The 2024-2025 School Year is here!
Are you and your family feeling prepared for Back-to-School season?
QPL has got you covered! Learn about our Back-to-School programs, resources, book recommendations, and much more.
Back-to-School Guide
Queens Public Library is here for kids, parents, caregivers, and educators with our extensive Back-to-School Guide!
This year's Back-to-School Guide includes:
- Library Resources and Databases for Students
- Early Learning, School Aged, and Young Adult Booklists (which you can also find below)
- Articles about Preparing Children for the Back-to-School Transition and Teen Mental Health
- The 2024-2025 NYC Public School Calendar
- and much more!
You can download QPL’s 2024-2025 Back-to-School Guide in four languages:
Back-to-School Programs
Join us in-person at the Library for fun giveaways and get ready for the new school year.
Learn More about our Back-to-School programs.
Kick Off to Kindergarten & Toddler Learning Centers
You’re never too young to start your educational journey!
QPL’s Kick Off to Kindergarten (K2K) program enables young children (ages 3-5) to develop their early literacy skills—and begin a lifelong love of reading! Meanwhile, their parents and caregivers will receive guidance to become confident in their ability to support their child’s development. Classes are offered virtually and in-person, with translation support in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Designed to serve the needs of toddlers (approx. ages 18-38 months) and their caregivers, QPL’s Toddler Learning Centers (TLCs) are hosted at multiple Queens Public Library locations across the borough. While your children play in a safe, nurturing environment and participate in guided activities, early learning professionals will offer you advice about speech development, nutrition, early literacy, gross motor development, and much more.
Our Fall 2024 K2K and TLC programs are starting soon; visit our Early Learning Services webpage for more information and to register.
College Readiness
Hey QPL Teens! Make sure that you’re getting ready to tackle your college applications, take your college entrance exams, and much more!
Queens Public Library’s College Readiness team is here to help you on your college admissions journey. On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year, the Library hosts virtual programs led by experts in the college access field.
In addition, the College Readiness team also hosts in-person programs at the Central Library Teen Center, the Cambria Heights Teen Center, and the Far Rockaway Teen Library during school breaks.
We also offer college coaching services to students, parents, and guardians who want personalized help navigating the college admissions process. College coaches can help 9th-11th grade students get ready early for college admissions, help 12th grade students complete their applications at every step of the way, and help families find ways to pay for college.
For more information about these programs and resources, visit the QPL Calendar or contact the College Readiness team at college.readiness@queenslibrary.org.
Brainfuse HelpNow: Live Online Tutoring Available Every Day
Brainfuse HelpNow offers personalized academic and homework help, in both English and Spanish, for children in Grades K-12.
Find expert support in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science), a Language Lab for language learners, a 24/7 Writing Lab, SAT prep and practice tests, and much more.
Plus—live online tutoring is available every day from 2-11pm!
All you need to access Brainfuse HelpNow is your library card. Visit the Brainfuse HelpNow webpage to learn more.
Back-to-School Booklists
Here are some books from the Library for early readers, school-age children, and teens that will help kids deal with first-day-of-school anxiety, and get them excited for the classroom and beyond!
Early Learning
The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illus.)
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer
Olu's Teacher by Jamel C. Campbell and Lydia Mba (Illus.)
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Book | eBook | Audiobook (Read-Along)
El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! by Donna Barba Higuera and Juliana Perdomo (Illus.)
Book | eBook | Español
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên
Book | eBook
Back to School, Backpack! by Simon Rich and Tom Toro (Illus.)
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López (Illus.)
Book | eBook | Audiobook (Read-Along) | Español
School Aged
The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
Book | eBook | Audiobook | Español | Libro Electronico
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber
All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
Book | eBook | Español
Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee and Dung Ho (Illus.)
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Book | eBook | Audiobook | Español
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Book | eBook | Audiobook
A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits) by Lisa Yee and Dan Santat (Illus.)
Young Adult
Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation by Aashna Avachat (Editor)
Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth and Little Chmura (Illus.)
New York City SHSAT Prep 2022 & 2023 (eBook) by Kaplan Publishing
Goodnight Homeroom: All the Advice I Wish I Got Before Going to High School by Samuel Kaplan, Keith Riegert, and Emily Fromm (Illus.)
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
575+ Practice Questions for the Digital PSAT/NMSQT by The Princeton Review
SAT Power Vocab by The Princeton Review
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Surviving Middle School: Navigating the Halls, Riding the Social Roller Coaster, and Unmasking the Real You by Luke Reynolds
Book | eBook
SHSAT Prep Books 2024-2025: 4 Practice Tests by Test Prep Books
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Congratulations to the young people who participated in our Reading Challenge this summer, making them eligible for our Summer Reading Raffle!
