An artist’s rendering of the 4,600-square-foot addition (right) to Arverne Library (left). The building will be expanded into an adjacent yard owned by Queens Public Library. [Rice+Lipka]
Arverne Library to Almost Double In Size as City Starts $17.3 Million Expansion Project
New annex will be elevated to increase resiliency and protect from future storms and flooding
(Arverne, NY – December 20, 2024) Queens Public Library (QPL) President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott and Commissioner Thomas Foley of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) today joined library staff and local elected officials to break ground on a $17.3 million project that will expand and modernize QPL’s Arverne Library at 312 Beach 54 Street in the Rockaways. The project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2027, is being managed by DDC for QPL.
“The new annex underscores our commitment to creating welcoming, inspiring spaces that are resilient and environmentally sustainable,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “At nearly twice the size of the existing branch -- which attracted 60,000 visitors this past year – the building will enable us to serve even more people as the neighborhood grows in the coming years. We are extremely grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, and the NYS Education Department for securing the capital funds needed to cover the cost of the new structure, and to the NYC Department of Design and Construction for managing its construction.”
“DDC and the Adams Administration were successful this year in bringing sweeping construction reform to New York City libraries. In the future, DDC will be able to use the Construction Manager-Build method of contracting at all three of the city’s library systems including all 62 branches of QPL,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Building on our great design-build program and other methods of alternate project delivery, this will lead to faster projects, fewer delays and better use of taxpayer money.”
The expansion of Arverne Library will site a new one-story 4,600-square-foot addition in a vacant yard next to the existing 5,400-square-foot library. The new annex will feature a large multi-purpose meeting room, a community room, ADA-compliant bathrooms and spaces for library staff and necessary utilities. To increase its environmental sustainability, the new annex will include solar panels and several skylights that enhance the use of natural lighting.
An artist’s rendering of the interior of the Arverne Library expansion. The project includes new space plus resiliency and sustainability features. [Rice+Lipka]
Arverne Library sustained heavy water damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, prompting its closure and a two-year gut renovation. To increase resiliency and protection from future storms and flooding, the expansion will be elevated and will contain flood vents. The sidewalk around the library will also be regraded and new pavers will be installed.
The design was completed by the firm Rice+Lipka Architects, based in Manhattan. The world-renowned firm has designed several projects as part of DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence Program, which pre-qualifies design firms pre-qualifies firms to design public buildings projects, reducing the time required to procure design services while ensuring the highest levels of quality and professionalism in construction projects managed by the agency. Other projects designed by Rice+Lipka under the program include the renovation of the Nuyorican Poets Café, the new NYPD Bomb Squad Operations Building in the Bronx and Hamilton Fish Library on the Lower East Side.
The project also features a Percent For Art component, by the artist Justin Valdez. Valdez’s work is called “The Feeling is Mutual” and will include playful drawings and murals throughout the library inspired by his extensive experience of life and people in the Rockaways. It features illustrations turned into “distraction graphics” which will be installed on glass doors and dividers throughout the building, as well as drawings and installations that fill all of the library’s bathrooms with dozens of engaging artworks, all deeply rooted in and inspired by the Rockaways.
“The expansion of the Arverne Library represents a major milestone in our efforts to provide high-quality public services to all of New York City. With this $17.3 million investment we are enhancing access to educational resources and investing in the future of the community,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “This modernized, larger library will provide residents with more space for learning, events, and programs. Investing in our libraries is crucial to creating thriving, resilient communities where all New Yorkers can grow and succeed.”
"Few communities in New York City are growing faster and being invested in more than Arverne. But behind every strong neighborhood is a strong library, and that's exactly what we're delivering with the Arverne branch's brand new, 4,600-square-foot addition," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "I'm proud to have allocated nearly $3.4 million toward this critically important project in support of Arverne families, who will soon have an expanded, state-of-the-art library to call their own."
“The expansion of the Arverne library branch will provide even more services and access to the community,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “Libraries are indispensable. They enrich the lives of everyone who walks through the doors providing books to read, training, career resources, movies and much more. As Borough President, I recognized the need to expand this branch and allocated funding for the project. I want to congratulate Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and everyone involved in making this a bigger and better destination for learning in the neighborhood.”
“As a proud supporter of educational and community resources, I am thrilled to see the expansion and modernization of the Arverne Library taking shape,” said State Senator James Sanders Jr. “Libraries are more than just buildings; they are gateways to knowledge, opportunity, and community growth. This project is an investment in the future of the Rockaways, ensuring our residents have access to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve generations to come."
“Assembly District 31 continues to secure critical investment as Arverne Library is next to be expanded!,” said Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson. “Our Libraries are the core of our community as they function as a cooling center, a safe space for our youth, a bridge addressing the digital divide, and a learning and technological hub. The Arvene Branch was my childhood library, and I am excited to see what it will be like after the recent successful reopening of the Far Rockaway Branch.”
“Today’s groundbreaking for the Arverne Library expansion represents a significant milestone for Southeast Queens,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “Libraries are the heart of our communities—spaces for education, connection, and growth—and this new addition will strengthen those opportunities for Arverne residents. I am proud to support this project, which reflects the City’s commitment to enhancing public spaces and meeting the evolving needs of our neighborhoods. I commend Queens Public Library, President Dennis Walcott, and all partners involved for their dedication to this important initiative.”
“We are very excited to be adding another updated library to the Peninsula arsenal for all our constituents to use, to be able to provide yet another opportunity to the community, to have a way to expand their knowledge base, or just have a place to come to relax, listen to music, leisurely read a newspaper or socialize, quietly with their peers,” said Community Board 14 District Manager Felicia Johnson. “We are excited for this new expansion and addition to the community. It has been a long time coming. Thank you to the Borough President and the QPL System.”
