QPL Immigration Specialist Wins the American Library Association’s Prestigious “I Love My Librarian” Award
Library’s New Americans Program Assistant Director Fred Gitner Recognized for Providing Outstanding Service to Asylum Seekers and Immigrants in Queens
QUEENS, NY– The American Library Association has honored Fred Gitner, the assistant director of Queens Public Library’s New Americans Program, with a coveted “I Love My Librarian Award” for his outstanding service to the public.
The awards, established in 2008 and sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and administered in partnership with The New York Public Library, recognize librarians nationwide. Gitner was one of 10 honorees selected from a pool of nearly 1,400 nominees chosen by library patrons for their efforts to promote literacy, expand access to technology, support mental health needs as well as diversity and inclusion in their communities. This year’s award recipients include three academic librarians, four public librarians and three school librarians. Each of the winners will receive a $5,000 cash prize.
At Queens Public Library, Gitner has driven positive social change for new Americans for nearly three decades, connecting them to education opportunities and resources they need to successfully acclimate to life in a new city and in a new country. And for more than a year, Gitner and his team have been instrumental in assisting the surging migrant population in Queens and beyond.
“As we welcome people from all over the world into our libraries, Fred serves as a chief ambassador,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “He and his team are deeply committed to assisting asylum seekers and immigrants coming through our doors, providing the support and resources they need to adjust to their lives in New York City.”
Gitner’s mentoring of current and aspiring librarians is a key focus of his efforts to increase the influence of the library. He also coordinates QPL’s international partnerships program which, along with facilitating the exchange of knowledge and library materials in other languages, offers opportunities for Library and Information Science students from abroad to participate in fieldwork assignments with QPL.
“Fred is always on the go and never misses a day to involve our library in helping new immigrants in our neighborhoods,” one nominator wrote. “It is truly amazing how one man can make a beautiful difference in the lives of new immigrants, their families, and his fellow library professionals.”
From “New Americans Corners” inside QPL branches filled with materials and a vast array of online resources to implementing live phone interpretation service in more than 240 languages at every QPL branch, Gitner’s team and the New Americans Program have been central in improving services for a community where half of residents were born outside the U.S.
“I am so honored to be recognized by my peers for the work we do every day to ensure that newcomers to Queens have the resources and services to help them adapt successfully to life in a new country and the opportunity to share their culture with the community-at-large in one of the most diverse areas in the world,” Gitner said.
“While much of the national conversation surrounding libraries has fixated on book censorship, and as library workers across the U.S. continue to face historic levels of intimidation and harassment, librarians’ efforts to empower their patrons and provide vital services for their communities shines a spotlight on the enduring value of libraries in our society,” said American Library Association President Emily Drabinski. “The inspiring stories of this year’s I Love My Librarian Award honorees demonstrate the positive impact librarians have on the lives of those they serve each day.”
You can view all 2024 honorees here and read ALA’s write-up about Gitner here.
Fred Gitner’s Bio
Gitner has been Assistant Director of New Initiatives and Partnership Liaison for the New Americans Program at Queens Public Library since 2015, after having served since 1996 in various administrative positions in the New Americans Program and International Relations. Prior to his arrival at Queens Public Library he was Library Director of the French Institute/Alliance Française in New York for over fifteen years. He received an A.B. in Modern Languages from Hamilton College, an M.A. in French from Middlebury College, and a Master’s Degree in Library Service from Rutgers University.
He is a co-editor of “Bridging Cultures: Ethnic Services in the Libraries of New York State” (2001) and “Connecting Cultures: Ethnic Services in the Libraries of New York State” (2013), both published by the New York Library Association (NYLA). He has published articles about library services for immigrants in professional journals in the United States, France and Spain, and has spoken on this topic at national and international conferences. He was a member of the Standing Committee of the Section on Services to Multicultural Populations of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) from 2009-2017, was co-chair of the Europe Subcommittee of the American Library Association’s International Relations Committee, has served on the Board of NYLA’s Ethnic Services Round Table as treasurer for a number of years, and is a Past-President of ESRT. He also serves as Treasurer for the American Society of the French Academic Palms (ASFAP) and the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) - NY Metropolitan Chapter.
