History

The Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City were the largest public housing development in the United States. It provides homes for more than 3000 families. Five of the six super-blocks were completed by October 25th 1940 and as rapidly as additional buildings became ready occupancy families were moved in.

The development, which covers 62 acres, is bounded by 40th avenue, 21st avenue, the East River, and Bridge Plaza North in Long Island City. A 15-acre park, developed by the New York City Park Department, was also included. Originally estimated to cost over $16,000,000 the cost was cut to an estimated $13,936,686. Development included 600 more apartments that have been planned originally.

Queensbridge Branch is one of the smallest of the branches in the Queens Public Library system. It is uniquely located in the center of a development that once was the largest Federal Housing Project in the nation. Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia attended the opening on October 26, 1939. Queensbridge has been in operation as a branch since 1948.