New York City is officially going through a heat wave, and Queens Public Library is here to help!
All open Queens Public Library locations except Kew Gardens Hills (72-33 Vleigh Place), Mitchell-Linden (31-32 Union Street), and Seaside (116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard) will operate as NYC Cooling Centers on Thursday, August 6 through Monday, August 10.
Public libraries in New York City serve as official Cooling Centers during a heat emergency. Cooling Centers are places where you can enjoy air-conditioned comfort. They are free and open to the public, even if you are not using their services.
NYC Emergency Management will let the public know when a heat emergency happens, such as an unusually hot day, or several hot days in a row.
If you don’t have air conditioning in your home or your apartment, if you are at risk for heat-related illness, or you just need a cool place to visit, come to your local QPL branch during their hours of operation for great books, programs, and more—and stay for the air conditioning!
Visit https://www.queenslibrary.org/about-us/locations for our hours of operation.
To check for any changes in the status of the air conditioning at your local library, please contact them directly.
If you need to find another Cooling Center closer to you, please call 311 or visit the NYC Cooling Centers webpage.
Extreme heat can be life-threatening! Visit nyc.gov/beattheheat to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a heat emergency.
Left to right: Chief Harry Wallace (Unkechaug Tribal Nation), DDC Commissioner Paul Ochoa, Community Board 11 District Manager Joe Marziliano, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Congressman Tom Suozzi, QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Council Member Vickie Paladino, Assembly Member Edward Braunstein, Chief Reggie Ceaser and Tecumseh Ceaser (Turkey Clan, Matinecock Tribal Nation) marked the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Douglaston-Little Neck Library (photo: Matthew Lapiska/DDC)
QPL, City Break Ground on $40 Million Project to Replace Douglaston-Little Neck Library
New Building Will Double Public Space and Include ‘Percent for Art’ Installation by Sculptor and Designer Misha Kahn
(Douglaston-Little Neck, NY – July 27, 2026) — Queens Public Library (QPL) President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott and New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Paul Ochoa today joined QPL and DDC staff, local elected officials and community members at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Douglaston-Little Neck Library at the site of the existing branch at 249-01 Northern Boulevard.
Managed by DDC on behalf of QPL, the $40.2 million project includes the demolition of the existing library and the design and construction of a new facility, which is currently expected to reopen in the summer of 2030.
"Today's groundbreaking marks a significant milestone for the Douglaston-Little Neck community,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Thoughtfully designed to meet residents’ evolving needs, the new library will double the amount of public space, with expanded indoor and outdoor areas for learning and gathering, state-of-the-art amenities, and sustainable features that reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship. Thanks to the great work of the Department of Design and Construction, this beautiful building will become a striking new addition to the neighborhood. We are deeply grateful to our current and former elected officials for the capital investment that is making this transformation possible. We look forward to welcoming the public to a new library that will inspire curiosity, bring people together, and create opportunities for generations to come.”
“We are proud to deliver a brand-new, visually stunning library that will double the public space of the Douglaston/Little Neck branch,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa. “The award-winning design for this library, which was possible through DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence Program, will include large glass windows for abundant natural light for readers. It will add gardens, green roof, solar panels and other sustainability features, which will allow for LEED Gold certification. We are thrilled to start construction for this striking, three-level library.”
An artist’s rendering of the new 12,000-square-foot Douglaston-Little Neck Library (BKSK Architects)
The existing library, which opened in 1962, will be replaced with a state-of-the-art, 12,000-square-foot facility featuring two stories plus a lower level, providing significantly more space for library services, educational programming and community gatherings.
Designed by BKSK Architects through DDC's Design and Construction Excellence Program, the project received the NYC Public Design Commission's Award for Excellence in Public Design in 2024.
The new library will feature dedicated spaces for adults, teens and children across three levels. The lower level will include a dedicated teen area and two meeting rooms. The ground floor will serve as the primary hub for adult collections and staff workspaces, while the second floor will feature a spacious children's reading room and an outdoor terrace with a garden designed with plants that attract migrating hummingbirds.
The library's entrance will move from Northern Boulevard to 249th Street, creating a more welcoming experience for visitors. Located on a prominent corner lot, the building is designed to engage the streetscape with an outdoor garden featuring landscaped seating along 249th Street. Together with a children's garden integrated into the sloping green roof on the second floor, these spaces will extend library programming outdoors.
A large transom ground-floor windows facing Northern Boulevard will bring abundant natural light into the building, creating bright, inviting spaces throughout. Two staircases and an elevator will connect all three floors. The main staircase will have a glass partition that will bring in even more daylight, as well as a modern and open experience for visitors as they travel up and down the building.
The project incorporates numerous sustainable design features, reflecting the library’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, including a green roof, rooftop solar panels, an all-electric mechanical system, high-performance building insulation, enhanced air filtration, and carefully designed daylighting to maximize natural light while minimizing glare. When completed, the building is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification for environmental sustainability.