We just finished our prize drawing, and here are our winners!
Early Learner Winners of UMIDIGI G1 Tab Kids Tablets
Anthony from Astoria Library
Julia from Glen Oaks Library
Rosalie from Ridgewood Library
Elementary Age Winners of Samsung Tablets
Devyn from Astoria Library
Benjamin from North Hills Library
Audrey from Sunnyside Library
Teen Winners of iPad Tablets
Cora from Astoria Library
Tsering from Elmhurst Library
Emily from Flushing Library
Thank you again to everyone who joined us this year for Summer Reading, and we hope that our programs, booklists, and resources kept you engaged and reading all summer long!
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Oh, Baby! Queens Public Library Welcomes Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals to Its Collaboration with Elmhurst Hospital to Support Newborns and Their Caregivers Through "QPL Baby"
“QPL Baby” Program Promotes Maternal Health and Early Literacy for Children Ages 0 to 5 and Encourages Sign-Ups for the Library’s Special Edition Baby Card
(Flushing, NY – August 28, 2024) Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott today welcomed NYS Assemblyman Ron Kim, City Council Member Sandra Ung, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst CEO Helen Landaverde, and Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Lactation Coordinator Ario Sutton-Pierre to Flushing Library to mark the expansion of "QPL Baby," a program that supports maternal health and fosters a love of learning from the earliest stages of a child's life.
QPL’s collaboration with its longtime partner, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, began in August 2021. At that time, QPL introduced a special library card for children ages 0 to 12 and assembled kits containing a QPL-branded baby bib and information about library resources – including a card application, a brochure with QPL’s offerings, a map of QPL locations, and a mailing list sign-up – for distribution to caregivers and their newborns when they leave the hospital. Elmhurst Hospital now distributes 2,800 kits each year. With the addition of Flushing and Jamaica hospitals to this collaboration, an additional 4,400 kits will be handed out this fiscal year.
“Anyone who has ever had or cared for a newborn, myself included, knows the excitement and joy of bringing a baby into our world,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “At the same time, there is so much for parents to know. With ‘QPL Baby,’ the Library wants to help start their children on a journey of learning and discovery with free access to life-changing resources and services. We look forward to collaborating with Flushing and Jamaica hospitals to expand the work we started with NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst.”
The QPL Baby program also provides virtual and in-person programming about early childhood development and maternal health. This information, along with details about getting a card, a mailing list signup, and recommended resources, is available on the QPL Baby section of the QPL website.
To date, the Library has issued 15,000 baby cards since the program’s inception. The QPL Baby library card features a fairy tale illustration of a bear reading to a cub, surrounded by the forest, designed to reinforce the close bond between a parent reader and a listening child.
Also on Wednesday, President Walcott and a Flushing Library staff member read a bilingual book in Chinese and English to dozens of children during a regularly scheduled storytime at the branch.
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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: Elisabeth de Bourbon, QPL, 917-650-3815, edebourbon@queenslibrary.org
New York City is officially going through a heat wave, and Queens Public Library is here to help!
If you don’t have air conditioning in your home or your apartment, or if you are at risk for heat-related illness, please visit your local library.
Public libraries in New York City serve as official “cooling centers” during a heat emergency. Cooling centers are places where you can enjoy air-conditioned comfort. They are free and open to the public, even if you are not using their services.
NYC Emergency Management will let the public know when a heat emergency happens, such as an unusually hot day, or several hot days in a row.
If you need a cool place to visit, stop by your local QPL branch for great books, programs, and more—and stay for the air conditioning!
All open Queens Public Library locations except Elmhurst and Long Island City will operate as NYC Cooling Centers during this heat emergency.
Visit https://www.queenslibrary.org/about-us/locations for our hours of operation.
To check for any changes in the status of the air conditioning at your local library, please contact them directly.
If you need to find another Cooling Center closer to you, please call 311 or visit the NYC Cooling Centers webpage.
by Francesco Ferrari, MD and Abby Alten Schwartz, writer
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis was brewing in pediatric behavioral health with an estimated one in five kids living with a mental health disorder. The circumstances of the last three years have only made matters worse.
A key part of brain development in teenagers is an increased drive for peer connectedness, which starts in middle school. Forming friendships, joining groups, and participating in extracurricular activities is how teens figure out who they are and who they want to be.
