Blog posts

This April, QPL celebrates the culture of space exploration, all month long!

Join us for space-themed science and art programs for kids, fascinating NASA presentations, book giveaways (in partnership with our friends at City’s First Readers), and much more.

Learn more about Space Month at the Library!

ISS-ABOVE at Our Libraries

We have installed new ISS-ABOVE units at several QPL branches that provide our customers with a view of the Earth from the International Space Station (ISS)!

Fifty-two ISS-ABOVE units were donated by ARM® and one by The Explorer’s Club.

The ISS-ABOVE tracks the ISS in real-time, and displays information about the ISS's location, its current astronaut crew, and when it can be seen in the sky in Queens. The display also shows live video of the Earth from the ISS during day and night.

Contact your QPL branch to see if they have an ISS-ABOVE unit installed, and join us to see this celestial resource in person!

Space Month Programs

We have nearly 70 special programs planned for Space Month, including a live online conversation with retired NASA astronaut and veteran schoolteacher Barbara Morgan!

Here is a selection of our Space Month programs. Visit the QPL Calendar to see the full list!

Click on the link in each title for more information.

Innovation Stations: Lego Robotics for Teens - Problem Solving
Fridays, April 4-18, 4pm
Jackson Heights Library
35-51 81 Street

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The Sky Tonight with That Planetarium Guy
Monday, April 7, 4pm
Howard Beach Library
92-06 156 Avenue

Friday, April 11, 4pm
Flushing Library
41-17 Main Street

Saturday, April 12, 3pm
Ozone Park Library
92-24 Rockaway Boulevard

Tuesday, April 15, 2pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica

Wednesday, April 16, 3:30pm
Peninsula Library
92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach

Thursday, April 17, 3pm
Cambria Heights Library
218-13 Linden Boulevard

Friday, April 18, 3:30pm
Ridgewood Library
20-12 Madison Street

Tuesday, April 22, 4pm
Elmhurst Library
86-07 Broadway

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Children's Library Discovery Center (CLDC): Aurora Borealis
Tuesday, April 8, 4pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica

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Citizen Science Community Project
Thursdays, April 10 and 17, 4pm
Hunters Point Library
47-40 Center Boulevard, Long Island City

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Robotic Mission to Mars with Young Engineers
Friday, April 11, 2:45pm
North Hills Library
57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck

Saturday, April 19, 2pm
Bay Terrace Library
18-36 Bell Boulevard, Bayside

Friday, April 25, 4pm
South Hollis Library
204-01 Hollis Avenue

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Lego NASA Shuttle
Saturday, April 12, 3pm
Glen Oaks Library
256-04 Union Turnpike

Monday, April 14, 4:30pm
Hillcrest Library
187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing

Thursday, April 17, 3pm
Bellerose Library
250-06 Hillside Avenue

Friday, April 18, 3pm
Glendale Library
78-60 73 Place

Friday, April 18, 4pm
Bayside Library
214-20 Northern Boulevard

Saturday, April 19, 3pm
Broadway Library
40-20 Broadway, Astoria

Monday, April 21, 3:30pm
Richmond Hill Library
118-14 Hillside Avenue

Wednesday, April 23, 3:30pm
Long Island City Library
37-44 21 Street

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Space Robotics with Snapology
Monday, April 14, 3pm
Whitestone Library
151-10 14 Road

Wednesday, April 16, 1pm
Rego Park Library
91-41 63 Drive

Thursday, April 17, 2pm
Ridgewood Library
20-12 Madison Street

Thursday, April 17, 4pm
South Ozone Park Library
128-16 Rockaway Boulevard

Friday, April 18, 3pm
Sunnyside Library
43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City

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Drawing Alien Anatomy with Ivan Velez
Monday, April 14, 4pm
Baisley Park Library
117-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica

Tuesday, April 15, 4pm
East Flushing Library
196-36 Northern Boulevard, Flushing

Saturday, April 19, 1:30pm
Rochdale Village Library
169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica

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Space Science with Snapology
Tuesday, April 15, 3:30pm
Middle Village Library
72-31 Metropolitan Avenue

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Make a Balloon Powered Nano Rover
Wednesday, April 16, 3pm
Ozone Park Library
92-24 Rockaway Boulevard

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Planet Manga with Ivan Velez
Thursday, April 17, 4pm
Douglaston/Little Neck Library
249-01 Northern Boulevard, Little Neck

Friday, April 18, 4pm
Hunters Point Library
47-40 Center Boulevard, Long Island City

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A Conversation with NASA Astronaut (retired) Barbara Morgan
Wednesday, April 23, 3:30pm
Join us on Zoom: https://queenslib.org/41wX

Space Month Resources

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery.