The new library will feature an art installation commissioned by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) ‘Percent for Art’ program. Artist Misha Kahn’s “A Bit of Everything” was inspired by his childhood visits to his local public library, where unexpected books, stories and discoveries made the library a place of imagination, learning and community. The piece will consist of a collection of unique forms—some inspired by the Douglaston-Little Neck neighborhood—suspended within a stainless-steel framework. These elements include dumpling-shaped forms referencing the area's Asian communities, boulder figures inspired by the Matinecock tribe, and train track motifs reflecting the Long Island Rail Road, a defining neighborhood landmark. The artwork reflects the way libraries bring together people, ideas and information while offering endless opportunities for discovery.
The new library will offer 24 public computers and a collection of 26,000 books, periodicals and other materials in several languages.
The general contractor is Universal Construction Resources, NC.
The project was funded through capital investments from the Office of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Office of New York City Council Member Vickie Paladino, the Office of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., and the Office of New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.
"Libraries are among the most important investments we can make in our communities,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi. “At a time of increasing division and a lack of trusted sources of information, libraries and librarians play an increasingly important role in truth-telling and community building. Congratulations to Queens Public Library and everyone who helped make this exciting project possible. The new Douglaston-Little Neck Library will serve generations of families and strengthen this wonderful community for years to come."
"The families of Douglaston and Little Neck deserve a spectacular, state-of-the-art library to call their own, and that's exactly what they will be getting with the new building we are breaking ground on today," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "This new library will be a treasured community hub for many decades to come. Our libraries are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, so I am proud to have allocated more than $27 million to our borough's libraries during my time as Borough President, because it is critically important that every single library in our borough gets the investment it needs to best serve our families."
“This groundbreaking marks an exciting investment in our community,” said State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Libraries are no longer just places to take out and return a book. They have become vital hubs of community activity. The new library will nearly double the branch's public space, creating modern, welcoming areas for children, teens, and adults to learn, connect, and grow, while incorporating sustainable, energy-efficient design. I am proud to support this project and look forward to seeing this state-of-the-art facility serve as a lasting resource for generations to come. I thank Dennis Walcott and his team for their leadership.”
“Our Queens Public Libraries provide a wealth of vital services and programming to residents of all ages, serving as an important community hub of learning and activity,” said Assemblyman Ed Braunstein. “I’m thrilled that we are breaking ground on a brand new Douglaston-Little Neck Library and thank all of the stakeholders who made the project a reality. I look forward to cutting the ribbon and visiting the brand new building.”
“I am thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of the new Queens Public Library at Douglaston–Little Neck, an investment that will serve our community for generations to come,” said Councilwoman Vickie Paladino. “This beautiful new 12,000-square-foot library will nearly double the public space of the current branch, providing expanded areas for children, teens, and adults, modern meeting rooms, and a welcoming outdoor garden. Libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They are centers of learning, innovation, and connection. This exciting project will ensure that residents of all ages have access to a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs of our growing community. I look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our neighbors and partners as we break ground on a project that will strengthen Douglaston–Little Neck for decades to come.”
“I would like to congratulate the Queens Public Library and the NYC Department of Design and Construction on the groundbreaking for the new Douglaston-Little Neck Library,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “In my previous role, I was supportive of our libraries because of the amazing effect they have on providing an educational and safe environment for our children. As the DA, I know that public safety is about more than responding to crime; it's about investing in the institutions that bring people together. This new library branch reflects this shared commitment. I look forward to the grand opening!”
“Queens Community Board 11 has long supported the need for a physical reconstruction and update to the capabilities of the Douglaston/ Little Neck Library Branch of the Queens Public Library,” said Community Board 11 District Manager Joseph Marziliano. “Today, that effort becomes a reality with the help of the NYC Council, Queens Public Library, Department of Design and Construction, Borough President Richards, State Senator Stavisky and Mayor Mamdani. We look forward from this groundbreaking to a new era in literature access, programmatic resources, and community space for everyone in Northeast Queens.”
“Our libraries are important community hubs where New Yorkers can connect, learn, and participate more fully in our society,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vij. “Misha Kahn's 'A Bit of Everything' is both playful and profound, exploring the magic of libraries in a way that reflects the wider communities this new civic space will serve.”
Queens Public Library is now providing mobile library at the site on Fridays from 10 a.m. AM to 5 p.m. PM. Other nearby QPL locations include North Hills (57-04 Marathon Parkway); Bayside (214-20 Northern Boulevard); and Glen Oaks (256-04 Union Turnpike).
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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 in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology, and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology lab at the Queensbridge public housing complex, a community learning center at the Ravenswood public housing complex, and five teen centers. It also has five bookmobiles and two book bicycles.
About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager, providing New York’s diverse communities in all five boroughs with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains. To manage this $34 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience brings efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.
