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NYC Council and Queens Public Library Celebrate Major Allocation for Central Library Auditorium Redevelopment

Jamaica, NY - Council Member Nantasha Williams, Speaker Adrienne Adams, the Queens Delegation and Queens Public Library (QPL) President Dennis M. Walcott hosted a check presentation ceremony in the auditorium of the Queens Central Library to commemorate securing $11 million for the redevelopment of the beloved community space. The funding includes a $5 million allocation from the NYC Council’s Queens Delegation and $6 million from Mayor Eric Adams, ensuring the auditorium’s transformation after decades of service to the community.

The Central Library, located in Jamaica, is the heart of Queens Public Library’s network, welcoming over 675,000 visitors annually and hosting nearly 160,000 program attendees in Fiscal Year 2024. The facility serves as a vital hub for resources, technology, and programs, offering services to one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse populations in the nation. The 1,800-square-foot auditorium, which accommodates up to 200 people, has hosted countless cultural events, educational programs, and community celebrations since the library was built in 1966.

“Today marks a transformative milestone for the Queens Central Library and our community,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams, Co-Chair of the Queens Delegation. “This investment ensures the Central Library Auditorium will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive space for education, culture, and creativity. As a gathering place for residents across the borough, this renovation reflects our commitment to improving resources that enrich lives.”

“Libraries are pillars of our neighborhoods, serving as community centers and resource hubs that support New Yorkers of all ages,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “In addition to securing funding to restore full library service, the Council’s Queens Delegation is proud to invest $5 million for the renovation of Queens Central Library’s auditorium. This essential, widely-used space hosts events, programs, and meetings for the entire community. I thank the entire Queens Delegation, led by Council Members Williams and Lee, and Queens Public Library for their work to secure this important investment for the future of Queens.”

“Central Library’s auditorium has served as an essential gathering place and a cultural hub for the community for the past 58 years, and we are very much looking forward to bringing it up to 21st century standards,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “The public deserves a modern, vibrant and welcoming venue for the performing arts, films, author talks and more. We are incredibly grateful to New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Nantasha Williams and the Council’s Queens delegation for their work with Mayor Eric Adams to secure the funding needed to renovate this important space.”

“I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of the Queens Delegation, and thanks to Speaker Adams and Co-Chair Williams, we secured $5 million to redevelop the Queens Central Library’s auditorium for families to enjoy. Thank you to QPL President & CEO Dennis Walcott for your ongoing leadership and advocacy. Libraries are pillars of our communities that provide residents of all ages with the tools, services, and programs they need to be successful,” said Council Member Linda Lee, Co-Chair of the Queens Delegation. 

“I’m proud to support this allocation of $5 million from the Queens Delegation for the redevelopment of the auditorium at the Queens Central Library. Libraries are so essential to our communities for the fostering of the cultural arts. Thank you to our Queens Library President and CEO, Dennis Walcott for his continued partnership. These allocations would not be possible without the partnership of Mr. Walcott,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino.

“Growing up in a working class family, the Queens Library system was my primary source for learning, reading for enjoyment, and pursuing my education.  Joining in the presentation of a $5 million check to the Queens Library is my ability to give back to the institution that helped shape my career, and this funding will now help others in their journey,” said Council Member Lynn Schlman

"Libraries are essential resources, offering access to knowledge and information crucial for personal growth and societal advancement. I have had the privilege of allocating over 1.5 million dollars of funding to libraries in District 21, and I am proud to work with my fellow Queens Council Members to contribute another $5 million to update the auditorium in Queen Central Library" said Council Member Francisco P. Moya.

"Queens Public Library has long been a cornerstone of our community, providing critical resources, education, and a welcoming space for all," said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "The $5 million allocation by the Queens Delegation to redevelop the auditorium at Queens Central Library is a testament to our commitment to enhancing these vital public institutions. This investment will ensure that the library continues to serve as a hub for cultural and educational programming for generations to come. I am proud to join my colleagues and President Dennis Walcott in celebrating this milestone."