While physical distancing was a necessary precaution during much of the pandemic, there were major implications for some teens. By one estimate, the rates of anxiety and depression among kids and adolescents have nearly doubled.
We’re seeing this play out in a number of ways, such as an increase in the number of kids refusing to go to school and withdrawing from social interactions. Keep in mind: Kids aren’t just learning academic subjects at school, they’re also learning social and emotional skills that are critical to their development. Pausing that for a year or more can have profound effects, though the level of impact varies by child.
But the pandemic isn’t the only reason so many teens are in crisis. The proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms has also had a detrimental effect on mental health.
In many ways, technology helped mitigate isolation during the pandemic, but that upside didn’t negate the challenges inherent in social media. Apps like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram present our kids with versions of their peers they can never live up to. Teens compare themselves to carefully cultivated images that don’t reflect reality and, as a result, may feel heightened anxiety or depression.
Adding to this, increased screen time disrupts schedules, sleep patterns, and social interactions, which can harm mental health. There’s also the matter of 24/7 exposure to troubling global and national events from climate change to gun violence. Teens of this generation are under constant bombardment by alarming videos and social media posts that are formulated to grab their attention.
One other contributing factor to adolescent anxiety and depression is online bullying, which can send an already at-risk individual into a crisis that requires acute care in an emergency room or psychiatric facility. Again, this is a problem that’s been building since before the pandemic.
The bottom line is our teens need us now more than ever. As medical professionals, educators, and parents, we have a responsibility to show up for the youngsters in our community and offer support. Here’s what that can look like:
Clinicians: Teens need to be screened at their regular primary care appointments and other touchpoints. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry have put out recommendations for screening both young kids and adolescents for anxiety and depression.
Teachers: There’s no denying that the demands on educators have increased tremendously over the last few years. Still, the fact remains that teachers are uniquely positioned to observe our kids, spot any concerning behaviors, and to check in and reassure students that their classrooms are safe places. If you are an educator, be sure to keep the lines of communication open with kids and their parents, bring in guidance counselors, if needed, and keep your eyes open to any signs that indicate a teen is struggling.
Parents: Check in regularly with your kids and make it clear that they can come to you with anything. Teenagers often withhold information from their parents because they are afraid of burdening them with another worry. Let them know nothing they can say will scare you off or be too much to handle. Tell them, “I’m here for you no matter what. We are in this together and we will find a solution and get you help.”
Demand is high for mental health appointments—both adult and pediatric. Timely access to treatment is a challenge that isn’t going to be solved overnight, but medical professionals are aware of it and working on solutions to open more avenues to care.
One good effect of the pandemic was it normalized telemedicine as a viable alternative to in-person appointments. In addition, many hospital emergency departments are addressing the increased need for pediatric mental health services. And while these are good (and necessary) steps, there’s still more to do.
This is because teens need to feel connected to their peers, to adults, and to their surrounding communities. One of the healthier ways we can respond to trauma or tragedy is to try to create positive change. Talk to your kids about current events and find out what matters to them.
For some teens, getting involved in activism or volunteerism can increase their sense of agency and help them feel they’re working toward something good in the world. With a massive problem such as climate change, your child may question how taking action as an individual is going to make a difference. But finding others with similar interests and goals is a great reminder that while our society may feel divided, we share more in common with our neighbors than we may think.
The bottom line is that our teens are paying attention to the adults in their lives and the world around them. We need to do the same for them by being present, checking in, and getting them the mental health support they deserve. Our teens will be the ones leading the way to improve our world—so let’s help them develop the confidence and resilience they’ll need.
This article originally appeared at: https://thewell.northwell.edu/emotional-wellness/addressing-depression-and-anxiety-in-teens
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by Laurel Bongiorno, PhD
1. Children learn through their play.
Don’t underestimate the value of play. Children learn and develop:
cognitive skills – like math and problem solving in a pretend grocery store
physical abilities – like balancing blocks and running on the playground
new vocabulary – like the words they need to play with toy dinosaurs
social skills – like playing together in a pretend car wash
literacy skills – like creating a menu for a pretend restaurant
2. Play is healthy.
Play helps children grow strong and healthy. It also counteracts obesity issues facing many children today.
3. Play reduces stress.
Play helps your children grow emotionally. It is joyful and provides an outlet for anxiety and stress.
4. Play is more than meets the eye.
Play is simple and complex. There are many types of play: symbolic, sociodramatic, functional, and games with rules–to name just a few. Researchers study play’s many aspects: how children learn through play, how outdoor play impacts children’s health, the effects of screen time on play, to the need for recess in the school day.