Contact:
Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, Queens Public Library, ekern@queenslibrary.org
Raymond Garcia, American Library Association, cmomedia@ala.org
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 center located in the nation’s largest public housing complex, five teen centers, two bookmobiles, and two book bicycles.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.
Queens Public Library Marks Centennial Anniversary of the Woodhaven Branch
Celebration Includes Time Capsule Burial, Concerts, and a Scavenger Hunt
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Councilwoman Joann Ariola Will Commemorate the Centennial
QUEENS, NY _ Queens Public Library this week will mark the centennial anniversary of its Woodhaven branch – one of its four Carnegie libraries – with a series of events, including burying a time capsule, a historic presentation and a scavenger hunt. State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Councilwoman Joann Ariola will commemorate the occasion on Saturday, Jan. 6.
The branch, at 85-41 Forest Pkwy., first opened its doors to the public on January 7, 1924. The building, constructed with money bequeathed to New York City by the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, was the last Carnegie library completed in Queens. The other three are the Astoria, Poppenhusen, and Richmond Hill branches.
The high demand for the Woodhaven Library’s services was immediately evident. When it opened, the library had 1,271 volumes and 1,000 more were soon added. Within a month, librarians reported there were only 11 children’s books left on the shelves.
The branch has since served as a lifeline to the Woodhaven community, drawing 110,000 visitors and loaning 120,000 items each year prior to the start of the pandemic in 2020. The library also hosted a UPK program from 2014 to 2021.
“Over the past century, this library has been the cornerstone of Woodhaven, offering generations of residents free books, newspapers, magazines and other materials, as well as after-school programs, storytimes, English classes, technology workshops, and more,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are proud of the sustained impact of the library on the community and look forward to continuing to provide free access to information, knowledge and opportunity to all for many years to come.”
“As we gather to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Woodhaven Library, it is a profound honor to reflect on the enduring significance of this beloved institution,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “For a century, the Woodhaven Library has stood as a beacon of knowledge, a sanctuary of learning, and a haven for the curious minds of our community, especially our children. It has been a sacred space where the transformative power of books and education has touched countless lives, nurturing a love for learning and empowering generations to reach for their greatest potential. In a world that is ever-changing, our local library has remained a steadfast symbol of stability and growth, while offering an updated, safe harbor for the exploration of new ideas and the cultivation of essential skills. It is within these walls, that I remember visiting as a young teen, where the minds of our youth are ignited, their imaginations set free, and their futures shaped. This library serves as a cornerstone of our community, fostering a love for reading, providing vital resources for academic success, and instilling the values of empathy, understanding, and knowledge.”
“As the first elected official from Woodhaven in a generation, I am proud to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Woodhaven Library,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. “For 100 years, the Woodhaven Library has been an anchor institution of our community. Generation upon generation has entered its hallowed halls to discover the joys of reading, learn about the world around them, gain mastery of the English language, and even get help with their job searches. Today we begin a week of festivities to celebrate this educational and cultural hub in Woodhaven. I will proudly present a resolution commemorating this historic milestone. On this occasion, we look forward to honoring the library’s past and supporting its bright future.”
“The fact that the Woodhaven Library has lasted for a century is a testament to the vital space it serves in this community,” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola. “Our libraries are much more than simply book repositories. They are community centers and places of education, where people from all walks of life can go to enrich themselves. As we continue to roll out new programs in our local libraries – programs like Hero Story Time, for example – we are showing that places like this are still important assets in our neighborhoods, and will be for generations to come.”
Designed by architect Robert F. Schirmer in the Classical Revival style, the building boasts a symmetrical layout, a prominent entrance and large windows.
Over the years, the branch has undergone numerous renovations. The original arches in the windows and above the main entrance were partially bricked in. In the early 1930s, an auditorium and children’s room were constructed. In 1978, the branch was severely damaged by a fire, but reopened two years later following extensive repairs. In 1991, a new access ramp was added.
The branch is currently awaiting additional renovations, which will include historically compatible windows, a new roof and separate rooms for children, teens, adults, and for community meetings and library programs. The renovated building will be fully ADA-accessible.