Arverne Library offers books, movies, music, free Wi-Fi, computer workstations, and a variety of programs for all ages. This past year, the branch attracted 60,000 visitors and circulated nearly 100,000 items. The library will remain open during the construction period.
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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 center located at the Queensbridge Houses, the nation’s largest public housing complex, and a community learning center at another public housing complex, the Ravenswood Houses. It also has five teen centers, two 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. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $33 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring 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, 917-702-0016, ekern@queenslibrary.org
DDC: Ian Michaels, 646-939-6514, michaelia@ddc.nyc.gov
New York City’s Three Public Library Systems Reveal the Top Checkouts of 2024
The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library unveil first-ever citywide top checkout list, along with the top ten titles for adults, young adults, and children
December 18, 2024—Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and The New York Public Library have announced for the first time a citywide list of top checkouts for 2024, combining data from all three library systems in five boroughs. They have also announced the top 10 checkouts at each system for adults, young adults, and children.
Across New York City’s three library systems, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin was the most checked-out title, followed by Happy Place by Emily Henry and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.
The top titles include all formats: e-books, audiobooks, and physical books. The full lists of 2024 top checkouts for each system can be found at Queens Public Library (https://connect.queenslibrary.org/2342); Brooklyn Public Library (https://bklynlib.org/top-checkouts-2024); or The New York Public Library (nypl.org/topcheckouts2024).
TOP 10 ADULT TITLES
Citywide:
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
- The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
The New York Public Library
Systemwide:
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
- Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
The Bronx:
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
- The Exchange: After the Firm by John Grisham
- Crosshairs by James Patterson and James O. Born
- I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Manhattan:
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
- James by Percival Everett
- Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Staten Island:
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
- Upside Down by Danielle Steel
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- TIE Happy Place by Emily Henry
- TIE The Exchange: After The Firm by John Grisham
- Never Too Late by Danielle Steel
- The Teacher by Freida McFadden
- TIE The Coworker by Freida McFadden
- TIE Never Lie by Freida McFadden
Brooklyn Public Library
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
- I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
- Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
- The Guest by Emma Cline
Queens Public Library
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- Babel: An Arcane History by R. F. Kuang
- The Teacher by Freida McFadden
- Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
- Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
- I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
“Year after year, our lists of top checkouts represent the stories that most spoke to our patrons and their interests. At The New York Public Library this year, we saw audiobooks continue to play an important role in our top checkout titles—reflecting how our readers are reaching beyond print to access books—as well as an incredibly diverse range of titles,” said Brian Bannon, Chief Librarian and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education at The New York Public Library. “I’m thrilled to see the wide-ranging reading habits of our patrons represented in these lists.”
“I am delighted to see the wide range of items New Yorkers are borrowing including stories about immigrants and outsiders, cities and small towns, friends, family and love,” said Nick Higgins, Chief Librarian, Brooklyn Public Library. “Books play a critical role in everyday life—especially now—helping us to understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us.”
“While our readers’ adult and young adult choices span a variety of genres, including thrillers, fantasies, historical fiction and romance, they have one interesting thing in common—all of the authors are women,” said Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron. “It also is worth noting that many of the stories told in the books that made our adult list are gut-wrenching, which may be an indication of how some people have been feeling during a year of change and uncertainty.”
TOP 10 YOUNG ADULT TITLES
The New York Public Library
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
- Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
- A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Brooklyn Public Library
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
3. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
6. If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
7. Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotoge
8. Divine Rivals: A Novel by Rebecca Ross
9. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
10. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Queens Public Library
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
- The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
- Lightlark by Alex Aster
- Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen
TOP 10 CHILDREN TITLES
The New York Public Library
- No Brainer by Jeff Kinney
- The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
- Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney
- Cat Kid Comic Club #5: Influencers by Dav Pilkey (words, illustrations, and artwork), with digital color by Jose Garibaldi & Wes Dzioba
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down by Jeff Kinney
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney
Brooklyn Public Library
- Diary of A Wimpy Kid: No Brainer by Jeff Kinney
- Cat Kid Comic Club #5: Influencers by Dav Pilkey (words, illustrations, and artwork), with digital color by Jose Garibaldi & Wes Dzioba
- Dog Man: Unleashed by Dav Pilkey
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea by Dav Pilkey
- Diary of A Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöad by Jeff Kinney
- Guts by Raina Telgemeier
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties by Dav Pilkey
- Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
- Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights by Dav Pilkey
Queens Public Library
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea by Dav Pilkey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
- Dog Man: Fetch-22 by Dav Pilkey
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights by Dav Pilkey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey
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 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 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 at the Queensbridge Houses, the nation’s largest public housing complex, and a community learning center at another public housing complex, the Ravenswood Houses. It also has five teen centers, two bookmobiles, and two book bicycles.
Media contacts
QPL: Elisabeth de Bourbon, edebourbon@queenslibrary.org; BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org; NYPL: Lizzie Tribone, lizzietribone@nypl.org
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QPL’s Bay Terrace Library Reopens Following Top-To-Bottom Renovation and Modernization
$6.1 Million Overhaul Added a New Multipurpose Room and a Designated Teen Area
BAYSIDE, N.Y. _ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, State Senators Toby Ann Stavisky and John Liu, Assembly Member Edward Braunstein, Council Member Vickie Paladino, community leaders and library staff today marked the reopening of Bay Terrace Library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, following a $6.1 million transformation of the building.
The one-story 7,500-square-foot building has served as a library since 1981. Work on the project began in April 2022 and involved a full interior renovation, the expansion of the main entrance at 18-36 Bell Blvd. and the addition of a designated teen area, as well as a new state-of-the art multi-purpose community room with audiovisual equipment, and a new, ADA compliant entrance at the 23rd Avenue side entrance to facilitate off-hours programming.