5. Make time for play.
As parents, you are the biggest supporters of your children’s learning. You can make sure they have as much time to play as possible during the day to promote cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development.
6. Play and learning go hand-in-hand.
They are not separate activities. They are intertwined. Think about them as a science lecture with a lab. Play is the child’s lab.
7. Play outside.
Remember your own outdoor experiences of building forts, playing on the beach, sledding in the winter, or playing with other children in the neighborhood. Make sure your children create outdoor memories too.
8. There’s a lot to learn about play.
There’s a lot written on children and play. Here are some articles and books about play from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/play. David Elkind’s book The Power of Play is also a great resource.
9. Trust your own playful instincts.
Remember as a child how play just came naturally? Give your children time for play and see all that they are capable of when given the opportunity.
10. Play is a child’s context for learning.
Children practice and reinforce their learning in multiple areas during play. It gives them a place and a time for learning that cannot be achieved through completing a worksheet. For example, in playing restaurant, children write and draw menus, set prices, take orders, and make out checks. Play provides rich learning opportunities and leads to children’s success and self-esteem.
Laurel Bongiorno, PhD, is the director of Champlain College’s graduate program in early childhood education, with specializations in teaching and administration, in Burlington, Vermont. She has taught preschool, directed early childhood programs, and studied parents’ perceptions of preschoolers’ learning through play.
Copyright © 2013 NAEYC®. Reprinted with permission.
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by Erika Mark, DO, Northwell Health
12 tips on how your child can get back to the swing of things this upcoming school year.
Children are headed back into the classroom, filled with excitement. Still, back-to-school can mean a big transition physically and mentally for kids and their families, especially after facing so many unknowns over the last two years.
As a physician in pediatric care at Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, I’ve spent 10 years caring for kids. And as a mom, I’ve developed 12 recommendations so children start the school year feeling their best.
1. Check in frequently.
The mental and physical well-being of 73 million American kids is at risk and getting worse. When kids face challenges, listen to them, validate their emotions and remind them of previous successes when they showed strength. They may not share feelings immediately, so connect over a fun activity like a game, puzzle or a walk.
2. Engage with their teachers and schoolwork.
If your child is nervous about the first day, set up a meeting with new teachers before school starts or during the first few weeks of the term to get acquainted and learn their teaching style. When school starts, review your child’s school folder together nightly, praising successes and talking through struggles.
3. Establish a routine.
Partner with your child to develop a routine that your child can own with your support. This helps build confidence, instill self discipline and give a sense of security. Set an alarm in the mornings, eat breakfast and leave the house at the same time daily. In the afternoons, children should do homework at the same time and location each day.
4. Get regular physical activity.
Physical activity in kids across the world declined by 20% during the pandemic, so it’s time to get moving again. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends school-aged children get 60 minutes or more of moderate to-vigorous physical activity daily. Incorporate activities based on your interests, time and resources. Consider encouraging children to participate in sports, take after-dinner family walks or visit a park and play catch as a family.
5. Keep them hydrated!
Drinking enough water regulates body temperature, supports joints, gets rid of waste and may even improve cognitive function in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids and teens drink five to eight cups of water per day, depending on age. Kids can start the day off right with a full cup of water or milk. Double-check their water bottle is full when they go to school and empty when they return. Refill it once they are home.
6. Establish a solid bedtime routine.
Kids need anywhere from eight-to-12 hours of sleep depending on their age. Help kids quiet their minds by setting a bedtime routine: Including bathing or showering, brushing teeth, getting in jammies and snuggling while reading books for 20-30 minutes together. Avoid screens two hours before bedtime, focusing more on quiet activities. Consider downloading a sleep app with sleep stories, sounds and meditations.
7. Involve kids in making healthy lunch choices.
When packing my kids’ lunches, I like to provide two or three choices. Thermoses are great for a hot lunch of leftovers or soup. If your child is a snacker, offer to fill a container with deli meat, cheese, crackers and fruit. I always pack a vegetable, and even if it is left untouched, it provides a good reminder of its nutritional importance. Find healthy foods the whole family loves while including the occasional treat – everything in moderation.
8. Protect against upper respiratory infections.
When back-to-school season transitions to holiday season, health experts agree we will see an uptick in cases of COVID-19, influenza and the common cold. The top preventatives include up-to-date vaccinations, such as COVID-19 boosters and flu shots. Good hygiene counts too. Put hand sanitizers in backpacks and the car. Have kids wash hands when returning home. Teach them to cough into the corner of their arm. If they get sick, contact your pediatrician to see if they need an evaluation. Keep them hydrated. Children should pee at least four-to-six times daily. If it's less than that and they're vomiting or not drinking, they need to see a healthcare provider.