This week’s celebrations will begin on Thursday, January 4. Local families are invited to help decorate the branch on that day between 4-5 PM. There will also be an adult painting party and a rock concert from 6 to 7 PM.
On Friday, Jan. 5, from 4 to 5 PM, customers of all ages are welcome to participate in “A Creation Celebration,” where they will be painting, drawing, writing poems and songs through the lens of Woodhaven Library's history. The Queens Memory team will also be there to collect memories about the library from its patrons.
In addition, the branch is organizing a scavenger hunt asking participants to look for historical buildings in the neighborhood.
The main celebrations will take place on Saturday, Jan. 6, starting with Hero Story Time at 10:30 AM led by Councilwoman Joann Ariola. A police officer and firefighter will also be on hand to talk about their professions to the children.
There will be a balloon show performed by balloon artist, Nick the Balloonatic, from 1-2 PM, followed by a presentation about the history of Woodhaven by the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society from 2-2:30 PM.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo will present a proclamation celebrating the anniversary at 2:30 PM.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has also introduced a resolution commemorating the centennial, which will be presented at the branch that day.
A concert of Dominican music featuring Berto Reyes and his band will take place from 3 to 4 PM.
The celebrations will culminate with a time capsule burial between 4 and 4:30 PM. The capsule, slated to be opened in another 100 years, will contain photos and notes with patrons’ memories about Woodhaven Library and the neighborhood, as well as QPL cards, including the Mets and Hip Hop 50th anniversary special edition cards.
There will be a cake and other refreshments provided by local businesses.
Contact: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
New York City’s Three Public Library Systems Reveal the Top Checkouts of 2023
Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library unveil the top ten titles for adults, teens, and children
New Yorkers across the five boroughs read Spare by Prince Harry and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
DECEMBER 19, 2023—Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library have announced the top 10 checkouts of 2023 at each system for adults, teens, and children.
The annual lists include the most popular books patrons borrowed from New York City’s three library systems. The top checkout for the Brooklyn Public Library was I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, while the most borrowed book at The New York Public Library (which serves the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island) was Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros was the favorite of patrons at Queens Public Library.
Both Spare by Prince Harry and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus were popular titles in all five boroughs, while Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin and It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover were featured books on all three system-wide lists.
Some of the books on the lists were featured titles on WNYC’s “Get Lit!” virtual book club, a partnership with The New York Public Library, which was started at the height of the pandemic and has led to thousands of checkouts over the past three years. Yellowface by R. F. Kuang and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride were top checkouts at NYPL.
The top titles include all formats: e-books, audio books, and physical books. The full lists of 2023 top checkouts can be found at NYPL (www.nypl.org/topcheckouts2023), BPL (bklynlib.org/top-checkouts-2023); or QPL (connect.queenslibrary.org/2342).
TOP 10 ADULT TITLES
Brooklyn Public Library
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Spare by Prince Harry
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
- Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
- It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
New York Public Library (which includes the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island)
Systemwide:
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Spare by Prince Harry
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
- Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
- Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Bronx:
- Spare by Prince Harry
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- Without a Trace by Danielle Steel
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
- TIE Triple Cross by James Patterson
- TIE 3 Days to Live by James Patterson
Manhattan:
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Spare by Prince Harry
- Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
- Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Staten Island
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
- Spare by Prince Harry
- The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham
- Simply Lies by David Baldacci
- Without a Trace by Danielle Steel
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- The 23rd Midnight by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
- Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel
- Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline
Queens Public Library
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Spare by Prince Harry
- Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
- It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
- The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
- 101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
“The titles checked out at The New York Public Library this year reflect stories that resonated with people—books that shared tales of hope, chronicle the impact of family and friends, and the search for love and acceptance. It’s not surprising to see these titles at the top of our lists as they give readers the opportunity to learn more about themselves and the world around them, which is at the very heart of the Library’s mission. So, we find it incredibly gratifying that New Yorkers are finding books that speak to them,” said Brian Bannon, The New York Public Library's Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education.
“This year’s top checkouts reflect a changing of the guard. In the past our readers leaned towards popular romance and suspense novelists, like Danielle Steel, John Grisham or Stephen King. This year they were drawn to writers of color, like Gabrielle Zevin and Abraham Verghese, and authors whose popularity soared after they went viral on social media, like Rebecca Yarros, Colleen Hoover and Brianna Wiest. These choices signal a desire to explore new themes as well as changes in the way our customers discover and engage with books,” said Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron.