NASA Kids’ Club
Kids can learn about space while having fun and playing games.

Skywatching Tips from NASA
This webpage provides tips, guides, activities, and videos for skywatchers.

NASA Space Place: NASA Science for Kids
Fun STEM activities and experiments that kids and families can perform at home.

QPL Teams Up with NASA to Study Clouds
Learn more about QPL's citizen science collaboration with the NASA GLOBE Clouds team.

QPL Research Databases
QPL's free online databases include Encyclopedia Britannica, PowerKnowledge Earth & Space Science, and World Book Online.

Hey QPL Teens: registration for our Prom x QPL Prom Attire Giveaway is now open!

We have hundreds of brand-new and gently used prom dresses, suits, 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 lots of FREE prom attire for you to choose from!

Join us on these dates at the Cambria Heights Teen Center (218-13 Linden Boulevard):

• Big Giveaway Event: Saturday, April 12, 10:30am-4:30pm (this is when we will have the most reservations available)
• Monday, April 14, 11am-5pm
• Tuesday, April 15, 11am-5pm
• Wednesday, April 16, 11am-5pm
• Thursday, April 17, 1pm-6pm
• Friday, April 18, 11am-5pm

Registration is required to participate in our Prom Attire Giveaway. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Items are only available for students who are attending prom this spring. Prom attire 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 amount of attire available.

Library leaders and supporters gathered on the steps of City Hall to rally for NYC public library funding

NYC’s Public Libraries Urge Continued City Investment 

After overcoming historic budget cuts last year, New York City’s public library systems called on City leaders to invest in libraries, citing rising costs, increased demand, and vital infrastructure needs. 

March 18, 2025— After six years of proposed budget cuts, the presidents of New York City’s three public library systems on Tuesday called on City leaders to invest in libraries with increased expense and capital funding. While grateful to be spared from deep cuts in the City’s latest budget proposal, Brooklyn Public Library President Linda E. Johnson, Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott, and New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx testified that the lack of any significant increase in funding has hampered their ability to continue to provide the services, programs and collection items that New Yorkers want and need. Speaking before the Council’s Committee on Libraries and Cultural Affairs, they urged a restoration of the City Council's $15.7M initiative and a new baseline investment of $45M for their operating budgets. 

The presidents also called for the inclusion of the libraries’ submission in the City’s Ten-Year Capital Strategy, requesting $1.2B in total with $307M for BPL, $485M for NYPL, and $413M for QPL. Recent capital projects have resulted in more than 1,000 affordable housing units atop redeveloped library branches and funded top-to-bottom renovations that modernized historic buildings that had fallen into disrepair.

The presidents expressed gratitude for Council Speaker Adams’ commitment to additional funding for expanded Sunday service across all five boroughs, saying they are eager to collaborate with the Council on this priority as part of the budget process. 

The testimony followed a rally during which library supporters, including union representatives from District Council 37, championed this message on the steps of City Hall.  

Wage increases, steeper material costs, and new hires have all contributed to the need for an increase in operating funds. The requested $45M would help meet these rising challenges, with $12.4M going to BPL, $18.9M for NYPL, and $13.5M for QPL These funds would allow the libraries to cover staff compensation, fill open positions, improve collections, and maintain a robust suite of free programs and essential services. 

This ask for investments comes after the libraries faced $58M in proposed budget cuts last year, the steepest in over a decade. The drastic cut suspended Sunday service, which was restored once the FY25 adopted budget was released. That reversal was made possible by Mayor Adams, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, and the entire City Council, and the libraries remain grateful for their support. 

“Libraries provide essential services that have a tremendous impact on New Yorkers’ quality of life,” said NYPL President Anthony W. Marx. “From nurturing young readers to prepping students for college, libraries give communities the resources they need to thrive – all for free. Now is the time for City leaders to recognize the vital role libraries play by investing in our mission.” 

