue from 150th to 153rd Street
Major Mark Park
Hillside Avenue, from 173rd to 175th Street
Captain Tilly Memorial Park
Bordered by Highland Ave, Upland Pkwy, Gothic Pkwy
Harvard Playground
179th Place, north of Jamaica Ave
  

Police Department
103rd Precinct
168-02 Police Officer Edward Byrne Avenue
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 657-8181
  

Post Office
Jamaica Post Office
88-40 164th Street
Jamaica NY , 11432-9997
phone: (718) 990-1090
  

Private / Parochial Schools
Allen Christian School
171-10 Linden Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11434
Archbisop Molloy High School
83-53 Manton Street
Jamaica NY , 11435
Bethel Mission Junior Academy
10615 154th St
Jamaica NY , 11433
Ideal Montessori School
87-41 165th St
Jamaica NY , 11432
Immaculate Conception School
179-14 Dalny Road
Jamaica NY , 11432
Jamaica Day School of St Demet
84 35 152nd St
Jamaica NY , 11432
Jamaica Montessori
90-01 Merrick Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11432
Jamaica Seventh-day Adventist Busy Bee Learning
88-28 163rd St
Jamaica NY , 11432
New Dawn Elementary School
90-34 161st Street
Jamaica NY , 11432
Nativity B V M School
92nd St & Rockaway Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11416
St Clement Pope School
120-27 141st Street
Jamaica NY , 11436
St Peter Claver School
149-18 Jamaica Ave
Jamaica NY , 11435
St Nicholas of Tolentine School
80-22 Parsons Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11432-1096
The Mary Louis Academy
176-21 Wexford Terrace
Jamaica NY , 11432
United Nations International School
173-53 Croydon Road
Jamaica NY , 11432

Public Elementary Schools
PS 086 Queens (Q086)
87-41 Parsons Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 291-6264
fax: (718) 297-0298
PS 131 Abigail Adams (Q131)
170-45 84 Avenue
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 739-4229
fax: (718) 658-5690
PS 095 Eastwood (Q095)
179-01 90 Avenue
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 739-0007
fax: (718) 658-5271

Public High Schools
Hillcrest High School (Q505)
160-05 Highland Avenue
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 658-5407
fax: (718) 739-5137
Jamaica High School (Q470)
167-01 Gothic Drive
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 739-5942
fax: (718) 739-4826
Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School (Q620)
165-65 84th Avenue
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 297-6580
fax: (718) 658-0365
Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School (Q680)
60-20 Goethals Avenue
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 969-3115
fax: (718) 969-3552
  

Senior Centers
Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults, Inc.
162-04 Jamaica Ave.,
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 657-6500
fax: (718) 523-7746
Robert Couche Senior Center
137-57 Farmers Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11434
phone: (718) 978-8352
Senior Citizens Center
123-10 143rd St
Jamaica NY , 11436
phone: (718) 657-6500
Senior Citizens Center
166-01 Linden Blvd
Jamaica NY , 11434
phone: (718) 658-0980
  

Elected Officials
NYC Council
Leroy Comrie
comrie@council.nyc.ny.us
District Office 113-43 Farmers Blvd.
Saint Albans NY , 11412
phone: (718) 776-3700
fax: (718) 776-3798
Manhattan Office 250 Broadway, Suite 1865
New York NY , 10007
phone: (212) 788-7084
fax: (212) 788-7093
NYS Assembly
William Scarborough
District Office 114-52A Merrick Blvd.
St. Albans NY , 11434
phone: (718) 657-5312
Albany OfficeLOB 622
Albany NY, 12248
phone: (518) 455-4451
NYS Senate
Shirley Huntley
shuntley@senate.state.ny.us
District Office Address161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 504
Jamaica NY , 11432
phone: (718) 523-3069
fax: (718) 523-3670
Albany OfficeRoom 609, Legislative Office Building
Albany NY , 12247
phone: (518) 455-3531
fax: (518) 426-6859
NYS Senate
Malcolm A. Smith
District Office205-19 Linden Blvd
St. Albans NY , 11412
phone: (718) 528-4290
fax: (718) 528-4898
Albany Office909 Legislative Office Building
Albany 11412
phone: (718) 528-4290
fax: (718) 528-4898

History

Community History

 

Jamaica was a former town and capital of Queens County. The first European settlers were probably New Englanders from Hempstead. They were granted a patent by Peter Stuyvesant, governor of New Netherland, on March 21, 1656. The settlement was initially called Rusdorf. After the English conquest in 1664 the name was changed to Jameco, after the Indians who were the earliest inhabitants of the area. In 1680, the present name was adopted.