“This year Brooklyn Public Library circulated nearly 10 million books and materials. Against a record number of bans, primarily targeting books about the LGBQTIA community or about people of color, we are especially delighted to see our most checked out items are from authors around the corner and around the globe, echoing the themes that matter to all of us—family and friends, love and grief, success and survival,” said Nick Higgins, Chief Librarian at Brooklyn Public Library.
The top checkouts for children’s books at the three library systems featured titles from popular series, such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, Dog Man by Dav Pilkey, and Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling. For young adults, book series were also popular selections with A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy by Jenny Han, and Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games featuring throughout the lists.
The top 10 books for children and teens are listed below.
TOP 10 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
Brooklyn Public Library Top 10 Checkouts for Children
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney
- Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
- Kristy and the Snobs by Ann M. Martin
- Guts by Raina Telgemeier
New York Public Library Top 10 Checkouts for Children
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney
Queens Public Library Top 10 Checkouts for Children
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde by Jeff Kinney
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights by Dav Pilkey
- Dog Man: Fetch-22 by Dav Pilkey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney
TOP 10 LISTS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Brooklyn Public Library Top 10 Checkouts for Young Adults
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
- The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
- One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
- Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
- The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
New York Public Library Top 10 Checkouts for Young Adults
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
- It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
- We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
- Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Queens Public Library Top 10 Checkouts for Young Adults
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
- A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
- It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
- We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
- One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
- If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
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 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, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library receives millions of visits through its doors annually with 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 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, one universal pre-kindergarten, and five teen centers that attracted more than 11 million visitors in 2019.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
QPL: Elisabeth de Bourbon, edebourbon@queenslibrary.org; Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
NYPL: Amy Geduldig, amygeduldig@nypl.org
BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org
Left to right: Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator Michael Gianaris, QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, QPL Chief Librarian Nick Buron, QPL Chief Operating Officer Sung Mo Kim and QPL Chief of Staff Gitte Peng
Video footage available here
Queens Public Library, Elected Officials and Community Leaders Celebrate the Reopening of Steinway Branch, Following Eight-Month Renovation
The Upgrades Include New Computers, Furniture and Self-Service Kiosks
QUEENS, NY_ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott and library staff, joined by elected officials and community leaders, welcomed the public back to the Steinway branch following an eight-month closure for improvements to the building’s main floor and cellar.
The upgrades consist of new furniture, finishes, such as new paint and carpeting, shelving, workstations and self-service kiosks, as well as technology improvements, including new computers and scanning equipment.
“Steinway Library has served Astoria residents for more than 130 years, and the extensive upgrades will help ensure it remains a cornerstone of the community for generations to come,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We look forward to welcoming back our customers, and introducing new ones, to an inspiring, modern space that is accessible to all.”
“The historic Steinway Library has been an anchor of this community for the many generations of families who have passed through its doors,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Now that its extensive renovation is complete, all Astoria families will have equitable access to the many educational and enrichment opportunities the Steinway library will be offering inside its newly upgraded building. Thank you to the Queens Public Library for your hard work on this important project, which has given Astoria residents the state-of-the-art library that all communities deserve.”
“The Steinway library is an important Astoria resource and I am thrilled it’s finally open for business again,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I encourage all our neighbors to visit this upgraded facility.”
“I'm so thrilled that the Steinway branch of the Queens Public Library has now officially reopened! With all of the new renovations and improvements, including major accessibility upgrades, the new Steinway library will undoubtedly be a central hub again for our children, families, and seniors to learn and engage with this critical fixture of the community. The programming provided at this location is exactly why we must continue to invest in and support our libraries. Thank you and congratulations to Queens Public Library CEO Dennis Walcott and everyone involved,” said Assemblymember Jessica González Rojas.
“I am so excited for the reopening of the newly-renovated Steinway Library!” said NYC Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “This vital, beloved community resource serves not just as a haven for book-lovers like me, but also as a site of technological access, a space for afterschool programming, a hub for community-based organizations and services, a cooling center in the summer, a warming center in the winter, and so much else. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard for eight long months to get it ready for the community!