“Our public libraries are centerpieces of our communities. That is why I was proud to support the Queens Delegation’s $5 million allocation to Queens Public Library to renovate the auditorium at Queens Central Library. This funding will support vibrant educational programming for children and families for years to come,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan.

The comprehensive renovation will include ADA-accessible seating and ramps, updated finishes, advanced audiovisual technology, a hearing loop system, acoustical panels, and a new stage with dedicated features for performers. Outside the auditorium, flexible multipurpose rooms and an upgraded reception area will enhance the visitor experience. Once complete, the auditorium will also support live streaming of select events, expanding access to QPL’s programming.

The Central Library Auditorium is not only a resource for Council District 27 but also serves residents across neighboring districts. It hosts events for elected officials, government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations at no cost, in keeping with QPL’s mission to provide free, high-quality, and reliable services to all.

The ceremony featured an oversized check presentation for the Council portion of these funds, symbolizing the partnership and shared commitment to advancing the educational and cultural resources of the borough.

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 

Visuals available here

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.

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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.

Contact:

Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska - ekern@queenslibrary.org

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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 Programs

Day of Action on October 19

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

 

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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!

 

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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!

 

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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

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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!

 

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New York City’s Public Libraries Receive $4 Million Grant from Carnegie Corporation 

Funding will help libraries meet the demand for English language and workforce development among adults and expand civic engagement programs and college and career coaching among teens

New York, NY– Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and The New York Public today announced they received $4 million from Carnegie Corporation of New York, significantly increasing their ability to assist the growing population of immigrants and asylum seekers as they navigate their way in the city, as well as expanding resources for teens to boost their civic engagement and help them develop the practical skills needed to prepare for college and today’s job market. 

Grants to Brooklyn Public Library ($1M), Queens Public Library ($1.2M), and the New York Public Library ($1.8M) will help meet the demand for English language and literacy training among adults, alleviating wait lists of up to two years. Training will also include employment services such as learning the vocabulary needed to pass certification exams for vocational jobs. For teens, the support will expand existing services, including college counseling and workplace readiness; opportunities for civic-minded activities with peers; and access to safe gathering spaces.

By making this significant commitment, the philanthropic foundation established in 1911 by Andrew Carnegie is honoring its founder’s legacy with renewed commitment to libraries as trusted public institutions that strengthen communities. 

Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant who educated himself by borrowing books and went on to build an unprecedented steel fortune, invested $56 million to fund the construction of 2,509 libraries worldwide, including 1,681 in the United States between 1881 and 1917. 65 of them were built in New York City. 

Libraries are essential to an open society that values freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and continuous renewal. They provide access to knowledge and fact-based information and help people of all ages and backgrounds obtain the skills needed for greater socioeconomic mobility.  

“In the words of Andrew Carnegie himself, ‘there is not such a cradle of democracy on earth as the free public library,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “In honor of our founder and the enduring and crucial importance of libraries to a free, open, and educated society, Carnegie is delighted to support libraries and the essential infrastructure they provide for a strong democracy.” 

For more than a century, Carnegie has been one of the largest philanthropic funders of libraries, from the early construction of community buildings to helping establish the endowment of the American Library Association and funding the nation’s first graduate library school. In more recent years, Carnegie’s support has focused on the large-scale digitization of significant library collections in the U.S, including the Library of Congress, and around the world.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Carnegie Corporation for entrusting Queens Public Library to carry forward its vision for our democracy,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “This generous gift will enable us to deepen the Library’s commitment to our immigrant communities and to our teens as they work to find success in their lives.”

“For many new immigrants, the neighborhood library is not only their first stop upon arriving in New York City, but a place they return to over and over again for free resources, employment services, community, and, of course, English classes and books. Proficiency in English is critical in modern American life, from riding the subway to finding healthcare, employment, and housing,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “We extend our sincerest thanks to Carnegie Corporation of New York for this historic grant. When we welcome new immigrants and help them succeed, we build a better, stronger, more equitable community for us all.”

