Hey QPL Teens: registration for our Prom x QPL Prom Dress Giveaway is now open!
We have hundreds of brand-new and gently used dresses, shoes, handbags, and jewelry, all of which were generously donated by members of the Queens community (and beyond) to help make prom fun, fabulous, and memorable for the teens of Queens.
Prom x QPL is going to be a total blast, with music, freebies, photos, and hundreds of dresses and accessories for teens to choose from.
Join us on Saturday, May 11 from 10:30am to 4:30pm at the Cambria Heights Teen Center (218-13 Linden Boulevard)!
Registration is required to participate in our Prom x QPL Dress Giveaway. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Items are only available for students who are attending prom this spring. Prom dress sizing is limited. Students may bring one (1) friend or family member to accompany them.
Please fill out this registration form carefully, as we have limited capacity and a limited number of dresses.
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It’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
This year, Queens Public Library joins our nation in paying homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped AANHPI history, made lasting contributions to our country, and continue to influence our collective future.
Join us for our special programs, enjoy our book recommendations and resources, watch great AANHPI-related movies, and listen to the award-winning Queens Memory podcast, Our Major Minor Voices!
April 24, 2024—The presidents of New York City’s three library systems (Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library) issued the following statement today.
“We are deeply disappointed that the FY25 executive budget failed to reverse devastating cuts proposed for public libraries in January. New Yorkers rely on the vital services we provide, and data shows library usage is continuing to climb in key metrics—including visits and program participation. The $58.3M in cuts that libraries are facing, if enacted, threaten to upend much of the progress we’ve made over the past few years, and will severely impact vulnerable communities who need our services the most. We’ve already lost seven-day service city-wide, and are looking at most branches being open for only five days a week should these cuts go through.
Libraries are among the most trusted institutions, and make New York City stronger. We will continue working with the Administration and the Council to fully restore funding so we can continue providing the level of service our patrons want and need.”
In March 2024, the presidents testified at the City Council about the impacts that the FY25 budget cuts would have on libraries.
Citywide, those budget impacts to libraries include:
- The majority of NYC libraries would only open for five days a week – down from the current standard in which all are open for at least six days a week. Universal six-day service has been the standard since 2015 after New Yorkers launched a campaign to restore it.
- The continued elimination of seven-day service citywide, with most branches remaining closed on Sundays. Seven-day service was eliminated following a mid-year city budget cut to libraries in November.
- Delayed reopenings of renovated branches, many in historically marginalized communities. The cuts and proposed funding reductions mean we cannot afford to staff these branches.
- Further reducing spending on library materials, programming, and building maintenance and repairs.
- Delays and cost overruns for numerous ongoing capital projects, many of which have already been initiated.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
Service Takes Many Forms here at the Library, and every year, during this national celebration of volunteers and volunteerism, we take some time to recognize our incredible volunteers here at Queens Public Library.
This recognition includes the Go the Extra Mile (GEM) Award, given to those QPL volunteers who go above and beyond in their service and embody the Library’s mission “to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities”; and the Shining Star Award, given to members of the Friends of QPL who inspire and motivate others to action and work together to provide ideas, resources, and opportunities that uplift their community.
This year, we also want to honor those individuals who completed a minimum of 75, 150, and 250 or more hours of service between October 2023 and May 2024, on our Volunteer Milestones Wall of Fame.
Visit our National Volunteer Week 2024 webpage to read the inspiring stories of all these wonderful QPL volunteers.
We thank them all for their service to Queens Public Library.
This National Volunteer Week (and beyond), visit volunteer.queenslibrary.org to learn how you can become a QPL volunteer!
PS: Who are some of QPL's most important volunteers? Our QPL Teens, of course!
QPL’s Elmhurst Library To Celebrate the Burmese New Year and the Expansion of Its Burmese Collection
NYC’s only publicly circulating Burmese language collection triples in size with the addition of 230 books
Elmhurst, N.Y. – Queens Public Library’s Elmhurst branch will celebrate the expansion of its Burmese language collection - the only circulating Burmese collection in New York City – and the Burmese New Year, known as Thingyan, at 86-07 Broadway on Saturday, April 20 at 2PM. Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, local elected officials and representatives of the Burmese community will attend the ceremony, which will feature music and dance performances.