"The Library is committed to serving our communities, and in order to do so, it is crucial that funding keeps pace with rising costs. Investing in libraries sustains the programs and resources New Yorkers depend on, protects the thriving democratic spaces we need now more than ever, and ensures our institutions can meet the needs of future generations,” said BPL President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “We are grateful to our City leaders for their continued commitment to our mission and look forward to working together to strengthen New York City's libraries for years to come."

"Especially in these uncertain times, New Yorkers are counting on libraries for reliable information, trusted support, and opportunities to learn and grow,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We must be stronger than ever before. Public libraries need consistent and meaningful investment that meets the increased demand for our services, covers rising costs, and reinforces the promise of New York City.”

“Libraries are among New York City’s democratic institutions, providing resources to support education, build civic engagement, and strengthen the fabric of our communities,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37. “We call on City Hall and the City Council to make a meaningful investment in our city’s libraries and support the library workers who serve our city every day of the week.”

"New York’s public libraries are essential pillars of our communities, offering resources that promote education, culture, and opportunity for all,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries. “They are more than just places to borrow books, they are hubs of democracy, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, empowering everyone from young students to older adults, immigrants, and families. Their impact reaches far beyond their walls, providing vital programs that strengthen our city’s future. I am committed to securing the funding they need to continue this invaluable work for every New Yorker.” 

"Libraries are the heart of our communities, providing essential resources, education, and safe spaces for all,” said Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams. “As we navigate the budget process, I remain committed to securing millions for the Libraries Initiative and increasing QPL’s capital improvement fund to prevent project delays. Investing in our libraries is investing in Queens’ future, and I will continue to advocate for the resources they deserve." 

"Libraries are the heart of our communities—offering free access to knowledge, essential resources, and a safe space for all New Yorkers," said Council Member James F. Gennaro. "Investing in our public library system is an investment in education, opportunity, and the future of our city. I stand proudly with our libraries and urge strong support to keep them thriving for generations to come.”

“New York City’s libraries do so much more than lend books,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “They serve as vital community hubs where New Yorkers can take literacy classes, enroll for an IDNYC, access free tax preparation, and more. Many libraries in my district remain closed on Sundays, and I look forward to the introduction of seven-day library service. As we move deeper into the budget cycle, I’m committed to making sure our libraries receive the funding they deserve.”

About the Campaign

The #InvestInLibraries campaign is a partnership between the city’s three public library systems—Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library—and other library supporters across the city. Since the campaign launched in 2015, the City has allocated additional funding for programming as well as critical capital dollars to help address the over $1 billion in needs facing the city’s aging library infrastructure. Despite this important support, libraries confront rising costs and increased demand for more services and programs (from New Yorkers and the City). The campaign urges the City to restore and increase funding to meet rising needs, demands, and costs. 

Copies of prepared remarks will be available on investinlibraries.org 

Media Contacts: BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org; NYPL: Connor Goodwin, connorgoodwin@nypl.org; QPL: Ewa Kern Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org

Forbes Recognizes QPL as a Top U.S. Midsize Employer

Queens, NY_Queens Public Library has been named one of the best midsize employers in the United States by Forbes Magazine in its 2025 rankings. 

This recognition places QPL 46th out of the nearly 500 best companies and organizations with 1,000 to 5,000 employees. Notably, QPL is the only public library system and one of only two libraries to make the list—the other being the Library of Congress. In New York State, 36 companies made it to the magazine’s top midsize companies list of 498. Only seven of these, including QPL, were ranked in the top 100.

“Being included in this list is a meaningful recognition of our team’s exceptional work as they serve our diverse communities with passion and dedication,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “It also reflects our commitment to fostering a work culture that promotes growth, collaboration, and respect, where our talented staff can reach their full potential.” 

To compile the list, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 217,000 employees at U.S. companies with over 1,000 employees. The survey asked whether employees would recommend their employer to others and measured a range of criteria, including salary, work environment, training programs and opportunities to advance. The analysis also used survey data from the past three years.

With 4 million daily website visits and over 100 million monthly readers, Forbes is one of the world’s leading business publications. When compiling its lists Forbes does not accept submissions or fees. 

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 two bookmobiles and two book bicycles.

CONTACT: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org

Do you have an old prom dress, tuxedo, or other formal wear taking up space in your closet?

Please donate your formal wear for the 2nd annual Queens Public Library Prom Attire Collection and Giveaway Event!