Contact:
QPL: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
DDC: Denisse Moreno, morenode@ddc.nyc.gov
From August 23 through August 29, visit any open Queens Public Library location for this year’s Back-to-School guide, fun giveaways, and more!
QPL is here to help with:
- Our Back-to-School guide with resources and guidance for kids, teens, and parents/caregivers—available for download here!
- Curated booklists for early readers, school-age children, and teens
- Fun events, backpack giveaways at select locations, and school supplies at all locations, while supplies last
- Kickoff to Kindergarten (K2K) and Toddler Learning Centers, starting in the Fall
- Specialized educational programs for kids and teens
State Senator John Liu Seals America 250 Time Capsule at Flushing Library
Time capsule will be on display for the next 50 years
Will be opened during America’s tricentennial in 2076
FLUSHING, NY - State Senator John Liu today sealed the America 250 Time Capsule at Flushing Library. The time capsule will remain on public display at the library for the next 50 years until it is opened on the nation’s tricentennial on July 4, 2076.
Senator Liu’s office organized the community time capsule project in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Over the last month, he asked the community to contribute their own messages, essays, photos, artwork, and other mementos that help tell the story of our time and reflect the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of New Yorkers for the future.
Included in the time capsule are the winning essays from Senator Liu’s America 250 Essay Contest, handwritten letters and messages collected at his America 250 celebration, family photographs, memorabilia and promotional materials from local businesses and community-based organizations, and even a New York Knicks championship pennant. Senator Liu also included his own letter and a book he wrote as a child when he was a fourth-grade student commemorating the nation’s bicentennial in 1976. Other contributions include symbols of the day, such as an iPhone and pennies.
Queens Public Library contributed several items reflecting its mission, including its special-edition Freedom to Read library card celebrating the freedom to read, learn and access information. QPL also added trading cards featuring its 66 library locations across Queens, along with commemorative cards marking this year's FIFA World Cup and America's 250th anniversary.
State Senator John Liu stated, “This time capsule captures the voices and messages of our generation along with inspiring messages of hope addressed to future generations. We received countless notes from parents to their children, messages from children to their future selves, and letters of hope addressed to the New Yorkers who will open this time capsule in 2076. While we don’t yet know what the future will bring, we know that these memories will endure, and we seal this time capsule with the hope that those who open it in 50 years will be similarly inspired by our optimism and shared humanity that continues to make America the greatest nation in history.”
Dennis M. Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Public Library, stated, “When this capsule is opened during our nation’s tricentennial in 2076, it will tell a compelling story of the remarkable diversity that defines our borough, reflecting the lives, hopes, and experiences of the people who helped shape this moment in its history. We are proud to take part in preserving these important memories and that Senator Liu has chosen Flushing Library as their home for the next 50 years.”
State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic stated, "As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, this time capsule captures a snapshot of who we are today and preserves it for future generations. I hope that, 50 years from now, those who open it will see a community that valued its history, celebrated its diversity, and came together to mark this historic milestone. This is quite a meaningful project.”
City Council Member Sandra Ung stated, "In 50 years, a new generation of Queens residents will open this time capsule and get a glimpse into the lives, hopes, and dreams of people today. Our nation's 250th anniversary is a time to reflect on our shared journey and the values that bring us together, but it's also a time to look forward and imagine the future we want to build. I’m happy to be part of this celebration of America and time capsule sealing."
State Senator Leroy Comrie stated, “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, it is important that we preserve the stories and experiences that define this moment in our nation’s history. The America 250 Community Time Capsule is a meaningful way to ensure future generations can reflect on the people, values and communities that helped shape our country. I am honored to be part of bringing this initiative to life and to give the people of Queens an opportunity to leave their mark on history. Together, we are preserving a legacy that will educate and inspire generations to come.”
City Comptroller Mark Levine stated, “America was founded with the foresight to allow future generations to mold its character, while relying on the framework the founders set forth of freedom, democracy, and unity behind those ideas. The sealing of this time capsule honors that forward-looking American tradition in the context of what those ideas mean to New Yorkers in 2026. This is a declaration that in Queens – the most diverse urban area in the world – we have a vision for the future of New York City and America which is rooted in progress, and the drive to deliver on that vision.”
The America 250 Time Capsule will be publicly displayed for the next 50 years at the Queens Library’s Flushing branch until July 4, 2076 when it will be opened during the nation’s tricentennial.
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Contact:
Soojin Choi - press@johnliusenate.com
Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska - ekern@queenslibrary.org
Queens has long been a place where the ideals of America come to life—more than 120 languages, countless traditions and perspectives, and the promise of opportunity for all.
As we mark 250 years of America’s independence, Queens Public Library will continue to be a place where you can learn, connect, and belong, and we can examine and create the American story of freedom together!
Explore our exciting America 250 programs, events, and resources—available to you all summer long!