The renovation also includes updated furniture, shelving and millwork, as well as a new roof, floors, walls, ceilings, and technology. The fire alarm, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems were also upgraded.
“Bay Terrace Library is an essential part of this community, and we know how much people have missed it,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are thrilled to welcome them back to a modern, inspiring space that is accessible to all. This fantastic renovation project would not have been possible without the strong support of our current and former elected leaders and the commitment of the QPL team who worked very hard to ensure that this branch can continue to serve the public for generations to come.”
“I regret that I cannot join you all today to celebrate this exciting milestone. This remarkable renovation exemplifies what can be achieved when people come together for the greater good. Kudos to Queens Public Library and the Bay Terrace community!,” said Congressman Thomas Suozzi (NY-03). “More than just an upgrade, this renovation of the Bay Terrace library will foster access to vital information, enhance educational support, and promote literacy, making it a true community hub that connects people with knowledge and with one another. As Albert Einstein famously said, 'The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.' That's easy; it's located on Bell Boulevard, right in the heart of Bay Terrace.”
“Today, we celebrate not only the reopening of the Bay Terrace Library, but also a major investment for this community. This renovation helps ensure that New Yorkers have access to the resources, technology, and educational opportunities they deserve,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “With new spaces for learning, creativity, and connection, Bay Terrace Library will continue to serve as a vital hub for residents of all ages. I am proud that through collaboration and commitment, this space has been transformed into a modern, accessible, and welcoming resource.”
“Our libraries are the lifeblood of our communities, and the Bay Terrace community is full of life today as we reopen its newly renovated, state-of-the-art library," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I'm proud to have allocated $424,000 toward this necessary renovation, because these upgrades will make a world of a difference for our families and community members who will make use of this library every day.”
“We are excited that the renovation of the Bay Terrace library branch is complete and once again there is a safe place for everyone in the community to gather,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “Libraries are anchors in our communities, keeping their doors open six days a week for toddlers, parents, retirees, students, jobseekers and others to find safe harbor and support. As Borough President, I recognized the need for a state-of-the-art facility and allocated funding for this project. Congratulations to Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and everyone involved in this project for making it a reality.”
“Back in the late 1970’s I advocated for the construction of the Bay Terrace Library when my husband, Leonard, was a member of the Assembly and represented Bay Terrace,” said State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Together with two community leaders, Leah Gruber and Anita Blank, we won the fight, arguing that the Bay Terrace community would have a population surge. The newly improved Bay Terrace Library provides critical access to modern technology, eases entry for those living with disabilities and opens attractive new communal space including a room exclusively for teens. I am thrilled for this reopening, and I want to thank QPL President and CEO Dennis Walcott for his hard work and vision on this project.”
“The newly renovated Bay Terrace Library shows how public investment can transform community spaces into modern hubs of learning, creativity, and connection,” said State Senator John Liu. “For decades, this library has been a trusted resource for northeast Queens, and with these improvements, we are ensuring this cornerstone of Bay Terrace is best equipped to serve the ever-growing needs of our families, businesses, and community at large for generations to come.”
“I am thrilled to celebrate the long-anticipated reopening of the Bay Terrace Library,” Assembly Member Edward Braunstein. “Queens’ public libraries serve as the beating heart of our local communities, and with these state-of-the-art improvements, children and families will be able to enjoy a wide variety of programs and resources in a modernized space for generations to come. I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure state funding to help fund this project. This renovation was also made possible by late Council Member Paul Vallone, who worked persistently to make this project a reality. Bay Terrace is my home library and I look forward to enjoying the new space with my children soon.”
“When I took office, the Bay Terrace Library was under construction and the community had long suffered without their beloved library,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino. “I made it a top priority in my office to ensure construction met the timelines set and the library was delivered to the community as soon as possible. The President and CEO of Queens Public Library, Dennis Walcott, was a huge help in getting this project done. We had in person meetings and phone calls where I was able to express my concerns for the delay in completion, and he listened to every concern. Thank you to everyone at Queens Public Library, and especially Dennis for your continued support of our libraries in District 19 and your special attention to this project. Congratulations to Bay Terrace on your brand new, fully renovated library!”
During the event, attendees paid tribute to the late Council Member Paul Vallone who passed away unexpectedly in January 2024. During his time in the City Council, Vallone tirelessly advocated for the renovation of Bay Terrace Library and was a steadfast supporter of the entire QPL system. Several of his family members participated in the library reopening.
After officials cut the ribbon, the library hosted an afternoon of family arts and crafts, a musical performance, face painting and manga drawing for teens.
Financial support for this project was provided by the Office of Mayor Eric Adams, the Office of City Council Member Vickie Paladino, the New York City Council, the Office of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., the Office of State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, the Office of State Senator John Liu and the Office of Assembly Member Edward Braunstein.
# # #
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 at the Queensbridge Houses, the nation’s largest public housing complex, and a community learning center at another public housing complex, the Ravenswood Houses. It also has five teen centers, two bookmobiles, and two book bicycles.
Contact:
Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska - ekern@queenslibrary.org
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Tuesday, November 5 is Election Day!
Voters in New York will help elect the next president and vice president of the United States, members of the U.S. Congress and the New York State legislature, district attorneys, judges, and other officials.
New York City voters will also have a say in city and state ballot proposals this fall.
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 Board of Elections (BOE) registered voter search page.
- Call the Board of Elections (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.
How to Watch the 2024 Presidential Election Returns
Watch the replay of our conversation with Steven M. Schneebaum, Adjunct Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and learn about the Electoral College, how to watch and understand the 2024 election returns, and what to expect on Election Night.
Watch on Facebook.
Watch on YouTube.