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, tuxedos, shoes, bags, and jewelry from March 3 through March 28 at these 14 QPL locations, during our regular hours of service:

• Bayside (214-20 Northern Boulevard)
• Broadway (40-20 Broadway)
• Cambria Heights (218-13 Linden Boulevard)
• Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard)
• Elmhurst (86-07 Broadway)
• Far Rockaway (1637 Central Avenue)
• 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 Giveaway will be held at the Cambria Heights Teen Center on Saturday, April 12, with additional shopping appointments available from April 14-18. 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.

Rendering of Court Square Library’s future home on the Davis Street side of 5PointzLIC.

Queens Public Library Finalizes Lease For New Court Square Branch at 5PointzLIC

Deal Provides 4,500 Square Feet of Space at the Jackson Avenue Residential Complex

QUEENS, NY _ Queens Public Library today announced it has signed a lease with G&M Realty 2 LLC for a new Court Square branch at the 5PointzLIC residential complex at 22-44 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City. The lease is for an initial fifteen-year term, with an additional 5-year renewal option, allowing the Library to serve the Long Island City community at this location for the next two decades.

The space consists of 4,500 square feet on the building’s second floor and replaces QPL’s former location nearby at One Court Square, in the former Citicorp Building, with a monthly rent of $11,250 that will increase 3 percent annually. The Library expects to complete the design for the new branch later this year and estimates construction will take two years at a cost of $3.2 million.

“Finding an affordable and inspiring new home for the Court Square branch has been a top priority, and we are extremely pleased to be one step closer to reestablishing a permanent presence in the neighborhood,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are grateful to our Board of Trustees, elected leaders, and members of the public for their support throughout the process, and we look forward to transforming the space into a dynamic library for the community.”

“Today marks an exciting milestone for the Long Island City community, as we officially announce a 15-year lease for a new library space. This agreement will allow us to create a modern, accessible facility that will serve residents for many years,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “A new library is needed to meet the needs of the growing community and will serve as a hub for learning and connection, helping New Yorkers gain access to valuable services and programs.”

“A great library is a fundamental foundation for a strong and thriving community,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “That’s why I am so thrilled Queens Public Library has signed a lease agreement for what will be a wonderful new library in the 5PointzLIC residential complex. This library will be a beacon of learning, enlightenment and community engagement for the residents of Long Island City for decades to come.”

“Through our collective advocacy, Queens Public Library and 5PointzLIC have come to an agreement and signed the lease for the return of the Court Square Library branch. Since taking office, I have spent every single month pushing for the long-promised Court Square library relocation announced in 2020,” said Council Member Julie Won. “I will continue to work closely with QPL and 5PointzLIC to ensure the design and construction processes are completed in a timely manner. I look forward to the reopening so our young readers and neighbors can enjoy a local public library again.”

“We are excited to have Queens Public Library here at 5PointzLIC, and we are thrilled that the Court Square community will once again have a great library branch,” said G&M Realty 2 LLC President David Wolkoff. “We are grateful to everyone involved for their help in bringing this transaction to fruition.”

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 two bookmobiles and two book bicycles.

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Contact: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org

Tax season is here!

Filing taxes can be an overwhelming, complicated process. But it doesn’t have to be.

Queens Public Library is partnering with a number of organizations to offer FREE in-person tax counseling sessions for New Yorkers at several QPL locations.

During these sessions, professionals from our partner organizations will help you prepare (and in many cases e-file) your tax returns.

For more details about these tax counseling sessions, and to learn how you can schedule an appointment:

• Visit the QPL Calendar
• Pick up a copy of our Tax Help Brochure at your local library
• Download a copy of our Tax Help Brochure here.

The following essential documents are required to prepare your taxes, and must be brought to any in-person tax counseling session. Please read our Tax Help Brochure to learn about any additional documents that may apply to you.

• Government issued picture ID
• Driver’s or non-driver’s license required for NY State tax return
• Social Security cards or ITIN documents for everyone listed on your tax return
• Copy of last year’s tax return (if you filed)

Please note that Queens Public Library does not operate these programs, does not vouch for the accuracy of information disseminated during such programs, and assumes no responsibility for any statements made.

We hope that you will join us for our special programs in honor of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

We also have recommendations for great books and movies about Dr. King, and a special resource from our Queens Memory team.

All Queens Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, January 20 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Queens Memory: Martin Luther King, Jr. at Queens College