FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, January 30, 2022
CONTACT:
Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, Queens Public Library, ekern@queenslibrary.org
QPL Reopens Its Far Rockaway Teen Library Offering Resources and Support for Teens Disproportionately Impacted by the Pandemic
The Space Will Offer Expanded Teen-Friendly Programming, Including Podcast Production, DJing Classes and App Development Workshops
(Far Rockaway, NY – January 30, 2022) Queens Public Library today announced that it is reopening its Far Rockaway Teen Library, at 2002 Cornaga Avenue, on Monday, January 31 at 2:30PM.
The center, originally established in 2008, is designed exclusively for teens, many of whom have been experiencing unprecedented isolation since the beginning of the pandemic. It provides teens in Far Rockaway with dedicated space they can call their own, helping them explore their interests and learn outside of the classroom with their peers and trusted adults. It closed in March 2020, when QPL temporarily closed its physical locations to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The space will offer expanded teen-friendly programming, including a series of podcast production workshops and DJing classes, which will initially be offered virtually, until the Library resumes in-person programming. In the upcoming weeks, the Teen Library is also planning to launch an app development program.
The center has a dedicated homework space and computer area with free printing (up to 20 pages a day). It aims to stimulate creative thinking, encourage civic engagement and – with the guidance of youth counselors and teen librarians – helps teens explore their school and career options.
“Now more than ever, teens need an inclusive space where they can access a wealth of resources, feel comfortable and connect with other young people,” said Teen Center Site Coordinator, Eyitami Oyarijivbie. “We are very excited to welcome young people back to the Far Rockaway Teen Library and offer them a safe and inspiring environment.”
The Teen Library will continue to provide its robust virtual programming, including Youth Justice Court, workshops on subjects ranging from technology, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to creative arts and health and wellness, college readiness and job search resources, as well as a book club. It will also offer grab-and-go kits, containing items like craft supplies, bookmarks, and writing journals to engage teens in projects outside the Library.
Prior to the start of the pandemic, the Far Rockaway Teen Library served approximately 33,000 young adults a year.
The Far Rockaway Teen Library will be open Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6 PM.
As the center welcomes teens back to the building, QPL continues to follow COVID-19 protocols to protect its staff and customers. Teens will need a library card to enter the space and reserve a time slot to use gaming systems and computers. Reservations can be made starting on Monday, January 31 at 12PM. To make a reservation, go here or scan the below QR code (QR code will also be placed in library windows). Reservations can be made a week in advance for up to 45 minutes per activity. Walk-in reservations can be made at the main desk if slots are available.
The Far Rockaway Teen Library is adjacent to the Far Rockaway Swing Space, located at 1003 Beach 20th Street. The main Far Rockaway Library at 1637 Central Ave. is closed during the construction of a new building, tentatively expected to open to the public by the end of the year.
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About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. An independent, non-profit organization founded 125 years ago, QPL offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in multiple languages, technology and digital resources, and more than 80,000 educational, cultural, and civic programs annually. QPL consists of 66 locations across the borough, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology center, and two teen centers, and attracted more than 11 million visitors in 2019.