9. Review and update immunizations.
From COVID-19 and HPV vaccines to tetanus and flu shots, immunizations ensure families stay healthy with protection against some of the most common – and preventable – diseases. Work with your family physician and school administrators to ensure your kids are current on all required immunizations. Make an appointment as soon as possible if you are behind on any school required vaccinations.
10. Set and communicate allergy and asthma action plans.
If your child has asthma or an allergy that can cause anaphylaxis, have a documented plan in place in case of emergency. Ensure the school has your child’s EpiPen and inhalers on hand and that your child’s teacher is familiar with the plan.
11. Stock your medicine cabinet.
Include prescriptions, over-the counter medications, a thermometer, ice packs and a first aid kit that includes Band-Aids in all sizes. Stock your preferred pain-reducing/ anti-fever medication. Ask your pediatrician the correct dose now, so it’s available for those nighttime fevers. Keep Pedialyte drinks or popsicles on hand for rehydration when your child is ill. Avoid juice, soda or Gatorade.
12. Know your options for after-hours medical help.
Plan where you will take your child if sick or injured after hours. Save your pediatrician’s after hours phone number, so it’s ready for middle-of-the-night questions. Determine which after-hours resources are accessible. Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care is open 8am-8pm every day with virtual and in-person care that is designed for kids and staffed by experienced pediatric providers. With 55 urgent care centers across New York, we treat patients ages six months and older for non-life-threatening conditions, including flu, fever, earaches, insect bites, sprains, simple fractures and cuts requiring stitches.
Erika Mark, DO, is a pediatrician at Cohen Children’s Northwell Health GoHealth Pediatric Urgent Care.
This op-ed originally appeared in The Long Island Press and at: https://www.northwell.edu/news/insights/preparing-children-for-the-back-to-school-transition
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The Broadway Library is now open to the public! Left to right: QPL Chief Librarian Nick Buron, Broadway Library Manager Lubomira Kierkosz, DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley, State Senator Michael Gianaris, Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas and CB1 Chair Evie Hantzopoulos
QPL’s Broadway Library in Astoria Reopens Following Expansion and Renovation
Major upgrades were made to the lower level, including the addition of a spacious lobby area, computer center, classrooms, and other enhancements
(Queens, NY – August 12, 2024) Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott, NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, community leaders and library staff today marked the reopening of Broadway Library in Astoria with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the $4.6 million transformation of the two-story building’s cellar, creating more space for public use.
Located at 40-20 Broadway, the library’s underutilized, 6,120-square-foot basement storage area was redesigned and expanded to create a large lobby with a spacious front desk and other amenities, including a new computer center with 30 desktop computers, multiple charging outlets, and tables for reading and laptop use. Other improvements include updates to an existing classroom and meeting room with a stage area, including new flooring, repainting and the installation of a foldable partition that can combine or separate both rooms.
Modern lighting fixtures and new ceiling and flooring finishes are among the other enhancements. Since the library is located on top of a subway station, the rumbling of trains had caused cracks in the floor over the years, requiring the addition of a new vibration-proof layer built into the floor to protect the new finishes. To do this, the concrete was removed, a one-inch layer of bond breaker was poured and then a brand new concrete slab was poured on top. After this layer of protection, the final finishing layer of terrazzo flooring was installed.
A new, dedicated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and multiple ADA-compliant restrooms and a staff room were also installed.
The new computer center on the lower level of the Broadway Library
“We know how much people depended on this library before it closed for construction, and we are thrilled to welcome the community back to an expanded, modern, and inviting space,” said Queens Public President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are grateful to the Department of Design and Construction for this terrific renovation and to our local representatives for their support throughout the project, with special thanks to Mayor Adams, Borough President Donovan Richards and the City Council for their financial support."
“The renovations at the Broadway Branch has given visitors and staff a whole new level with room for multiple computer stations as well as a classroom, meeting room and stage area,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Projects like these would benefit greatly from a contracting method called Construction Manager-Build (CM-Build). We have a bill in Albany that has been passed by the legislature which will give us the right to use CM-Build for projects involving libraries and cultural institutions. We need to get that bill signed so that the City can bring these important facilities to New Yorkers both faster and cheaper.”