America 250 Special Edition Trading Card
This year, we celebrated QPL's 130th anniversary with 67 unique trading cards that focus on each QPL location.
We have also created a special trading card in honor of 250 years of America’s independence!
The America 250 Special Edition Trading Card is available now at all QPL locations, while supplies last.
Learn More about our QPL 130 Trading Cards.
America 250: Queens Walks with Urban Archive
Discover the historical sites in Queens that are connected to the story of American Independence!
Explore these virtual walking tour maps created by our partners at Urban Archive.
Queens Walks: Newtown (the areas now known as Elmhurst and Long Island City)
The printable versions of these maps will be available at all QPL locations later this summer, so you can take these historic Queens Walks in person!
New Deal Art: WPA Prints from the QPL Archives
Did you know that Queens Public Library has an extensive collection of art from the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Art Project?
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was part of the New Deal series of programs launched by the federal government during the Great Depression to help revitalize the American economy, spirit, and way of life.
We're proud that QPL is home to many lithographs, drawings, prints, and other pieces of art created during the Federal Art Project, and you can explore them online here!
Before New York: A Traveling Pop-Up Exhibition
This exhibit created by the New York Botanical Garden will show us what our city looked like over 400 years ago, long before skyscrapers, sidewalks, and streets ever existed.
Dr. Eric Sanderson and his colleagues have spent 25 years researching the original landscape of New York City, and recreating it with panoramic images, digital soundscapes, and much more.
Dr. Sanderson will share the ecological history of Queens with us when Before New York arrives at Central Library this summer!
Our Before New York programs will include a community dialogue on Saturday, August 1st to explore how the landscape of Queens has changed over time; and a lecture by Dr. Sanderson on Wednesday, August 12.
Learn More about Before New York, which you can visit at Central Library in Jamaica from July 25-August 23.
America 250 Programs
Join us for QPL’s America 250 Programs for all ages, including arts and crafts, author talks, concerts, conversations, storytimes, and much more!
Here is a selection of our America 250 programs. Visit the QPL Calendar to see the full list!
Click on the links below for more information.
Summer at the Library: Middle School Maker Clubs: Writing Democracy (In-Person)
Wednesdays, August 5-26, 4pm
Lefferts Library
103-34 Lefferts Boulevard, Richmond Hill
Thursdays, August 6-27, 3:30pm
Bayside Library
214-20 Northern Boulevard
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New York Global Short Film Fest (In-Person)
Saturday, August 8, 11am
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
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America 250: Before New York: A Public Lecture on the Historical Ecology of Queens with Dr. Eric Sanderson (In-Person)
Wednesday, August 12, 5:30pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
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America 250: Richard Melnick, Author of Long Island City in 1776: The Revolution Comes to Queens (In-Person)
Thursday, August 20, 6:30pm
Woodside Library
54-22 Skillman Avenue
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America 250: The Future of Democracy: Conflict, Disagreement, and Civic Life (In-Person)
Thursday, September 3, 6pm
Ridgewood Library
20-12 Madison Street
America 250 Booklists
Check out our recommendations for all ages and enjoy these books that explore and celebrate America's 250th anniversary!
Queens Public Library Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Special Programs, Exhibits, and Virtual Walking Tours
QUEENS, NY_ As the nation marks 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States, Queens Public Library will celebrate this historic milestone throughout the summer with special programs and events, educational offerings, exhibits, and more.
“Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy, upholding the values reflected in the Declaration of Independence, and as our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, we are proud to offer opportunities for people of all ages to explore the many stories, perspectives, and experiences that have shaped our country,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Through exhibits, discussions, hands-on programs, and virtual tours, we invite our communities to reflect on our shared history, deepen their understanding of the past, and consider the ongoing pursuit of freedom and opportunity in America.”
As part of the celebration, Central Library (89-11 Merrick Blvd.) will host “America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration with King Manor Museum” on Wednesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. The program will explore the history of the American Revolution in New York City, what life was like in New York and Long Island during that time and what was at stake for the ordinary people caught in the conflict. Participants also will have the opportunity to try writing with quill and ink.
Central Library will also present Before New York, a traveling exhibit from the New York Botanical Garden, from July 25 to August 22. The exhibition reconstructs the natural landscape and Indigenous communities in New York City as they existed in September 1609, just before Henry Hudson arrived.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Central Library will present “America 250: Discovering the Ecological Stories Beneath our Neighborhoods” on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 12 p.m. Participants will explore how the Queens landscape has changed over time, how communities have shaped local ecology, and how residents can help create healthier environmental futures. Through digital exploration, storytelling, discussion, and the creation of seed balls using seeds and clay, attendees will connect with the ecological history of their neighborhoods and reflect on their own experiences living in New York City.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m., the Library will present “America 250: Revolutionary Medicine and the Founding Fathers: A Virtual Discussion.” This online talk with Professor Jeanne Abrams of the University of Denver will explore the medical practices, public health challenges, and personal health struggles that shaped the founding of the U.S. From smallpox to colonial remedies, this program examines the intersection of health, history, and the American Revolution. To attend, click here (Meeting ID: 829 3878 4436; Passcode: 365836).