About 230 books were recently added to the collection, formed in 2018 with approximately 130 volumes. It includes fiction and non-fiction, biographies, books on technology and children’s books, some of which are bilingual Burmese/English picture books.
The books were purchased with $5,000 donated by the Burmese-American community, and partially matched by the Queens Public Library Foundation.
The Burmese community has been growing in Queens, and according to the 2018-2022 American Community Survey, there are currently more than 4,000 Burmese-language speakers in the borough, about a quarter of whom live in Elmhurst.
The Burmese-language books are part of the Queens Public Library’s robust international language collection. The Library started building it in the 1970s, initially focusing on the Hispanic, Greek and Chinese communities. Today, the Library circulates materials in almost 50 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Bengali, Korean, Russian and Hebrew.
WHAT: QPL’s Elmhurst branch marks the expansion of its Burmese language collection and celebrates the Burmese New Year
WHO: Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott
QPL New Americans Program Assistant Director Fred Gitner
NYC Council Member Shekar Krishnan
Burmese Community Leader Moe Chan
Burmese Community Members
WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2024
2-3:30 PM
WHERE: Queens Public Library / Elmhurst Branch
86-07 Broadway, Elmhurst, N.Y. 11373
CONTACT: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org, 917-702-0016
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Queens Public Library Transforms Ravenswood Housing Complex Site Into a Community Learning Center
With Support from Amazon and Local Green Energy Company Rise Light & Power, the Ravenswood Learning Center Offers Services Focused on Workforce Development
Queens, NY _ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, NYCHA Executive Vice President of Property Management Operations Daniel Greene, representatives from Amazon and Rise Light & Power, residents and civic leaders today celebrated the transformation of the Library’s longstanding site at the Ravenswood Houses into a community learning center focusing on workforce development, digital literacy, and re-entry services, reflecting the current needs of people who live and work in the Long Island City and Astoria area.
QPL operated a circulating library inside the 3,000-square-foot space, located at 35-32 21st Street, from the time the housing complex opened in 1951 until 2007, when the branch relocated to the then-new Long Island City Library. The location was later used as a family literacy center, and then as a Universal Pre-K location site from 2015 to 2019. It now features two classrooms, a computer lab, and a public lounge area, and will be open Mondays through Thursdays. Hours are available here.
“Since 1951, this location has provided vital resources to generations of Ravenswood residents and the wider community,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are thrilled to welcome back our customers and offer programs and services focused on workforce development and digital literacy, reflecting the current needs of people who live and work in Long Island City and Astoria. I want to thank the New York City Housing Authority, the Ravenswood Resident Association, Amazon, and Rise Light & Power for working with us to revitalize this important space.”
QPL opened its Ravenswood location in 1951
“Libraries play a critical role developing open- and civic-minded citizens, and I am excited to see the reopening of the Ravenswood Community Learning Center with state-of-the-art upgrades,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I am grateful for the leadership of the Queens Public Library and New York City Housing Authority to ensure the Ravenswood Housing community has access to technology training, workforce development programs, and reentry services meant to uplift the local Queens community.”
“I'm proud to see the incredible transformation of Queens Public Library Ravenswood site into a state-of-the-art community learning center realized today. This center will provide the residents of Ravenswood and surrounding communities with skill-building programs focused on workforce development, technology training, and reentry services. I thank all the partners that worked together to make this possible and can't wait to see the positive impact this has on our community,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez.
“The role of libraries in the health, safety and prosperity of our communities cannot be overstated,” said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez. “Libraries, like Ravenswood, which also function as Community Learning Centers, are especially crucial. They provide resources like digital literacy, employment support, re-entry assistance, and much more—all free of charge to community members. I am privileged to partner with the Queens Public Library and continue supporting the services provided not only to the Ravenswood community but also to the rest of Queens.”