On May 17, 1686, New York governor Thomas Dongan issued a charter to the landowners of Jamaica. The Dongan Charter consolidated the various hamlets into the town of Jamaica and set its boundaries. (The Dongan Charter is on display in the Long Island Division of the Central Library.)

In 1702 Jamaica briefly served as the capital of the New York Colony during a Yellow Fever outbreak in Manhattan.

Important to the history of Jamaica is Prospect Cemetery. The cemetery, which is the oldest cemetery in Queens, dates back to 1668 and includes the graves of some of the earliest inhabitants of Jamaica.

Two of Jamaica’s important landmarks are King Manor and Grace Episcopal Church. King Manor is named after Rufus King, a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress, one of the two first New York Senators to Congress, a diplomat, and anti-slavery advocate. Grace Church was founded in 1702 and served as the official church of the British colonial government during the Revolutionary War. Rufus King is among those buried in the Church’s graveyard.

In 1898 Queens became part of the City of New York of which Jamaica was the county seat.

Jamaica owes its strength as a major shopping area to transportation. Jamaica Avenue was once a toll road between the ferry in Brooklyn and Hempstead. The Long Island Rail Road in Jamaica developed into a major hub. King Kullen, the first self service supermarket in the U.S., opened on Jamaica Avenue in 1930. In the 1960s, interest in Jamaica as a major shopping district began to decline. However, in recent years there has been a coordinated effort, through the work of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, to revitalize Jamaica.

Library History

The first Central Library was located on Parsons Boulevard. It opened in 1930 and was expanded with WPA funds in 1941. The current building on Merrick Boulevard was dedicated on April 11, 1966. The new building was the result of the unwavering efforts of Library Director Harold Tucker. It was designed by the architects York & Sawyer, Kiff, Colean, Voss and Souder. The new Central Library was the first major branch of an urban library to place all public services on one floor. The library cost $5,700,000 and contained 195,000 square feet of floor space. The library was renovated and expanded in 1989. Additional renovation and expansion has begun and is expected to be completed in the next few years, and will include the new Children’s Library and Discovery Center.

The Queens Library’s online catalog, InfoLinQ (Information online at Queens Library) was unveiled at the Central Library in October 1993. In January 1999 the Cyber Center opened at the Central Library. The Cyber Center has 48 computers for customer use, allowing access to the Internet and word processing. The Cyber Center, along with additional computers in the library, has helped to close the gap between the technology “haves” and “have-nots.”

Bibliography

“Libraries” by Phyllis Dan in The Encyclopedia of New York City.
Lighting the Way: The Centennial History of the Queens Borough Public Library 1896-1996 by Jeffrey A. Kroessler.

Suggested Reading on Jamaica’s History (available at the Central Library)

“Jamaica” by Vincent Seyfried in The Encyclopedia of New York City.
The Origin and History of Grace Church, Jamaica, New York by Horatio Oliver Ladd.
Recollections of Old Jamaica: 1655-1887.
Records of the Town of Jamaica Long Island: 1656-1751 edited by Josephine C. Frost.

Queens Poet Laureate 2007 – 2010

The Queens Borough President’s Office has announced the Fourth Poet Laureate to serve from 2007 to 2010:

Julio Marzan
Queens Poet Laureate

An honorary position, the Queens Poet Laureate promotes an appreciation of poetry throughout the borough and writes poetry that is inspired by, or relate to, the borough of Queens.

To learn more about the Queens Poet Laureate, go to http://www.queensbp.org/content_web/cultural_affairs
/cultural_poet2007.shtml

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