For other non-partisan information, call or visit these organizations.
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
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.
QPL Rally in Front of Flushing Library
Historic Day of Action Against Books Bans Held in New York, Brooklyn, and Queens Public Libraries
First-ever anti-censorship rally mobilizes scores of New Yorkers against the alarming rise of book bans
October 19, 2024—Today, The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library held the first-ever nationwide Freedom to Read Day of Action, a coordinated set of rallies held by almost 200 libraries in nearly all 50 states against book bans and censorship. The Freedom to Read Day of Action was organized in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.
In a remarkable show of united support for the freedom to read, thousands of people attended rallies held in New York City alone and over 6,000 people have already signed the Freedom to Read pledge, which launched this week. The pledge will remain open for signatures through Election Day.
“We are thrilled to have organized and celebrated the first-ever Freedom to Read Day of Action, and to have gathered and welcomed hundreds of book lovers and advocates across New York City. Public Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy, allowing us to exercise intellectual freedom and widen our perspectives and worldviews. As book bans continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to stand up for the freedom to read. Our action day sends a clear message: book bans have no place in the United States,” said Brooklyn Public Library Linda E. Johnson, Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott and The New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx.
In addition to the turn-out for the Freedom to Read Day of Action and number of the Freedom to Read Pledge sign-ups, supporters elevated the issue of book bans to the forefront of public discussion with an outpouring of support on social media using the hashtag #FreedomToRead.
The latest data from ALA reveals the staggering rise of book bans since 2020, which has continued at pace. New data from PEN America found that book bans nearly tripled during the 2023-2024 academic year. The majority of the banned or challenged books are aimed at young people and are disproportionately written by or about people of color or people who identify as LGBTQ+.
“At a time when our nation and the world is full of division, there is one place in almost every community with a welcome for everyone,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl. “At the library, we can make ourselves at home with a familiar story – and we can step outside our comfort zone with a book about unfamiliar places, characters and ideas. There’s no limit to what we can learn, including how to participate in this democracy that gives us the freedom to read.”
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 millions of visitors through its doors annually and millions more around the globe 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 center located at the Queensbridge Houses, the nation’s largest public housing complex, and a community learning center at another public housing complex, the Ravenswood Houses. It also has five teen centers, two 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. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we 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 are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library’s online catalog. 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.
Media Contacts
BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org, 929-276-4232
NYPL: Sandee Roston, sroston@nypl.org, 212-621-0650
QPL: Elisabeth de Bourbon, edebourbon@queenslibrary.org, 917-650-3815
Book bans and challenges in the United States reached an all-time high in 2023 and are continuing at an alarming rate. It's more important than ever to stand united against censorship and protect the freedom to read.
New York City’s three public library systems — Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and The New York Public Library — have partnered with the American Library Association, Unite Against Book Bans, and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries to create a nationwide Freedom to Read Day of Action in support of this enduring, non-partisan American value.
On Saturday, October 19, libraries, bookstores, readers, and our allies across the country will unite against book bans and celebrate the power of books and the diverse ideas and points of view that they offer.
Get started before October 19! You can Sign the Freedom to Read Pledge and Start Promoting the Day of Action on your Social Media accounts.
There are many ways you can get involved on the Day of Action. Learn more about them below!
Day of Action Rally at Flushing Library
On Saturday, October 19 at 11am, join the QPL community on the Plaza outside Flushing Library for a special rally that will include readings from banned and challenged books, a Banned Books Giveaway, and other activities. Thanks to Penguin Random House for their generous donation of books.
After the rally, join us at Flushing Library for a Banned Books Storytime at 2pm.
Registration for the Day of Action Rally at Flushing Library is not required, but is encouraged. Register here: DayofAction.eventbrite.com
QPL Activities Across Queens
Join us at Central Library on Saturday, October 19 for a special Banned Books Giveaway at 12pm, and a Banned Books Storytime at 3pm. Thanks to Penguin Random House for their generous donation of books.
The Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center will also hold their 16th Annual Literary Arts Festival on October 19, with the theme "Power of the Written Word" and a special Banned Books panel discussion with Emily Drabinski, the immediate past president of the American Library Association. There will also be a Banned Books Giveaway. Thanks to Penguin Random House for their generous donation of books. Register for the Langston Hughes Literary Arts Festival.
QPL Mobile Libraries will be at the Queens Botanical Garden and Forest Park from 10am-1pm on Saturday, October 19. Stop by those bookmobiles for great Freedom to Read activities, including a Banned Books Giveaway at Forest Park! Thanks to Penguin Random House for their generous donation of books.
Learn More about all our Day of Action Special Events.
All QPL locations will have Day of Action activities for our customers, like our "Stand with Libraries Everywhere" Walls, where you can write encouraging words about the freedom to read; photo props you can use to take social media selfies; and much more.
Stand Up on Social Media
Starting at 10am on October 19, show your support for the freedom to read on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and more.
Use the hashtag #FreedomToRead to share why open access to books, information, and knowledge is important to you and your community, and why book bans are against everything we believe as a country of readers.
You can share our special Day of Action graphics, a picture of a banned or challenged book that means a lot to you, or a message that shows how much you oppose book bans.
Use the sample posts below, or write your own.
Tag NYC’s libraries in your posts as well!
Option 1: Share a Photo of a Book
Take a picture of a book (or a selfie with a book) that is meaningful to you.
Post the picture on your social media platform(s).
Use the hashtag #FreedomToRead and tag NYC’s libraries in your post!
Option 2: Day of Action Graphics
Download the special Day of Action graphics and share them on social media.
Use the hashtag #FreedomToRead and tag NYC’s libraries in your post!
Option 3: Message of Support
Even if you don't share a picture or use our graphics, we still want to hear your voice!