“Our public library system makes Queens and New York City great. Congratulations to Queens Public Library on the re-opening of the Ravenswood Community Learning Center with more resources to give Ravenswood and Long Island City residents access to essential workforce development and technology training as a pathway to greater opportunities,” said Assembly Member Zohran K. Mamdani.
“The reopening of the Queens Public Library’s Ravenswood Community Learning Center — and the return of its much-needed services — is a win for the Ravenswood Houses and the families who call it home,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “From workforce development to technology training to reentry services, this community center will empower our community members. I commend the Queens Public Library for bringing it back, so that our individuals and families can have the support they need to thrive.”
“The long-awaited Queens Public Library Ravenswood Learning Center will bring much-needed services to the community, allowing our neighbors to access free workforce development, technology training, and reentry support for participants in QPL and the ‘See You on the Outside’ program,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Since taking office, I have funded programs and provided support to our neighbors in the Ravenswood community, including Big Apple Connect for free internet and cable TV and advocacy for much-needed capital improvements for residents. This new learning center is another crucial resource that will ensure our neighbors can learn new skills that help them thrive.”
“We are thrilled to see the reopening of the Queens Public Library's Ravenswood Community Learning Center which will provide enriching programs for so many residents at NYCHA's Ravenswood Houses,” said Queens Community Board 1 Chair Evie Hantzopoulos. “Queens Public Library provides such critical services and the focus on workforce development, technology training, and reentry services at this Center will be of great benefit to the community.”
“NYCHA is absolutely thrilled that our collaborative work with the Queens Public Library has led to the opening of the Community Learning Center,” said NYCHA Executive Vice President of Property Management Operations Daniel Greene. “We’re proud to have played a role in creating this safe space for Ravenswood residents and members of the surrounding community to come together and benefit from an array of invaluable programs and workshops.”
“Amazon is proud to continue its support the Queens Public Library, including the re-opening of the Ravenswood Houses branch,” said Carley Graham Garcia, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon New York. “Every community deserves a learning center focused on workforce development, technology training and the joy of reading like this one. We're pleased to have played a role with community leaders on its re-opening.”
“Rise Light & Power is proud to support QPL and NYCHA’s forward-looking investment in Ravenswood Houses,” said Wil Fisher, Director of External Affairs at Rise Light & Power. “Alongside our ambitions to replace fossil fuel generators at Ravenswood Generating with renewable energy, we are committed to doing our part for economic empowerment and environmental vitality in Western Queens. We look forward to working with this new branch as a resource to engage with our neighbors on the unfolding energy transition.”
“This is a new era and a new way of becoming a community that works together, “said Carol Wilkins, President of the Ravenswood Resident Association. “I grew up using this library, my children and my grandchildren used this library as well. A library should be the heart of a community like that of the Ravenswood Community Learning Center, where we can research and learn about what's out there in this trying time. The Ravenswood Resident Association looks forward to working with the Queens Public Library here in Ravenswood Houses.”
Additional Visuals Available 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 center located in the nation’s largest public housing complex, and has five teen centers, two bookmobiles, and two book bicycles.
Contact: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org, 917 702 0016
Do you have an old prom dress or other formal wear taking up space in your closet?
Please donate your formal wear for our first-ever Queens Public Library Prom Dress Giveaway!
Your donation will help make prom a fun, fabulous, and memorable experience for the QPL Teens in your community.
You can donate new or gently used dresses, shoes, bags, and jewelry from March 25 through April 18 at these 12 QPL locations, during our regular hours of service:
- Bayside (214-20 Northern Boulevard)
- Cambria Heights (218-13 Linden Boulevard)
- Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard)
- Elmhurst (86-07 Broadway)
- Forest Hills (108-19 71 Avenue)
- Fresh Meadows (193-20 Horace Harding Expressway)
- Glen Oaks (256-04 Union Turnpike)
- Howard Beach (92-06 156 Avenue)
- Hunters Point (47-40 Center Boulevard)
- Jackson Heights (35-51 81 Street)
- Peninsula (92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard)
- Ridgewood (20-12 Madison Street)
Our Prom x QPL Dress Giveaway will be held at the Cambria Heights Teen Center on Saturday, May 11. Stay tuned for more information!
