Detailed Latest News


	Broad Channel Reopening Celebration Queens Library at Broad Channel, one of four Queens Libraries significantly damaged by Hurricane Sandy, has reopened for public service. The library took in 1.5-to-2 feet of storm surge and suffered $940,000 in damage in the storm, including the loss of more than 16,000 books and other library items. Thanks to very expedient work by the NYC Department Design and Construction, it is, once again, serving the community. All from the community are invited to attend our reopening celebration, at the library, on Wednesday, March 6, at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Government & Community Affairs at 718-990-0817. Queens Library Broad Channel 16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard Train: A, S Bus: Q21, Q53 TO DONATE: www.queenslibraryfoundation.org or 718-480-4273.
	Kew Gardens Hills Closure for Expansion Queens Library at Kew Gardens Hills will close for expansion at the end of business on Friday, February, 22, 2013. A temporary library will open in mid-March 2013, at 71-34 Main Street, providing continual service during the expansion of the main facility. Library customers are also invited to use any of Queens Library's other locations. The nearest are Queens Library at Hillcrest, at 187-05 Union Turnpike; Queens Library at Briarwood, at 85-12 Main Street; and Queens Library at Pomonok, at 158-21 Jewel Avenue. All three of these libraries accept returns 24/7. When the library re-opens in 2015, it will feature an additional 3,000 sq. ft. of library space including expanded space for adults, teens and children. It will have double the number of public-use computers, fast RFID-powered self-checkout, 24/7 self-checkin and a larger meeting room. A new, design award-winning entry and building profile will encompass an energy-saving green roof. It will be eligible for LEED Silver certification. The building will be fully handicap accessible. It was designed by WORK Architects. A ground-breaking ceremony will be held in March, 2013. Queens Library joins the community in thanking Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall, New York City Council Member James Gennaro, New York State Assembly Member Michael Simanowitz and New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky for funding this expansion of Queens Library at Kew Gardens Hills.
	Central Library Renovations We’re excited to unveil a renovated section of Queens Library at Central: It features artwork and archival photos celebrating the rich culture of Queens; stacks and stacks of your soon-to-be favorite books; an expansive collection of DVDs, CDs, and music scores; a large job information center; a consumer health area; a quiet room perfect for studying; comfortable furniture and a beautiful décor—after all, a library serves as a second home for the whole community. Occupying the whole north side of Central Library, this vibrant space, the second phase of four phases of planned renovations, is now welcoming customers. Other features: An expanded media center Self check-in stations Automated returned-book/media sorting; materials will be back on the shelves in record time New general reference area, plus specialized job information and health reference areas A quiet room Stacks in Dewey order so materials are easier to find Construction is being done in phases so the library can continue public service throughout the renovations. Phases III and IV are projected to be completed in 2014 and include the following: New entrance New Customer Service desks and self check-out Café and gift shop in the “plaza” area where library customers will read and relax New teen areas with separate study and creative areas, along with quiet and program rooms Phase I, already completed, brought these new improvements to the library: New ADA-compliant bathrooms A state-of-the-art Cyber Center (approximately 70 workstations + 30 workstations for training and programs) Electronic scheduling for computer use Check out more photos of the newly renovated section of Queens Library at Central.
	Bayside Closure for Renovations Queens Library at Bayside will close at the end of the day on Saturday, December 29, for renovations. Re-opening is expected in the summer of 2013. A mobile library will provide limited service Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 718-229-1834 for the most up-to-date information. The renovations will include a complete interior makeover. New features include fast self-service check out and 24/7 check in of materials; separate areas for teens, adults and children; a bright, new décor; full handicap accessibility. The library is 10,300 sq. feet and was built in 1965. It is one of the more heavily used libraries Queens. During construction, customers are invited to use the mobile library which will park in front of the library or any of Queens Library’s other locations. The closest are Queens Library at East Flushing, at 196-36 Northern Boulevard, and Queens Library at Douglaston/Little Neck, at 249-01 Northern Boulevard. See our system-wide schedule for more information and to search for a location nearest you. Thank you Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall, The Queens Delegation to the New York State Senate and Assembly and The Queens Delegation to the New York City Council for funding the renovation of Queens Library at Bayside.
	Rockaway Outreach After Sandy "The Rockaways still look like ghost towns. But the community libraries are there," writes the New York Times, in "Despite Ruin, Library Offers Books and Community." "Days after the storm laid waste to four Queens Borough Public Library branches in the Rockaways, a colorful mobile library bus has hummed just outside its former location on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, offering warmth, power outlets, emergency information and books..." Continue reading to learn more about our Sandy relief efforts in the hardest-hit parts of Queens and New York City.