You can write a message or record a video that shows how much you oppose book bans and support the freedom to read, or use one of the sample posts below.
Don't forget to use the hashtag #FreedomToRead and tag NYC’s libraries in your post!
NYC Library Handles
X (Twitter):
QPL: @QPLNYC
BPL: @bklynlibrary
NYPL: @nypl
FACEBOOK:
QPL: QPLNYC
BPL: BrooklynPublicLibrary
NYPL: nypl
INSTAGRAM:
QPL: @qplnyc
BPL: @bklynlibrary
NYPL: @nypl
Sample Social Media Posts
📢 Join me and thousands of readers across the country for the #FreedomToRead Day of Action on Saturday, October 19! Show your support for the right to read, and let's unite against book bans! Find a Day of Action event near you. https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/day-of-action/
I’m joining @QPLNYC @bklynlibrary @nypl to stand against book bans and censorship. Here's the book I'm reading. What are you reading? #FreedomToRead
During today's Day of Action, I'm standing with NYC's public libraries to support the #FreedomToRead! Let's unite against book bans—everyone should be able to read whatever they want!
Books like this have the power to change lives. It's the #FreedomToRead Day of Action, and today I'm saying NO to book bans and censorship. Share your favorite book!
📚 It's the #FreedomToRead Day of Action! I’m standing against censorship of all kinds and celebrating the right to read what I want. Join me and thousands of readers nationwide!
Mayor Adams Breaks Ground on Major Renovation of Queens Public Library’s Hollis Library
Watch the video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl18RN5AxLE
Library’s Interior to be Transformed with New Reading and Multi-Purpose Rooms, Redesigned Entrance, and More
Administration Has Invested More Than $300 Million in City’s Libraries in Three Fiscal Years; Nearly $900 Million Committed in FY 2025 – FY 2028 Capital Plan
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Public Library (QPL) President Dennis M. Walcott, and New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley today broke ground on a $7.4 million project that will completely modernize the interior of the Hollis Library QPL branch with new reading rooms, more space for computers, and additional features for visitors and staff. Mayor Adams also celebrated three years of significant investments in the city’s libraries, with total investment in the city’s libraries approaching $900 million in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to FY 2028 capital plan.
“I am proud to be here to break ground on this major renovation of the Hollis Library, a $7 million project that will improve the library experience for this entire community,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City’s libraries are so much more than just a place to check out a book, particularly for low-income New Yorkers. From looking for a job, to staying cool in a heat wave, to getting online, our public libraries are the hearts of our communities. That is why our administration has invested more than $300 million in the city’s libraries over three fiscal years, with nearly $900 million committed in the 2025-2028 Capital Plan.”
“Our administration is focused on providing world-class libraries citywide, ensuring no neighborhood is left behind,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “The renovations to the Hollis Library will provide the neighborhood with the state-of-the-art features that New Yorkers deserve. This is just one great example of how our library systems, with this fiscal year’s investments, are providing New Yorkers with access to knowledge and resources.”
“As we break ground on the major renovation of Hollis Library, we are reminded of all the ways that New Yorkers use their libraries in the internet age — not just for quiet study but for play, for caretaking, accessing social services, and so much more,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Our hardworking team at DDC is up to the task of delivering public spaces that meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers. CM-Build, which the governor has on her desk to sign into law, will help us renovate our aging civic buildings like libraries more quickly and affordably.”
“This DDC in-house design will completely overhaul the current interior into an environmentally-efficient, modern, and spacious library with more natural lighting, several reading areas, a multi-purpose room, more space for computers, and ADA-compliant restrooms,” said DDC Commissioner Foley. “In the future, we hope we can use a faster method of construction management for library renovation projects called CM-Build, which provides a lot more flexibility for dealing with issues that arise in the field after we start work. Once our construction reform bill, which was passed by the state Legislature, is signed in Albany, we’ll be able to complete projects like these even faster and more efficiently.”
“The upcoming transformation of Hollis Library represents our commitment to providing modern, inviting spaces that inspire people to learn, grow, and find success,” said Dennis M. Walcott, president and CEO, Queens Public Library. “I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and Councilmember Linda Lee for their substantial investment and for their constant support of our libraries.”
Improvements to the Hollis Library QPL branch, funded in part by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and New York City Councilmember Linda Lee, will include new insulated walls, new flooring and ceilings, and sleek, embedded light fixtures. The library’s entrance will be upgraded with a new reception area, and the façade will include large perimeter windows for extra lighting. The renovation will create three reading rooms — a main reading room with an area for teenagers, a children’s area, and a multi-purpose room with a visual and audio system. The design also allows for more computer space, with a capacity for 16 workstations. Wireless internet will also be available throughout the building. The interior renovation will follow the latest ADA-accessible standards, including upgraded restrooms.
The project will also replace and upgrade all building mechanical systems, including electric, fire-alarm, and plumbing. Additionally, the library’s interior and exterior lighting and mechanical systems will be made compliant with the New York City Energy Conservation Code. After the renovation, it is expected that the 1973-built library will be certified as LEED Silver for efficiency. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2026.
This announcement builds on recent work that DDC has done across the QPL system to upgrade and renovate buildings. Last week, DDC finished a $1.8 million roof renovation for QPL’s Laurelton Library branch. The library now has a multi-layer roof system for insulation and water protection for the next 15 years. The building’s façade was also restored with brick and marble replacements for a fresher look. The project was done nearly 10 percent under budget, saving taxpayers $160,000. DDC also recently completed a $2.2 million renovation of QPL’s Hillcrest Library. The project replaced the library’s roof and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Rendering of the Hollis Library Renovations. Credit: DDC
The Adams administration continues to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the city’s vital network of libraries, which serve as community hubs, cooling centers, resource sites, and more. In the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget, the city invested an additional $58.3 million in expense funding to the city’s libraries — allowing the city’s three public library system to resume Sunday service across all branches that previously offered it and open newly renovated locations across the five boroughs. Additionally, this summer, Mayor Adams and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced that $42.8 million will be baselined in budgets in years going forward to avoid any sort of service disruptions. Over the past three fiscal years, the administration has added more than $300 million in investments to the city’s three library systems, bringing the total commitment in the FY25 to FY28 capital plans to nearly $900 million.