“Libraries create spaces that inspire learning, spark curiosity, and foster lifelong connections among New Yorkers of all ages,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “As a young man who struggled with dyslexia, I saw firsthand the importance of libraries as the great equalizer and a way of leveling the playing field. That’s why I am proud that our administration restored more than $58 million in funding to our city's three public library systems, invested a total of $489 million for Fiscal Year 2025, and baselined $42.8 million in funding every year moving forward — providing peace of mind to our entire library system. With the opening of the renovated Broadway library, Queens residents will be able to enjoy that peace of mind, knowing that a state-of-the-art library is in their very own community to serve them for generations to come.”
“Public libraries are anchors in their communities, offering free access to cultural, educational, and civic resources to all who enter their doors,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I thank the Queens Public Library and Department of Design and Construction for their efforts to bring the people of Astoria a new state-of-the-art computer center, classroom, and stage areas at the Broadway Branch.”
“I'm thrilled to see the Queens Public Library Broadway Branch in Astoria has completed its much-needed renovations, just in time for the start of the school year,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Now, our Astoria community will benefit from a computer center with classroom and stage areas, on top of the free resources the Queens Public Library already offers. Investments like these make a world of a difference.”
“Public libraries are vital to the well-being of our communities in New York City,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. “I’m excited to celebrate these new renovations, which will ensure the Queens Public Library at Broadway is more accessible and has the space and up-to-date computers to meet the needs of library patrons. I want to thank the Queens Public Library and everyone who worked to make this vision a reality.”
“Libraries are an important community asset, and I'm excited to see a previously underutilized space be upgraded to something that will significantly benefit the community,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “The Broadway Branch Library in Astoria already plays a critical role in the neighborhood, and this multi-million dollar investment will help more people be able to enjoy this space.”
“Libraries are magical places where we can connect, learn, and find comfort in community,” said Councilmember Tiffany Cabán. “They are life-affirming institutions that make our community safer by providing critical services. Public libraries must be protected and expanded, not cut. We fought hard to restore funding to the Broadway Branch Library, and I am so delighted that it has been renovated and is re-opening to serve our district.”
“After more than a year of construction, I’m excited to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Broadway Library. Our neighbors will now have access to a brand-new computer center and classroom areas and the return of regular library services,” said Councilmember Julie Won. “Public libraries are invaluable resources for New Yorkers. I advocated to secure $58.3 million in public library restorations in the city budget, guaranteeing that funding for Queens Public Library stays safe in FY ‘25 and future fiscal years.”
“I am ecstatic that the Broadway library is reopening. Our libraries are critical to our wellbeing -- they allow us to connect with community, access the internet, cool from the heat and better our lives, whether that’s taking an ESL course, getting a free meal, or finding a book that opens a new world,” said Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. “I am grateful for all the work it has taken to not only renovate this branch to offer updated services like accessible public restrooms and a new computer center, but also for all those who made their voice clear in demanding that we restore library funding and get our library reopened!”
“Every week, my children and I would visit the Broadway library, and it sparked their imaginations, curiosity, and lifelong love of reading,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, Chairperson of Community Board 1. “This branch is a treasured community resource - as are all public libraries - and we are thrilled to see it finally reopen after being beautifully renovated to meet our community's needs.”
Construction began in January 2022 and concluded October 2023. The opening of the library was delayed after construction conclusion because of budget issues, which have since been resolved with the June allocation of City funding for public libraries.
The Broadway Branch hours are:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 am – 6 pm
Tuesday, 1 pm – 6 pm
Thursday, 12 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
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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 multiple languages, technology and digital resources, and more than 87,500 educational, cultural, and civic programs a year. It consists of 66 locations, including 62 branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology lab, and two teen centers.
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: Denisse Moreno, 718-391-1854, morenode@ddc.nyc.gov
QPL: Elisabeth de Bourbon, 917-499-0867, edebourbon@queenslibrary.org
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The new Far Rockaway Library is officially open! Photo credit: Michael Estabrook/DDC
QPL Opens New Library in Far Rockaway
Designed by the international architecture firm Snøhetta, the new library serves as a center of community and a testament to the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway.
FAR ROCKAWAY, NY_ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Representative Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens District Attorney and former Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, New York City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, members of the public, QPL staff and volunteers, and community leaders today celebrated the grand opening of the new Far Rockaway Library.
Located at the busy intersection of Central and Mott avenues and designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, the library is as much the centerpiece of the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway as it is an inspiring space for learning, discovery, growth, and community connection.
