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.