“Hollis families deserve a spectacular, state-of-the-art library to call their own, and that’s exactly what we’re working to deliver, starting with today’s groundbreaking,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I'm so proud to have allocated $1 million to this vitally important project, which will make a world of difference for this community, and to have put more than $26 million into the Queens Public Library system as a whole since taking office. Our libraries are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, and it’s critical that we ensure every single branch sees the investment it needs to best serve our families.”
“Libraries are essential hubs that provide students, older adults, and families a place to socialize, access the technology, and receive supportive services they need to be successful,” said New York City Councilmember Linda Lee, chair, Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions. “I am proud to join my colleagues in fully renovating and modernizing the Hollis Public Library for our community. Residents deserve to feel a sense of pride living in their neighborhood, and this investment to upgrade our community library will serve as another reason to be happy to call Hollis home.”
“The iconic Queens Public Library system is one of the biggest and busiest in the world. More than repositories of knowledge, its branches are hubs of community activity where job seekers receive career guidance, immigrants learn English, and children’s minds grow in Pre-K. I am proud that we reached a fiscally responsible FY 2025 to FY 2028 capital plan that invests almost a billion dollars in our libraries, opening the door to the renovation of the Hollis Library branch,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “We will create new reading spaces, a teen area and multipurpose room, and ADA accessibility upgrades. We will also add new computers, equipment, and furnishings to preserve the Hollis library as a neighborhood institution. Together, we will make these investments so that New Yorkers have the world class libraries they deserve.”
“The Queens Public Library at Hollis is a fantastic neighborhood resource, and I’m pleased to see local branch renovations and reopening across Queens,” said New York State Assemblymember David I. Weprin. “The improvements to QPL Hollis will boost services for children, teens, and adults. As the former chair of the Assembly Task Force for People with Disabilities, ADA compliance is very important to me and I’m glad that these critical infrastructure upgrades are being made to ensure accessibility for all at QPL Hollis. This effort will not only enhance the library’s functionality and accessibility but also provide a vibrant, welcoming space for the community to gather, learn, and grow. I look forward to celebrating the completion of these comprehensive renovations soon.”
“Public libraries create jobs, provide workforce development opportunities, support small businesses, and enrich our everyday lives as New Yorkers,” said New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera, chair, Committee on Criminal Justice. “The investment to modernize the Hollis Library QPL branch will benefit thousands of residents at a time we see library usage rising, helping connect New Yorkers to vital services and programs.”
“We’re thrilled to have the long-awaited renovations to the Hollis Library QPL Branch,” said Martha Taylor, chair, Community Board 8. “Community Board 8 has advocated for the improvement of the library. We know that former board member Marc Haken, who fought tirelessly alongside us, would be proud to see this. These improvements will create a more modern, accessible space that reflects the spirit and resilience of our community, providing a welcoming environment for learning, connection, and growth.”
Media Contact
Mayor's Office: pressoffice@cityhall.nyc.gov
QPL: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska; ekern@queenslibrary.org
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A photo of the Sky Window displays at Baisley Park Library, created by QPL librarian Rose Kelly-Lyons.
Authors: Rosalba Giarratano, Rita Karl, and Rose Kelly-Lyons
Clouds come in all shapes and sizes, and observing them can be a fun family activity. But did you know that your cloud observations can help scientists?
Queens Public Library (QPL) is collaborating with the NASA GLOBE Clouds team to engage children and their families in learning to identify different types of clouds.
Turns out that while there are several satellite missions that collect data about clouds, NASA uses different perspectives to study the atmosphere. In other words, scientists need help from the ground. So, the NASA GLOBE Clouds team is always looking for as many ground cloud observations as possible to complement what satellites can see from above. Clouds are very important for our weather and our climate. For example, different types of clouds can either block or let pass different amounts of sunlight, affecting our temperature.
The GLOBE Observer app invites you to make observations of your environment (including clouds) that complement NASA satellite observations. By using the GLOBE Observer app, you are joining the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) community and contributing important scientific data to NASA and GLOBE, your local community, and students and scientists worldwide.
To share your observations of clouds using the GLOBE Observer app, you will need to identify the different cloud types you see in the sky. Distinguishing among cloud types and remembering the names associated with cloud types can be tricky. So, several QPL librarians and members of the NASA GLOBE Clouds team have been working together testing several resources to learn about clouds!
At Baisley Park in Queens, Children’s Librarian Rose Kelly-Lyons hosts storytime in the morning and gardening sessions in the afternoon. Throughout July 2024, Rose’s group read cloud-themed books in the morning and later practiced a cloud dance in the garden. After dancing, they looked up to the sky and identified which clouds they could see. When it was time to close up the garden, some kids played a card cloud identification game to continue learning about clouds.
The cloud dance Rose did with her group is based on the three main types of clouds. Here is a YouTube video of NASA GLOBE Clouds Project Scientist Marilé Colón Robles and her two daughters demonstrating the moves of the cloud dance. Rose expanded the dance by adding a clap for thunder and a squat for precipitation!