“The New York Public Library is grateful to continue its legacy partnership with Carnegie Corporation of New York. More than 100 years ago, Andrew Carnegie’s vision helped create New York City’s most used and loved civic institution, a vital engine of opportunity that makes knowledge and education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. Together, we will continue to be a public education resource and a force for unity in a vulnerable democracy,” said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of the New York Public Library.

The City of New York estimates that almost 1.8 million individuals are not proficient in English, and according to the Migration Policy Institute, a Carnegie grantee, 26.5 million individuals nationwide have limited proficiency in English. Numerous studies show that investments in English language training generate substantial public returns, yet a recent study published in the American Economic Journal says spending in this area has declined, resulting in an acute need. The same study found that among adult learners, annual earnings increased by $2,400 (56 percent) within two years of training, and tax revenues from those earnings covered program costs through a 6 percent return for taxpayers. 

Below are details about the planned programming funded by the grant at each of the three systems:

Queens Public Library:

• QPL will add 40 additional ESOL classes across 10 libraries, serving 1,000 students. QPL’s waitlist is 2,000 people, and growing.
• QPL will also provide workforce training and certifications to approximately 560 English-language learners, so that they can earn industry-recognized workforce certifications and enter the U.S. workforce.
• QPL will add a Spanish-language Young Adult Literacy Services class at its location in the  Ravenswood Houses in Long Island City, providing young adults with instruction and related case management so that they can qualify for the high school equivalency exam and pass tests in ELA, math, science or social studies.
• QPL will expand its college readiness program by adding college coaches to provide individual coaching to 1,500 students, to help them complete a post-high school plan to further their education or seek employment.

Brooklyn Public Library 

• BPL will offer drop-in Welcome ESOL classes to serve 1,200 English language learners at branches throughout the borough with sessions covering core skills for English language learning and key topics related to life in the city including transportation, food, health care, and community resources. 
• BPL will expand 11-week, registration-based beginner ESOL classes; and launch new Intermediate ESOL classes for nearly 300 people who are ready for a more rigorous English language learning experience.
• BPL will expand the New Americans Navigation team to help 1,100+ new arrivals connect to services that meet basic needs (e.g. legal, housing, health) and strengthen partnerships with immigrant-serving organizations to provide more legal clinics and resource fairs at BPL’s 62 locations. 
• BPL will hire its first Immigrant Job Support Specialist and first Immigrant Business Outreach Specialist to provide business and career services specifically for 1,900+ people. This includes offering one-on-one coaching, hosting employment fairs and entrepreneurship workshops, and connecting people with the resources available within the library and community.
• BPL will support employment needs with new job certification courses in the hospitality industry serving 40 people. 
• BPL will provide increased language access through translation and interpretation during services and events.  

The New York Public Library 

• The grant will support 3,150 class seats within NYPL’s registration-based ESOL program and help launch classes at the soon-to-be-reopened Hunts Point Library, an original Carnegie branch in the Bronx. 
• In addition to ESOL instruction, NYPL will provide adult learners with access to an array of complementary learning opportunities, from basic literacy instruction, to digital skill-building through our TechConnect programs, to dedicated resume support, coaching, and job search help from the Career Services team.
• NYPL will enhance its holistic teen services system-wide, which provide opportunities for teens to explore creative, academic, and career pursuits in cutting-edge spaces supported by expert staff. 
• NYPL will refine its successful Teen Civics Ambassador (TCA) model and expand to two additional newly renovated Carnegie library sites: 125th Street Library in upper Manhattan and Hunts Point Library in the South Bronx. 
• This expansion will bring the TCA program to an anticipated 18 locations total and increase the total number of Teen Civics Ambassadors to 38 positions.
• NYPL will launch a new studio mentor service at several branch libraries that provides teens with access to knowledgeable professionals who will inspire, teach new skills, and collaborate on creative projects such as fashion design, podcasting, and music production. 

 

About Carnegie Corporation of New York

Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.

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.

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.

CONTACT:

Celeste Ford (Carnegie Corporation of New York)
Fritzi Bodenheimer (Brooklyn Public Library)
Sandee Roston (New York Public Library)
Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska (Queens Public Library)