The new structure is the third library building at 1637 Central Avenue, a site deeded to the City for educational purposes by local philanthropist Benjamin Mott. The original Far Rockaway Library opened almost exactly 120 years ago, on Aug. 18, 1904, and was the first library in Queens built with money donated by the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
The building was destroyed by fire in 1962, and replaced six years later with a 9,000-square-foot, single-story building that served the community until its closure in 2018, when it was razed to make room for the new structure.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the branch became a lifeline for many local residents, providing disaster relief and serving as a food and supply distribution hub.
The new, two-story structure is twice the size of the prior building and cost $39 million to design and construct. It 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.
The 18,000-square-foot 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.
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.
Located at the busy intersection of Central and Mott avenues, the library is the centerpiece of the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway. Photo credit: Matthew Lapiska/DDC
Snøhetta’s design of the new Far Rockaway Library received an Excellence in Design Award from the Public Design Commission under DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence 2.0 program, which pre-selects and pre-qualifies design firms that DDC works with on projects with construction budgets of up to $50 million. The program is designed to decrease the amount of time required for DDC to procure design services, while ensuring the highest levels of quality and professionalism in construction projects managed by the agency.
Snøhetta – which in the past worked on several high-profile projects, including the Alexandria Library in Egypt and the National September 11 Memorial Museum and Pavilion – collaborated with Brooklyn-based contemporary artist José Parlá to co-design the mural wrapping the façade of the library. Called “Style Writing,” the artwork consists of continuous written forms that reflect the vibrancy of daily life in New York City.
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.
“The opening of this spectacular library marks an important moment in Queens Public Library’s 120-year relationship with the neighborhood and in the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “This dynamic building is a work of art designed to welcome, inspire, and connect everyone who comes through its doors. There are many individuals and organizations to thank for bringing this space to life, including our elected officials, government and community partners, as well as the dedicated members of the QPL team who have worked tirelessly to ensure the new library provides invaluable resources, services and opportunity for all. We are immensely grateful to the people of Far Rockaway for their trust and support and look forward to continuing to serve them for generations to come.”
“The new Far Rockaway Library is an extraordinary upgrade for a community that's enjoyed public library service for 120 years, and we're very excited to unveil the new building to the public,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner (DDC) Thomas Foley. “Through our Design and Construction Excellence Program we engage some of the world's most prominent design firms to create the City's public buildings, and now we bring that same level of world-class architecture to downtown Far Rockaway, where DDC recently completed extensive street and infrastructure upgrades. Thank you to the Queens Public Library, the local community, our design firm Snohetta, and the DDC project team for bringing this beautiful library to Far Rockaway.”
“Libraries create spaces that inspire learning, spark curiosity, and foster lifelong connections among New Yorkers of all ages,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “As a young man who struggled with dyslexia, I saw firsthand the importance of libraries as the great equalizer and a way of leveling the playing field. That’s why I am proud that our administration restored more than $58 million in funding to our city's three public library systems, invested a total of $489 million for Fiscal Year 2025, and baselined $42.8 million in funding every year moving forward — providing peace of mind to our entire library system. With the opening of the brand-new Far Rockaway library, Queens residents will be able to enjoy that peace of mind, knowing that a state-of-the-art library is in their very own community to serve them for generations to come.”
“It’s been a long time in coming, but the new Far Rockaway Library is a spectacular facility that will prove to be well worth the wait,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Countless Far Rockaway families now have access to the first-class center of learning, culture, imagination, and community engagement that they have long deserved. This $39 million investment is one of the highlights of my career, and I couldn’t be prouder to have delivered — along with my colleagues —this stunning new library and all its resources to this community.”
“The Far Rockaway community has long deserved a state-of-the-art library,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “I recognized this need as Borough President and, through my office, we allocated more than $20 million in funding to create a world-class branch of the Queens Public Library. This new facility will serve as a vital hub of learning and enrichment for young people, families and seniors. I encourage all area residents to make the most of the extensive resources and services in this state-of-the art location. Congratulations to Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and all the city and elected officials who made the new Far Rockaway Library a reality.”
“Today, we celebrate the grand opening of the long awaited, newly renovated Far Rockaway Library, a beacon of hope and opportunity for our community,” said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “This beautiful, modern facility stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of investing in historically overlooked neighborhoods. As someone who once relied on my local library for job searches and vital resources – and frequented our local branch for story time with my then infant daughter – I know firsthand how transformative libraries can be. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the array of programs and services this library offers as we continue to fight for the resources our community deserves.”