Adult Area at Steinway Library
The reopening marked the completion of the second of a two-phase project to renovate and upgrade the building in the past few years.
The scope of the previous $4.9 million capital project, completed in January 2022, included the construction of an elevator serving all three floors of the building, an ADA-accessible restroom, and an ADA-accessible entrance ramp. The project also included expanded WiFi capability, a 24/7 exterior returns machine, new staff offices and the renovation of the second-floor children’s area, teen area and multi-purpose room.
The original Steinway Library was founded by William Steinway, of the famed piano making family, in 1890 to serve neighborhood immigrants. It was one of the three original branches that in 1896 had become part of the Long Island City Public Library system, which was later renamed to Queens Borough Public Library.
The current 12,500-square-foot building, located at 21-45 31st Street and designed by architect Adolph Goldberg in a mid-century modern style, opened in 1956.
The hours are:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 10 AM to 6 PM
Tuesdays - 1 PM to 6 PM
Thursdays - 12 PM to 8 PM
Saturdays - 10 AM to 5 PM
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 center located in the nation’s largest public housing complex, five teen centers, two bookmobiles, and two book bicycles.
Potential Budget Cuts Threaten Universal Six Day Service, which NYC Has Had Since 2015
December 11, 2023—New York City’s three library systems issued a statement today regarding the potential of another 5% cut in funding in FY24.
“This coming weekend marks the last day of seven-day service at New York City libraries, the result of the 5% mid-year City budget cut announced last month. Recently, the Brooklyn, Queens, and New York public libraries were instructed to meet another 5% mid-year budget cut in January. If this additional round of budget cuts is enacted, libraries will be forced to further reduce hours, including ending universal six-day service, which New Yorkers fought hard to restore in 2015. We know that public libraries and the vital services we provide are a lifeline for many New Yorkers, and remain committed to continuing to serve our communities as best we can in these challenging times.”
To Our Customers,
As you may know, the City announced today a revised budget for the current fiscal year that unfortunately includes a 5 percent cut to public libraries, as well as reductions to the budgets of all City agencies and departments.
Due to this significant loss of funding, the Library has made the extremely difficult decision to close our Central and Flushing libraries on Sundays, decrease spending on our digital and print materials, and delay needed maintenance and repairs in our buildings.
The final day of Sunday service at Central Library and Flushing Library will be November 26. Please note that the 24-hour automatic return machines will remain in operation at both locations.
We know how much you rely on us and how disappointing this news is, and we remain as committed as ever to providing the best service possible despite the challenges we face.
Thank you for your support.
Queens Public Library
To learn more about the impact of budget cuts on libraries, visit Invest in Libraries.
“Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Public Library, and The New York Public Library regret to announce that as a result of mid-year budget cuts, we must eliminate seven-day service across the city, including ending Sunday service at the vast majority of branches that currently offer it. We also will be reducing spending on library materials, programming, and building maintenance and repairs. Without sufficient funding, we cannot sustain our current levels of service, and any further cuts to the Libraries’ budgets will, unfortunately, result in deeper service impacts. We know how much New Yorkers rely on the vital resources we provide, and we remain committed to meeting their needs as best as we can.”
QPL locations impacted by Sunday closures:
The final day of Sunday service at these locations will be November 26, 2023.
The general election is today, Tuesday, November 7!
Voters in New York will elect members of the New York City Council, District Attorneys in Queens and the Bronx, judges, and other officials.
Voters will also have a say in New York State ballot measures this fall.
We're proud that several of our branches will serve as polling sites on Election Day.
Queens residents will cast their votes at our Briarwood, Central, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens Hills, Lefferts, North Forest Park, Peninsula, Richmond Hill, Seaside, and St. Albans locations, from 6AM to 9PM.
Do you know where you should vote? Please visit https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (866-868-3692) (TTY-212-487-5496 for the hearing impaired) to confirm the correct location for you to vote in your neighborhood.
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 to vote today. Make sure that your voice is heard!
FAQs About Voting
How can I check my voter registration?
- Visit the Board of Elections registered voter search page.