QPL locations across the borough will be offering special storytimes and crafts such as flag painting, making hanging-star creations, and tall ship crafts. Teens can explore architectural history, from Native American dwellings to modern skyscrapers, and create a 3D timeline featuring structures from different eras. The program will be offered at Ridgewood Library (20-12 Madison Street) on Wednesday, July 8, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and at North Hills Library (57-04 Marathon Parkway) on Monday, July 13, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Young adults can also discover local scientific achievements and innovators during “America 250: Science Across America Teen Dialogue” at Hunters Point Library (47-40 Center Boulevard) on Saturday, July 11, from 3 to 4 p.m. The program features interactive activities exploring the past, present, and future of science, and highlights scientific work taking place in local communities.
Queens Name Explorer, an initiative featuring an interactive map with information about the people for whom public spaces and signs are named throughout Queens, will lead virtual walking tours showcasing historic sites across the borough, with highlights in Flushing, Jamaica, and Newtown (today known primarily as Elmhurst).
Beginning July 1, all QPL locations will distribute a special 250th anniversary trading card.
For a full lineup of QPL programs and events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, go here.
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 in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology, and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology lab at the Queensbridge public housing complex, a community learning center at the Ravenswood public housing complex, and five teen centers. It also has five bookmobiles and two book bicycles.
CONTACT: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
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Tuesday, June 23 is Primary Election Day!
Voters in New York City will help choose this fall's candidates for U.S. Congress, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Attorney General, State Comptroller, State Senate, and State Assembly.
Polls in NYC are open from 6am to 9pm. We're proud that several of our branches will serve as polling sites on Election Day.
Do you know where you should vote? Please visit https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692) (TTY-212-487-5496 for the hearing impaired) to confirm the correct location for you to vote.
If you’re not sure that you are registered to vote, you can check your status here or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692).
Make sure that your voice is heard. Make sure that you vote!
FAQs About NYC Voting
How can I check my registration status?
- Visit the NYC Board of Elections (BOE) registered voter search page.
- Call the BOE at 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692) (TTY-212-487-5496 for the hearing impaired).
How can I make a plan to vote?
To find your Election Day poll site, visit this webpage or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC.
If you have language or other access needs, know your rights. You have the right to bring an interpreter, or someone who will help you vote in general.
QPL Programs
Election Day Crafternoon
Tuesday, June 23, 3pm
North Forest Park Library
98-27 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills
More Election Resources
NYC Board of Elections: https://www.vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC
New York State Board of Elections: https://elections.ny.gov
NYC Votes: https://www.nycvotes.org
NYC Civic Engagement Commission: https://www.nyc.gov/site/civicengagement/our-programs/poll-site-language-access.page
League of Women Voters of the City of New York: https://linktr.ee/lwvnyc
GoVoteNYC Fund (The New York Community Trust): https://www.govotenyc.org
VOTE411: https://www.vote411.org
Disability Rights New York: Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access: https://www.drny.org/page/pa-for-voting-access-pava-26.html
Coalition for the Homeless: Voting Rights: https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/get-help/know-your-rights/voting-rights
New York State Board of Elections: Voting After Incarceration: https://elections.ny.gov/voting-after-incarceration
UPDATE 6/13: Congratulations to the 2025-2026 NBA Champions, the New York Knicks!
Whether you're a new fan or a die-hard for decades, the Let's Go Knicks! Book List—available to cardholders at Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and The New York Public Library with no wait times—will elevate your appreciation of basketball's history and cultural significance, with an emphasis on the stories and key figures of the legendary Knickerbockers.
Through the end of June, anyone with a validated library card at Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and/or The New York Public Library can borrow these eBooks and eAudiobooks for up to three weeks from checkout. Start reading them on your favorite device with Libby.
Go New York Go New York Go!
Get a Library Card
Don’t have a library card? Any New Yorker can get a free library card almost instantly by applying online, or by getting a physical card at their local branch. Pick your library system below, or join all three!
Queens Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library
The New York Public Library
Explore the Let’s Go Knicks! Book List
Start reading these titles on your favorite device, using your QPL, BPL, or NYPL library card, with Libby—no wait times.