Broad Channel Reopening Celebration

Queens Library at Broad Channel, one of four Queens Libraries significantly damaged by Hurricane Sandy, has reopened for public service. The library took in 1.5-to-2 feet of storm surge and suffered $940,000 in damage in the storm, including the loss of more than 16,000 books and other library items. Thanks to very expedient work by the NYC Department Design and Construction, it is, once again, serving the community.

All from the community are invited to attend our reopening celebration, at the library, on Wednesday, March 6, at 11 a.m.

For more information, contact Government & Community Affairs at 718-990-0817.

Queens Library Broad Channel
16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard
Train: A, S
Bus: Q21, Q53

TO DONATE:
www.queenslibraryfoundation.org or 718-480-4273.

Kew Gardens Hills Closure for Expansion

Queens Library at Kew Gardens Hills will close for expansion at the end of business on Friday, February, 22, 2013. A temporary library will open in mid-March 2013, at 71-34 Main Street, providing continual service during the expansion of the main facility. Library customers are also invited to use any of Queens Library's other locations. The nearest are Queens Library at Hillcrest, at 187-05 Union Turnpike; Queens Library at Briarwood, at 85-12 Main Street; and Queens Library at Pomonok, at 158-21 Jewel Avenue. All three of these libraries accept returns 24/7.

When the library re-opens in 2015, it will feature an additional 3,000 sq. ft. of library space including expanded space for adults, teens and children. It will have double the number of public-use computers, fast RFID-powered self-checkout, 24/7 self-checkin and a larger meeting room. A new, design award-winning entry and building profile will encompass an energy-saving green roof. It will be eligible for LEED Silver certification. The building will be fully handicap accessible. It was designed by WORK Architects. A ground-breaking ceremony will be held in March, 2013.

Queens Library joins the community in thanking Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall, New York City Council Member James Gennaro, New York State Assembly Member Michael Simanowitz and New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky for funding this expansion of Queens Library at Kew Gardens Hills.

Central Library Renovations

We’re excited to unveil a renovated section of Queens Library at Central: It features artwork and archival photos celebrating the rich culture of Queens; stacks and stacks of your soon-to-be favorite books; an expansive collection of DVDs, CDs, and music scores; a large job information center; a consumer health area; a quiet room perfect for studying; comfortable furniture and a beautiful décor—after all, a library serves as a second home for the whole community.

Occupying the whole north side of Central Library, this vibrant space, the second phase of four phases of planned renovations, is now welcoming customers. Other features:

An expanded media center
Self check-in stations
Automated returned-book/media sorting; materials will be back on the shelves in record time
New general reference area, plus specialized job information and health reference areas
A quiet room
Stacks in Dewey order so materials are easier to find

Construction is being done in phases so the library can continue public service throughout the renovations. Phases III and IV are projected to be completed in 2014 and include the following:

New entrance
New Customer Service desks and self check-out
Café and gift shop in the “plaza” area where library customers will read and relax
New teen areas with separate study and creative areas, along with quiet and program rooms

Phase I, already completed, brought these new improvements to the library:

New ADA-compliant bathrooms
A state-of-the-art Cyber Center (approximately 70 workstations
+ 30 workstations for training and programs)
Electronic scheduling for computer use

Check out more photos of the newly renovated section of Queens Library at Central.

Bayside Closure for Renovations

Queens Library at Bayside will close at the end of the day on Saturday, December 29, for renovations. Re-opening is expected in the summer of 2013. A mobile library will provide limited service Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 718-229-1834 for the most up-to-date information.

The renovations will include a complete interior makeover. New features include fast self-service check out and 24/7 check in of materials; separate areas for teens, adults and children; a bright, new décor; full handicap accessibility. The library is 10,300 sq. feet and was built in 1965. It is one of the more heavily used libraries Queens.

During construction, customers are invited to use the mobile library which will park in front of the library or any of Queens Library’s other locations. The closest are Queens Library at East Flushing, at 196-36 Northern Boulevard, and Queens Library at Douglaston/Little Neck, at 249-01 Northern Boulevard. See our system-wide schedule for more information and to search for a location nearest you.

Thank you Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall, The Queens Delegation to the New York State Senate and Assembly and The Queens Delegation to the New York City Council for funding the renovation of Queens Library at Bayside.

Rockaway Outreach After Sandy

Queens Library at Peninsula "The Rockaways still look like ghost towns. But the community libraries are there," writes the New York Times, in "Despite Ruin, Library Offers Books and Community."

"Days after the storm laid waste to four Queens Borough Public Library branches in the Rockaways, a colorful mobile library bus has hummed just outside its former location on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, offering warmth, power outlets, emergency information and books..."

Continue reading to learn more about our Sandy relief efforts in the hardest-hit parts of Queens and New York City.