Rose was also able to spotlight the cloud dance in two other programs. Once in “Dance, Dance, Library,” a full hour of dance games. This was special as one child already knew it from the garden and demonstrated it for other children, right next to Rose. The other time was during a scheduled summer camp visit where the topic was “jobs in the library”. According to Rose, the cloud dance was a helpful way to get the wiggles out, advertise the gardening program, and bust misconceptions about what happens in a library. One camper was convinced that scientists couldn’t work in a library or even need a library. However, now all those campers appreciate the fact that librarians and scientists do have opportunities to work together.
Rose also placed a Sky Window at Baisley Park Library. It is at the right height, so when a child looks through it they are able to see the clouds outside and practice identification.
If you want to learn about clouds at QPL or beyond, Rose recommends observing the clouds while on a picnic, doing the cloud dance as a road trip group stretch (as she did with her friends), or combining both activities as a wake up transition technique (wake up, dance, and look out the window).
Now, Queens is home to people who speak many different languages. Below we are highlighting several resources available for you and your family to learn about clouds. Some of them are available both in English and in Spanish, and some storybooks and activity sheets are also available in Arabic, French, and German!
Thank you to the QPL librarians who helped with this project and provided resources: Rose Kelly-Lyons, Raquel Parrilla, Uriel A. Hernandez Bonifacio, and Oksana Kondrashrova.
A photo of one of the Sky Window displays at Baisley Park Library, created by QPL librarian Rose Kelly-Lyons.
Books:
● Do You Know That Clouds Have Names? (Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish)
● When Cloud Became a Cloud by Rob Hodgson (Book, eBook)
● Ploof by Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser (Book, eBook)
● Partly Cloudy by Deborah Freedman (Book)
● Little Cloud by Eric Carle (Book, eBook, Audiobook)
● Little Cloud and Lady Wind by Toni Morrison, Slade Morrison, and Sean Qualls (Book)
● The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola (Book, eBook)
● WorldCat GLOBE Clouds Books for Kids
● WorldCat GLOBE Clouds Books for Adults
Podcasts:
● Smologies: CLOUDS with Dr. Rachel Storer
● YouTube: How to Notice Changes Around us with The Community with NASA scientist Marilé Colón Robles
● BBC World Service: CrowdScience: What gives clouds their shapes?
Hands-On Activities:
● Estimating Cloud Cover Using Paper (English, Spanish, YouTube Demo Video in English)
● Making a Cloud in a Jar (YouTube Demo Video in English, Handout in Spanish)
● Cloud Fun: Observing, comparing, and make paper cumulus clouds (English, French, Spanish)
● Cloud Clues: Determining a Cloud’s Opacity (English, Spanish)
● Creating a Cloudscape (English, French, Spanish)
● YouTube: Cloud Dance Video (English, Spanish)
The Municipal Art Society of New York Names the Far Rockaway Library the City’s “Best New Building”
(Queens, NY – September 23, 2024) Commissioner Thomas Foley of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott today announced that the new Far Rockaway Library has been named the City’s “Best New Building” by the Municipal Art Society of New York in its 2024 MASterworks Awards. DDC managed the design and construction of the $39 million library for Queens Public Library.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Municipal Art Society for bringing world-class architecture to Queens,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “The new Far Rockaway Library carries on the tradition of more than 120 years of public library access at this site with a modern, accessible structure that’s twice the size of the former library and full of amenities for the community as well as public art. Thank you to MAS as well the Queens Public Library and the great DDC project team that managed this project in-house.”
“As soon as it opened its doors to the public, the new Far Rockaway Library instantly became an anchor for the neighborhood and an architectural sensation attracting people from near and far,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are thrilled that it was recognized by the Municipal Art Society of New York for its spectacular design. Congratulations to Snøhetta for their brilliant concept and the Department of Design and Construction for delivering this iconic and inspiring building to the community.”
The Far Rockaway Library opened to the public on July 30, 2024, at a ribbon cutting ceremony with local elected officials and residents. Since then, more than 21,000 people have visited the branch, and nearly 23,000 item have been checked out, making the branch one of the busiest locations in the QPL system.
Located at the busy intersection of Central and Mott Avenues, it was designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta under DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence Program, pre-qualifies firms to provide design services for public buildings projects, reducing the time required to procure design services while ensuring the highest levels of quality and professionalism in construction projects managed by the agency. The Program currently has 20 design firms, ten of which are certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs).
The new library is twice the size of the prior building and features a unique glass façade and central atrium space designed to let natural light penetrate deep into the building while giving customers views of the sky from within the building. A tall transparent glass pyramidal opening at the corner serves as the library’s main entry. The building’s interior spaces are arranged around the atrium, which serves as a meeting place, a point of orientation, and the focus of the branch’s activities. The façade is comprised of colored glass, with its colors gradually fading into one another, balancing transparency and translucency. The interior railing is made of dichroic glass, creating a kaleidoscopic effect in the atrium.
A teen room and computer area are located on the first floor, along with library offices, a book sorting area and a staff lounge and lockers. There is also a rear yard accessible to the public. The second floor, accessible by an elevator, has separate adult and children reading areas, and a dividable meeting room. Restrooms are available on both floors.
The building meets LEED Gold standards for environmental efficiency. The glass façade’s glazing reduces heat generated by the sun and lets in ample natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Other energy efficient features include daylighting and occupancy sensors that work with automated building management systems and an underfloor heating distribution system. The structure also has a blue roof that releases storm water from the site at a slow speed.
Inside the library, as part of the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Percent for Art Program, Mexican artist Pablo Helguera created the “Feynman Code,” a tribute to the Nobel Prize-winner and theoretical physicist Richard Feynman (1918-1988), who grew up in the neighborhood and attended Far Rockaway High School. One of his contributions to physics are the so-called Feynman diagrams, pictorial representations of the mathematical expressions describing the behavior of subatomic particles. For the Far Rockaway Library, Helguera created an alphabet where every letter is replaced by a Feynman diagram, and reproduced two phrases using this coding system: one by the 19th century American poet Emily Dickinson, “the brain is wider than the sky,” and one by Feynman himself: “I, a universe of atoms, an atom in the universe.” The project received an Excellence in Design Award from the Public Design Commission in 2019.