Let's Go, Knicks! Book List for Brooklyn Public Library users
Let's Go, Knicks! Book List for New York Public Library users
Adults & Teens
Basketball (And Other Things): A Collection of Questions Asked, Answered, Illustrated
by Shea Serrano; illustrated by Arturo Torres
Basketball (And Other Things) is an essential book for anyone who has spent sleepless nights debating the great moments of basketball. It presents a series of questions—as fundamental as they are hilarious—from NBA history, offering arguments and answers, all told with intelligence and humor.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook │ eAudiobook
Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography
by Nathaniel S. Butler with Dave McMenamin
As one of the NBA's premier photographers, Nathaniel S. Butler has shot it all. This spectacular photographic collection, with commentary from basketball legends across generations, is an insider look at the NBA and the man whose photographs have helped define its rise.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook
Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players
by Sam Smith and Phil Jackson
The legendary sportswriter and the Hall of Fame, 11-Time NBA Champion coach separate the music from the noise in the stories of the greatest who ever played and their impact on the game.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook │ eAudiobook
Red Holzman: The Life and Legacy of a Hall of Fame Basketball Coach
by Mort Zachter
This is the definitive biography of Knicks legend Red Holzman who spent six years as a player, six as an executive, and—most famously—14 seasons as a coach, leading the team to their only two championships (in 1970 and 1973). From humble beginnings as the son of immigrant parents growing up in Brooklyn, to his rise through the coaching channels, the life of a basketball pioneer is shared for the first time.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook
When the Garden Was Eden: Clyde, the Captain, Dollar Bill, and the Glory Days of the New York Knicks
by Harvey Araton
The fascinating account—part autobiography, part sports history—of a young New York sportswriter sent out to cover his favorite team, the New York Knicks, during the social unrest of the 1960s and '70s.
Borrow now on Libby: eAudiobook
When the Knicks Became Champs: A Courtside View of the Team's First NBA Championship Season, 1969-70
by Mike Shatzkin
Super-fan Mike Shatzkin's classic account of the Knick's first champion season season, first published in 1970, follows an 18-game winning streak, a full season for the ages, an incredible playoff run, and the ultimate glory—including a moment of basketball valor still unmatched in NBA history—that Knicks fans still relish today.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook
The Year's Best Sports Writing: 2025
edited by Hanif Abdurraqib
Selected from a wide range of newspapers, magazines, and digital publications during the previous year, these stories capture enduring moments while celebrating the craft of writing at its most sublime.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook
Jalen Brunson: NBA Star
by Charlie Beattie
This book explores Jalen Brunson's path to becoming one of the best players in the NBA. It includes informative sidebars, a map of where Brunson's biggest accomplishments took place, and a list of his accolades.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook
New York Knicks
by Charlie Beattie
This book offers an exciting look at the New York Knicks, from the legends of the past to the superstars of today. Short paragraphs provide easy-to-read text, while vivid photographs make the book engaging and accessible.
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New York Knicks
by James Barry
For kids who love the New York Knicks, this history of the franchise's NBA championship wins is a slam dunk! Discover the team's records and sensational players from different eras, accompanied by dynamic photos and a glossary.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook
New York Knicks: All Time Greats
by Ted Coleman
Get to know the greatest players in the history of the New York Knicks, from the legends of the past to today’s biggest superstars. This action-packed book also includes a timeline, team facts, and a glossary.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook
Wat Kept Playing: The Inspiring Story of Wataru Misaka and His Rise to the NBA
by Emily Inouye Huey; illustrated by Kaye Kang
As a child of immigrants, Wataru "Wat" Misaka often felt like he didn't fully belong in either Japanese or American culture. As he grew up, however, Wat discovered he had a very special talent for playing basketball, even though he was just five foot seven. He lead his high school and college teams to championships and was eventually drafted to the New York Knicks. Wat's undeniable talent changed history as he became the first person of color to play in the NBA.
Borrow now on Libby: eBook
En Español
Baloncesto (y otras hierbas): Todo lo que siempre quisiste saber (o no) sobre la NBA y nunca te atreviste a preguntar
por Shea Serrano; ilustrado por Arturo Torres; traducido por David Fernández
Baloncesto (y otras hierbas) es un libro imprescindible para todos aquellos que han pasado noches en vela departiendo sobre los grandes momentos del baloncesto. Presenta una serie de preguntas tan fundamentales como hilarantes de la historia de la NBA y propone argumentos y respuestas, todo ello contado con inteligencia y humor.
Tómalo prestado ya en Libby: libro electrónico
Los New York Knicks
por James Barry
¡Para los niños y niñas amantes de los New York Knicks, esta historia de los memorables campeonatos de la NBA de la franquicia es un canastazo! Conoce los récords del equipo y a los jugadores sensacionales de diferentes épocas, acompañados de fotos dinámicas y un glosario.
Tómalo prestado ya en Libby: libro electrónico
Sangre en el garden: La brutal historia de los New York Knicks de los 90
por Chris Herring; traducido por Guillermo Ortiz
Chris Herring se adentra en los "años de gloria" de los Knicks de la década de 1990, el equipo más físico y flagrantemente agresivo de su era. Basándose en reportajes originales y en más de 105 entrevistas con los personajes principales, Herring lleva a los lectores al vestuario, a las salas de juntas ejecutivas y a la cancha para revivir los momentos clave que elevaron al club a nuevas alturas, así como aquellos que amenazaron con un colapso estrepitoso.