“FINALLY,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. “When I was growing up in Far Rockaway this library was always there when I needed it. It is such a comfort to know that it continues to be a staple of the community and resource for everyone. The amazing beautification and modernization of our Far Rockaway Library is a welcomed addition to the community. I want to thank the Queens Public Library, and everyone involved who made this a reality.”
“I am elated to join the grand opening of the Far Rockaway Queens Public Library branch, which offers our neighborhood a brand new two-story structure with updated ADA-compliant infrastructure and amenities like Children’s Area, Teen Room, and a Cyber Center. It will offer a seven-day service,” says Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson. “The Rockaway Library has served the Rockaways with a storied history since 1904. Its importance was well-demonstrated in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when the previous facility was used to provide disaster relief to residents. This library is the core of the community—a cooling center, a safe space for our youth, a bridge addressing the digital divide, and a learning and technological hub. The new building will live up to that community legacy, flourishing as a civic center masterpiece.”
“I am excited to announce the opening of the Queens Public Library’s new state-of-the-art facility in Far Rockaway,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). “Libraries are important pillars of knowledge and cultural enrichment where people of all ages can access resources and engage in lifelong learning. The NYC Department of Design and Construction has designed this beautiful new space for our community, and I look forward to visiting it soon.”
“A key component of the Downtown Far Rockaway Roadway for Action plan, the Queens Public Library will serve as an education resource and bring expand cultural programming to the community,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation CEO & President Andrew Kimball. “NYCEDC looks forward to continuing working alongside our partners in the public and private sector to re-establish Downtown Far Rockaway as a true mixed-use and residential community – bringing needed jobs, housing, and much more.”
“Libraries are the palaces of the people, and we are so excited to unveil this amazing public artwork for the new Far Rockaway Library by Pablo Helguera,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “Commissioned through our Percent for Art program in partnership with Queens Public Library, city partners, and the local community, Helguera's “Feynman Code” pays tribute to the Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist and Far Rockaway resident Richard Feynman and explores the idea of the whole world as a written book. When you pay a visit to this extraordinary gem of a new building, designed by Snohetta and built by DDC, make sure to explore this remarkable new public artwork.”
“Libraries are community hubs,” said Felicia Johnson, District Manager of Community Board 14. “They connect people to information and connect people to people. They are safe havens for kids, and a sanctuary for seniors. This new Far Rockaway Library has been a long time in the making. It has been uniquely designed to serve a unique and diverse community. As District Manager, I am excited to see where the minds of the residents of this community will go, with the tools this building will provide. Libraries have the power to change lives for the better, so let the change begin!”
“Our design for the new Far Rockaway library is focused on connecting the diverse communities in the area through an architecture supporting joy and learning. The vibrant colors and daylit interiors are inspired by the many groups that call the area their home,” said Snøhetta founder, Craig Dykers. “Together with New York based Cuban American artist, José Parlá, the building pays homage to the spirit of creativity in the Rockaways and in many of the culturally distinct neighborhoods across the city.”
The new library offers 32 public computers, 32 public laptops, and a collection of nearly 30,000 books, periodicals and other materials in several languages, including items in Spanish and Russian, as well as books about the Black experience and Jewish-interest materials for children and adults.
The branch, one of the three QPL locations providing seven-day service, will serve the neighborhood with numerous educational and cultural programs for people of all ages, such as hip hop, STEM and job readiness workshops, story times, yoga and computer classes, after-school study hours, as well as various community events.
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.
During the construction period, a temporary library operated nearby at 1003 Beach 20th Street.
The general contractor was E.W. Howell Co. LLC of Plainview, NY.
Additional images of the library are available here (credit: Matthew Lapiska/DDC) and videos are available here and here.
Far Rockaway Library Hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursdays: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Fridays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sundays: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Phone number:
718-327-2549
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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 $28 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:
Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
Ian Michaels, michaelia@ddc.nyc.gov
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QPL’s New Far Rockaway Library To Open Tuesday, July 30
Branch Will Be Open Seven Days a Week
FAR ROCKAWAY, NY_ Queens Public Library today announced that its new Far Rockaway Library at 1637 Central Avenue will open to the public on Tuesday, July 30, with a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and doors opening at 1:00 p.m., and will offer Sunday service starting August 4. Along with Central and Flushing libraries, which, thanks to the restoration of QPL’s City budget, are resuming Sunday service this coming weekend, QPL will have three locations providing seven-day service.
QPL’s temporary Far Rockaway location at 1003 Beach 20th Street will close permanently following its last day of service on Friday, July 19.
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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