More than 21,000 people visited Far Rockaway Library since it opened on July 30, 2024
The project was funded through capital investments from Queens Borough President Richards, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, NYS Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, the NYC Economic Development Corporation, the NYS Education Department, and the NYC Council Queens Delegation.
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 at the Queensbridge Houses, the nation’s largest public housing complex, and a community learning center at another public housing complex, the Ravenswood Houses. It also has five teen centers, two 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. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $33 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.
CONTACT:
DDC: Ian Michaels, 646-939-6514, michaelia@ddc.nyc.gov
QPL: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, 917-702-0016, ekern@queenslibrary.org
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Banned Books Week is September 22 through September 28, and the American Library Association has reported historic highs in the number of challenged and banned book titles.
It is more important than ever, as a community of readers who appreciate the depth, richness, and diversity of perspectives that all books offer, to stand united against censorship.
We encourage you to check out our booklists, our upcoming programs, and our Banned Books Library Card Design Contest—the winning selection will be featured on QPL’s first Banned Books Special Edition Library Card!
Learn more about how QPL is celebrating the freedom to read, during Banned Books Week and beyond.
Banned eBooks List: Always Available on OverDrive & Libby
QPL's 100 Most Popular Banned Books
Banned Books Library Card Design Contest
Banned Books Teen Takeover: QPL Teens Instagram
Banned Books Bookmark Shelf Talkers
Banned eBooks List: Always Available
The best way to fight censorship is to read banned books!
You can download these great eBooks, which will be available with no wait from September 22 through October 31, on OverDrive and the Libby app.
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
eBook | Audiobook
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
eBook | Audiobook
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
eBook | Audiobook
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race
by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, and Isabel Roxas (Illus.)
eBook | Audiobook
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson (Illus.)
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
eBook | Audiobook
All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson
eBook | Audiobook
Sold by Patricia McCormick
eBook | Audiobook
QPL's 100 Most Popular Banned Books
Get inspired by our list of the 100 most popular banned and challenged books in circulation at Queens Public Library from 2012-2022.
How many of them have you read? Use our list to borrow them from your local library!
Banned Books Library Card Design Contest
Calling all local artists ages 13 and up!
Submit your original artwork that celebrates the freedom to read. Get creative and take a stand against censorship.
The winning artwork will be featured on QPL’s first Banned Books Special Edition Library Card, to be released in 2025.
The winner will also receive a $2,000 cash prize!
Our Banned Books Library Card Design Contest will run from September 23 to November 30, 2024.
Learn More & Enter Today!
Banned Books Programs
Here’s a selection of our Banned Books virtual and in-person programs, including movie marathons, book talks, storytimes, and much more!
Click the title of each program to learn more about it, and visit our online QPL Calendar to see the full list!
Banned Books Movie Festival: Freedom to Read, Freedom Between the Reels (In-Person)
Monday, Sept. 23; Tuesday, Sept. 24; Thursday, Sept. 26; Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28
Download the flyer for movie titles, times, and locations!
Art 2 Heart: Illustrating Banned Books (In-Person)
Monday, September 23, 3pm
Cambria Heights Library, 218-13 Linden Boulevard
Banned Books Week: September Movies at Forest Hills Library (In-Person)
Wednesday, September 25, 2pm
Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Avenue
Banned Books Bingo! (In-Person)
Wednesday, September 25, 3pm
Auburndale Library, 25-55 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Flushing
Culture Connection: Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books with Kirsten Miller and Tim Barnes (Virtual)
Wednesday, September 25, 6pm
Join us on Facebook and YouTube
Banned Books Storytime (In-Person)
Thursday, September 26, 11am
Cambria Heights Library, 218-13 Linden Boulevard
CLDC Banned Books Movie Festival: Captain Underpants (In-Person)
Thursday, September 26, 3pm
Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
Friends of Ridgewood Library Banned Book Giveaway (In-Person)
Thursday, September 26, 4pm
Saturday, September 28, 11am
Ridgewood Library, 20-12 Madison Street
Banned Books: Necklaces for Teens (In-Person)
Friday, September 27, 3:30pm
Woodside Library, 54-22 Skillman Avenue
Banned Books: Library Card Design Contest Workshop (In-Person)
Wednesday, October 2, 3:30pm
Monday, October 28, 3:30pm
Wednesday, November 13, 3:30pm
Ozone Park Library, 92-24 Rockaway Boulevard
Day of Action on October 19
In conjunction with the American Library Association, Unite Against Book Bans, and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, New York City’s public library systems—Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and The New York Public Library—are spearheading a nationwide day of action to rally for the freedom to read!
On Saturday, October 19, libraries across the country will gather their patrons and supporters to unite against book bans and demonstrate that the freedom to read is an enduring, non-partisan American value that must be protected.
Learn More about the Freedom to Read Community Day of Action, and how you can participate.
Banned Books Teen Takeover: QPL Teens Instagram
Teens will make their voices heard on our QPL Teens Instagram page!
Starting September 22, visit the QPL Teens Instagram page to see great content about banned books by the teens in our community—including Instagram Stories, Reels, polls, games, and much more.
Banned Books Bookmark Shelf Talkers
During Banned Books Week, when you visit our branches, be sure to look for our special Banned Books Shelf Talkers!
These visual displays will be in our book stacks and on our book shelves, indicating a book that has been challenged or banned.
It's an easy way for you to find banned books at the library, and make them part of your reading list.
Remember: the best way to fight censorship is to read banned books, and you will always be able to find them at Queens Public Library!