Please make sure that your donations are in good condition. We encourage you to launder or dry clean items before donating them.
Are you interested in working as a volunteer during the Prom x QPL Dress Giveaway on May 11? Learn how you can help.
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Happy QPL Day!
In celebration of Queens Public Library's 128th birthday, here is a special message from QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott.
It’s Queens Public Library’s birthday, and we’re celebrating 128 years of service to our communities. Not many institutions have been around this long. I think one reason why QPL endures is that we have continued to adapt to the needs and interests of our customers, which have certainly changed a lot since our founding in 1896.
Today, Queens Public Library is one of the busiest library systems in the country. Flushing Library, the oldest branch in our system, recently welcomed more than 4,000 people in one day. Throughout the borough, we are proud to be a place where people can come for discovery, connection, and personal development.
As we look ahead to our 129th year, I want to thank you for being a valued member of the QPL community. Together we have faced funding challenges, a nationwide censorship movement, and a global pandemic. Your friendship and goodwill have strengthened our ability to provide free access to knowledge, inspiration, and opportunity to the people of Queens and beyond.
If you are able, I hope you will consider supporting Queens Public Library and our mission to transform people’s lives, no matter their background or circumstances.
Thank you for your partnership, and Happy QPL Day!
Sincerely,
Dennis M. Walcott
President and CEO
Queens Public Library
UPDATE: Unfortunately, due to high demand, solar eclipse glasses are no longer available at Queens Public Library. Thank you for understanding!
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will turn dark that afternoon, as if it were dawn or dusk.
This total solar eclipse will be visible in 15 U.S. states, including New York! (New York City will only see 89 percent coverage of the Sun, but that's still a lot!)
A partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states.
QPL is partnering with our friends at NASA so you can learn everything you need to know about the 2024 total solar eclipse, including how to watch it safely.
Not in the path of the eclipse? Not able to get outside? Watch from anywhere in the world! NASA will provide live broadcast coverage on April 8 from 1pm to 4pm EDT on their website and on YouTube.
The next total solar eclipse in New York won't happen until 2079, so whether you experience this eclipse at home, outdoors in public, or at your neighborhood QPL location, we hope you will enjoy this truly cosmic event!
Solar Eclipse Resources
QPL Solar Eclipse Presentation with NASA's Carolyn Ng (watch this pre-recorded virtual meeting on YouTube)
NASA 2024 Eclipse Fact Sheet (download or pick it up at your local library)
NASA 2024 Eclipse Safety Guidelines (download or pick it up at your local library)
NASA's 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Website
NASA's Total Solar Eclipse Safety Webpage
Solar Eclipse Programs
Visit the QPL Calendar to Learn More about our special programs.
Solar Eclipse Booklists
Check out our book recommendations for Adults and book recommendations for Kids!
Teens, we hope you will take advantage of this incredible summer opportunity!
Queens Public Library and Touro University are bringing you World of Work for Teens, an award-winning service-learning program for high school students.
This six-week virtual and in-person seminar focuses on strengthening professional development skills and expanding teen understanding of the workplace.
High school students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, and June 2024 graduates, are eligible to apply.
Participating students will attend an online introductory college course taught via Zoom by Touro University faculty, as well as in-person professional development workshops at the Long Island City Library Teen Center.
These classes will lead up to an interactive service-learning project covering career prep, financial literacy, and college readiness.
When they complete the seminar, teens will receive two college credits from Touro University and earn 12 community service hours from Queens Public Library.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays (online) and Thursdays (in-person), 11am to 1pm, July 9 to August 15.
The deadine to apply is Saturday, April 27, and the program is limited to 25 students, so Apply Today!
If you have any questions about World of Work for Teens, please contact Dalicy Caraballo at dcaraballo@queenslibrary.org.
ULC 2023 Top Innovator | Queens Public Library from Urban Libraries Council on Vimeo.