- Call the Board of Elections 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 poll site, visit here 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 to help you vote in general. Accessible ballot applications are here.
For other non-partisan information, call or visit these organizations.
NYC Board of Elections: https://www.vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC
NYC Votes: https://www.nycvotes.org
DemocracyNYC: https://www.nyc.gov/site/civicengagement/voting/how-to-vote.page
League of Women Voters of the City of New York: https://linktr.ee/lwvnyc
- Watch this informative video brought to you by QPL and LWVNYC: What's New About Voting?
VOTE411: https://www.vote411.org
Disability Rights New York: https://www.drny.org
Coalition for the Homeless: https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/get-help/know-your-rights/voting-rights
Queens Public Library’s voter education and engagement activities are made possible by the GoVoteNYC Fund in The New York Community Trust.
Queens Public Library is proud to participate in this year’s New York Cares Coat Drive!
This city-wide initiative aims to collect over 100,000 coats and distribute them to New Yorkers who need them the most this winter.
You can donate new and gently used winter coats for infants, children, teens, and adults from November 1st through December 30.
Here are the 14 QPL locations where you can drop off your coat donations, during our regular hours of service:
- Briarwood, 85-12 Main Street
- Broad Channel, 16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard
- Cambria Heights, 218-13 Linden Boulevard
- Corona, 38-23 104 Street
- East Flushing, 196-36 Northern Boulevard
- Elmhurst, 86-07 Broadway
- Forest Hills, 108-19 71 Avenue
- Hollis, 202-05 Hillside Avenue
- Jackson Heights, 35-51 81 Street
- McGoldrick, 155-06 Roosevelt Avenue
- Ozone Park, 92-24 Rockaway Boulevard
- Poppenhusen, 121-23 14 Avenue
- Ridgewood, 20-12 Madison Street
- Windsor Park, 79-50 Bell Boulevard
Please make sure that your coat donations are in good condition. We encourage you to launder or dry clean coats before donating them.
At this time, New York Cares can only accept coats for donation. If you would like to donate clothing items other than coats, New York Cares encourages you to check donateNYC for organizations with the capacity to distribute those items to people in need.
We thank you for your commitment to helping those in need this winter!
Did You Know that on our list of 50 of the Most Banned Books in America, THIRTY-FOUR of them are Young Adult books?
Banned Books Week was at the beginning of October, but protecting the Freedom to Read doesn't have an expiration date!
Teens: this month, we want to keep talking about Banned Books, especially since so many of them are books written for teens and young adults.
If you want to help us defend the Freedom to Read, there's a simple thing you can do: visit your local library, where All Books are Welcome, and read Banned Books for yourself!
50 of the Most Banned Books in America
Check out our list, which has links that you can use to borrow these books from your local QPL branch, download them as eBooks, read them in different languages, and more.
QPL's 100 Most Popular Banned Books
Thirty-five of the 100 most popular banned and challenged books at Queens Public Library are Young Adult books. How many of them have you read?
Use our list to check them out from your local library, download them as eBooks, read them in different languages, and more.
Movies Based on Banned Books
A variety of movies have brought Banned Books from the shelves to the big screen and made these stories more available to more people.
Here are some examples—can you think of any others?
Animal Farm: DVD and Hoopla Digital
Catch-22 (DVD)
Fahrenheit 451 (DVD and Blu-ray)
The Hunger Games (DVD and Blu-ray)
The Kite Runner (DVD)
The Outsiders (DVD)
Persepolis (DVD)
The Hate U Give (DVD and Blu-ray)
To Kill A Mockingbird (DVD and Blu-ray)
Banned Book Resources
Do You Know what's just as important as the Banned Books on our library shelves?
The organizations that help you, and us, fight for your Freedom To Read!
Here are some of the resources available for you.
Explore them, share them with your friends, and get involved!
Resources for Students (National Coalition Against Censorship)
How You Can Fight Censorship: Resources for Students (Penguin Random House)
Youth Censorship Database (National Coalition Against Censorship)
UnTextbooked: A History Podcast for the Future
Banned & Challenged Books: Advocacy, Legislation & Issues (American Library Association)
Books Unbanned (Brooklyn Public Library)
Books for All: Protect the Freedom to Read (New York Public Library)