Tómalo prestado ya en Libby: libro electrónico
World Cup in the World Borough: Queens Public Library Celebrates the Soccer Tournament with Watch Parties and Community Events
21 QPL branches across the borough will host free livestreams of soccer matches
QUEENS, NY_Queens Public Library today announced that 21 locations will host watch parties throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, beginning this week and running until the final match on July 19.
Throughout the competition, QPL will host World Cup watch parties at Central Library (89-11 Merrick Blvd.), Flushing Library (41-17 Main St.), Jackson Heights Library (35-51 81st St.), and other branches across Queens (listed below). Matches will be screened in neighborhoods with strong cultural ties to participating countries, creating opportunities for communities to come together and share in the excitement of the games.
In addition, the Library is offering fans of all ages a series of free World Cup-related programs and activities.
QPL’s Queens Memory program will collect oral histories and personal reflections from Queens residents about their connections to past and upcoming World Cup tournaments. Multiple community recording sessions are planned, beginning Saturday, June 13 at Jackson Heights Library.
In partnership with Snapology, select branches will host a World Cup Robotics Series for children. Using LEGO WeDo kits, participants will design and build soccer-inspired robotic models such as goal scorers and goalkeepers, while exploring engineering, coding, and creative problem-solving through hands-on challenges.
QPL will also present a series of cultural events highlighting the art, music, storytelling and traditions of countries participating in this year's tournament. Programs will take place at libraries throughout the borough and celebrate the diversity and spirit of the World Cup.
“The watch parties and other events related to the FIFA World Cup 2026 offer our diverse communities and people from around the world new opportunities to celebrate their own cultures, explore new ones and connect with each other through their shared love of the game," said QPL Chief Librarian Nick Buron. "We look forward to welcoming them to our libraries throughout the tournament and encourage them to borrow a book, browse our collections and explore our other amazing resources when they visit.”
In addition, QPL will participate in the NYC Neighborhood Passport initiative, a citywide program led by the Mayor’s office, NYC Tourism and Team Wonder, encouraging residents and visitors to explore immigrant neighborhoods, cultural institutions, small businesses, and public events during the tournament. Participants will collect artist-designed stamps from participating organizations across the five boroughs, including libraries.
For a complete schedule of World Cup programs and events, along with curated booklists for all ages, go here.
Branches streaming matches are listed below. For details on which locations will host specific games, visit www.queenslibrary.org/spotlight/world-cup or contact your local branch, as not every participating location will livestream every match. Watch parties will take place during regular library hours.
CONTACT: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
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Left to right: Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, President of the New York Life Foundation Heather Nesle, Brooklyn Public Library Chief Librarian Edwin Maxwell, The New York Public Library Chief Librarian Brian Bannon
Additional Images Here.
City-Wide Summer Reading Program Kicks Off at the Brooklyn, New York, and Queens Public Libraries
Supported by the New York Life Foundation, “Summer at the Library” offers readers of all ages books, programs, activities, and giveaways throughout the summer
June 9, 2026—Today, Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library launched Summer at the Library. The annual campaign—which includes programs and reading recommendations for kids, teens and adults—is designed to encourage New Yorkers to read all year long. The New York Life Foundation is the city-wide sponsor for library Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
At the Sunset Park Library in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Public Library Chief Librarian Edwin Maxwell, The New York Public Library Chief Librarian Brian Bannon and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott talked about the importance of providing free access to books and the special joy children experience choosing what they would like to read during the summer.
New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels was a special guest at the event, emphasizing the important role libraries play for students during the school year and all summer long.
Third grade students also participated in the kick-off event, which included crafts and activities. Each participant went home with free books and a grab-and-go art kit.
“We thank the New York Life Foundation for their generous support of summer reading and learning programs in Brooklyn and all across the city,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “When school is out, you can visit your neighborhood library to attend a program, meet new friends, see a live performance, or get lost in the pages of a good book.”
“Summer at the Library is an annual ritual enjoyed by thousands of New Yorkers and we want this summer of reading to be bigger and better than ever,” said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. “Reading is a great way for curious minds of all ages to get informed about the world around us, and this year, as we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation, cheer on the Knicks, and welcome the World Cup, there is tons to learn about and enjoy while reading. I’m proud to partner with the New York Life Foundation, the Brooklyn and Queens public libraries, schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels, and Mayor Mamdani and to encourage reading and open minds for all."
“This summer promises to be one of the most memorable in New York City’s history, as the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the World Cup comes to town, and the Knicks head to the NBA Finals,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Through Summer at the Library, our citywide initiative in collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library and The New York Public Library, the public will have the chance to experience all of this excitement and more while exploring new ideas, developing new skills, and staying connected to learning all summer long. We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for its generous support and to NYC Public Schools for their partnership in helping keep students engaged while school is out.”
Summer at the Library is a fun way for children to combat learning loss—a decline in academic skills that occurs when school is closed for the summer and children lose access to structured educational opportunities. Hundreds of events, programs, and activities will be held across the city’s library systems. All of the events and programs listed below, and more, are free and open to the public.
"The Summer at the Library program is vital and helps kids discover new books, explore new ideas, and stay curious all summer long––and it’s our local libraries that make it possible,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “That's exactly why the Council fought to restore more than $30 million in library funding for the coming fiscal year. These institutions are the heart and soul of our communities, and every New York City family should take advantage of their offerings all year-round."
“Reading is the foundation for all learning and I’m excited for our children to take advantage of this program this summer,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “The Summer at the Library program is an excellent resource for New York City families to explore their interests and deepen their love for reading and learning.”
“At the New York Life Foundation, we believe every child deserves access to opportunities that help them learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” said Heather Nesle, President of the New York Life Foundation. “Libraries are trusted community spaces that inspire curiosity, foster a love of reading, and help young people continue learning throughout the summer. We’re proud to support the Tri-Library Summer at the Library program and help ensure children and families have access to enriching experiences, resources, and books that keep them engaged and thriving all season long.”
In addition to the programs listed below, the library systems will be hosting World Cup watch parties in branches across the five boroughs. There will also be soccer-themed film series, book lists, and craft parties where fans can create buttons and bandanas, for example, in support of their favorite teams, and much more. Check out World Cup events at NYPL, BPL and QPL.
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
On Saturday June 13th, stop by the New York Life Foundation and NYC Libraries Book Giveaway Weekend at Bay Ridge and Central Libraries (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Greenpoint Library (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Enjoy book giveaways, crafts and performances.
Programs will continue all summer long including reading with a therapy dog at branches across the borough; garden and nature story times; and author talks and plaza parties for teens and tweens. There will be dance parties and World Cup watch events and much more all summer long.
In addition, BPL’s Teen Tech Centers are open and the Book MatchTeen service (for teens, by teens) can provide personalized recommendations so you can find a great book this summer.
Lead support for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2026 program is provided by the National Grid Foundation. CBS2/WLNY is the official media partner for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2026 program.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Highlights of Summer at the Library programming at The New York Public Library include:
- Free programs for kids, including the annual writing contest that asks kids to write about a story that takes place in America, a six-week Summer Adventure program series, and summer reading challenges available in local branches.
- Free programs for teens, including NYPL's annual Anti-Prom events, Teen Lit Night at the Library for the Performing Arts, and 10 Summer Reads with immediate, no-wait access.
- New this year is “Big Summer Book Club” for adults, which invites New Yorkers to read N.K. Jemisin’s epic fantasy The City We Became, in addition to book clubs and reading parties, physical book giveaways, art and writing workshops, and a Summer Reading Challenge with free swag for participants while supplies last. The Big Summer Book Club will conclude with a celebration at The Public Theater's Delacorte Theater in Central Park on August 17!
Discover the full line-up of events onhttps://www.nypl.org/summer/2026, and apply for an NYPL library card at https://www.nypl.org/help/library-card.
QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Queens Public Library will kick off its Summer at the Library initiative with the New York Life Foundation and NYC Libraries Book Giveaway events at multiple locations, including Corona Library on Saturday, June 13 (12–2 p.m.), South Hollis Library on Thursday, June 18 (3–5 p.m.), and Far Rockaway Library on Friday, June 26 (3–5 p.m.).
For early learners, QPL will offer Dinosaur Discovery Playdates featuring hands-on activities paired with fun prehistoric facts; the Kick Off to Kindergarten series, which helps 3- and 4-year-olds develop early literacy skills; as well as bilingual storytimes and music and movement programs.
For elementary and middle school students, QPL will provide a variety of STEAM-focused programs, including Middle School Maker Clubs, a hands-on program that blends art, engineering, and environmental thinking as students design and build architectural structures.
For teens, QPL will launch the SciArt Exchange: Build Your Habitat Challenge at select locations, inviting attendees to imagine and design future space communities that support both survival and creativity on the Moon, Mars, or in orbit.
QPL’s annual Summer Reading Challenge for children and teens begins on July 6. Participants will be challenged to read for 20 minutes a day for 20 days for a chance to win a prize.
To explore QPL’s Summer at the Library programming, go here.
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2026 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
About The New York Public Library
For over 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With over 90 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.
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 in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology, and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology lab at the Queensbridge public housing complex, a community learning center at the Ravenswood public housing complex, and five teen centers. It also has five bookmobiles and two book bicycles.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.
About New York Life Foundation
Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided over $470 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees and agents of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good program and Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative. To learn more, please visit newyorklifefoundation.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org
NYPL: Lizzie Tribone, lizzietribone@nypl.org
QPL: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org