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
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QPL Announces Status Update on Reopening of Three Branches Following Last Week’s Restoration of City Funding
Service at Bay Terrace, Broadway and Hillcrest Libraries Set To Resume Upon Completion of Preparations and Inspections
QUEENS, NY _ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott announced today the status of Bay Terrace, Broadway, and Hillcrest libraries, the three libraries whose reopenings – due to the proposed reduction of City funding in the new fiscal year – were at risk of being delayed following the completion of construction projects.
The recently adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2025 restores $58.3 million to the city’s library systems, including $16.6 million for QPL alone. As a result, QPL, along with Brooklyn and the New York public library systems, will be able to begin reinstating seven-day service starting Sunday, July 14, at libraries – including Central and Flushing libraries – that previously offered it, continue to operate six days a week, and reopen libraries that had been closed for construction.
“The public has been patiently waiting for Bay Terrace, Broadway and Hillcrest to resume service, and we are very pleased that we will finally be able to reopen these branches,” said President Walcott. “Now that our funding has been restored, we are working as quickly as possible to fill the positions needed for the three locations. Each branch will require different levels of preparation before they can open their doors again, and our staff are eager to ready them for the public.”
Updates on the status of Bay Terrace, Broadway and Hillcrest libraries follow.
Broadway Library
The project includes improvements on the lower level – a new computer center, new public restrooms, updated meeting rooms, and new décor. Construction is complete, and once staff are in the building, QPL will need approximately two weeks to prepare the branch. Assuming this goes smoothly, we anticipate reopening Broadway in early August.
Hillcrest Library
The branch will have a new roof and HVAC system. The building is currently awaiting final inspections, after which it will take approximately two weeks for us to reopen Hillcrest.
Bay Terrace Library
Renovations include the addition of a new teen room, a new multipurpose community room with audiovisual equipment, and an accessible entrance at the side of the building. The building is currently awaiting final inspections, after which preparation for reopening would take approximately two months. We hope to be able to reopen Bay Terrace in the fall.
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QPL Launches Bookcycle Summer Tour, Delivering Books, Resources and Fun to Queens Communities
The Bookcycle Will Make Stops in Areas Where Book Buses Cannot Fit
Jamaica, NY_ Queens Public Library is launching its first-ever Bookcycle Summer Tour with its three-wheeled vehicles reaching various parts of the borough to provide local residents with free access to library services and information.
The public will be able to sign up for library cards, learn about QPL's summer events, and get library giveaways, including free books (while supplies last).
The seven-stop tour will begin with a visit to Rufus King Park (150-29 Jamaica Avenue) on Wednesday, July 10, from 12 to 1 PM.
Other stops include Rockaway Beach Boardwalk (Beach 86th Street and Shore Front Parkway) on Wednesday, July 24, from 11 AM to 1 PM, Queens Botanical Garden (43-50 Main Street) on Wednesday, July 31, from 11 AM to 1 PM and Cambria Heights Community Garden (116-98 227th Street) on Wednesday, August 14, from 11 AM to 1 PM.
A full list of stops can be found here.
Queens Public Library launched its first bookcycle in 2018. Currently, the Library has two such vehicles that go to various parks and community events across the borough. They serve as an extension of QPL’s locations, reaching places where the Library’s book buses cannot fit, enabling staff to deliver library resources to people who might not otherwise have access to them.
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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 in the Queensbridge Houses, the nation’s largest public housing complex, and a community learning center at another public housing complex, the Ravenswood Houses. It also has five teen centers, two bookmobiles, and two book bicycles.
CONTACT: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
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NYC Libraries Launch Citywide Summer at the Library Campaign to Support Students
Initiative features giveaway of 15,000 books at select branches provided by the New York Life Foundation and highlights activities at branches across the five boroughs
JUNE 4, 2024—New York City’s three library systems—Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Public Library (QPL) — announced today the launch of Summer at the Library, a series of events and programs held at branches across the five boroughs designed to support students of all ages over the summer. NYPL’s Brian Bannon, Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education, was joined by BPL President Linda E. Johnson and QPL President Dennis M. Walcott at Bronx Library Center for an event this morning with the New York Life Foundation, NYC Public Schools, and local students to kick off the campaign, which featured a book giveaway for attendees and activities held throughout the day for children and teens.
The inaugural summer event celebrates the traditional summer programming that libraries have offered New York City’s students for decades. The three systems will continue the festivities this weekend with a special giveaway of 15,000 books for children, provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2024 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs. Books in English and Spanish for children ages 12 and under will be available at select branches throughout the City to further support Summer at the Library, which highlights the free activities, reading challenges and programs available to New Yorkers.
“Summer is the season of possibility. You can explore the wonders of the city or travel to far off places from the pages of a book,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “With the generous support of the New York Life Foundation and the thousands of free books and resources available with your library card, there are endless opportunities for discovery this summer.”
“The New York Public Library is thrilled to kick off Summer at the Library with our friends at Brooklyn and Queens Public Libraries. Summer programming at New York City’s libraries has been a beloved community resource for decades and reflects our deep commitment to students. We know how important it is to have fun and educational opportunities that support lifelong learning and Summer at the Library ensures that our young patrons continue to have that support while they’re out of school. With the generous support of our long-time Summer Learning partner, the New York Life Foundation, we are able to make that happen. Whatever your plans are for the summer, the Library is here for you,” said Anthony W. Marx, President of The New York Public Library.
“Summer at the Library is this summer’s ultimate staycation. Everyone who comes through the doors of any public library can expect a great adventure without leaving the City of New York,” said Dennis M. Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Public Library. “The creative, dedicated staff at the Queens, Brooklyn and New York public libraries have developed an outstanding lineup of programs and activities that will transport people to new worlds in safe, welcoming and cool spaces. We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for their tremendous support as we work to deliver the thrill of discovery and joy of learning to all.”
“The New York Life Foundation is proud to be the 2024 city-wide sponsor for the Summer Reading Program. Since 2018, the Foundation has been the major supporter of the Summer Reading Program across all three public library systems reaching thousands of children. We are excited to sponsor the second year of the New York Life Foundation’s Summer Book Giveaway, providing 15,000 free books to children across the city. Enriching summer programs, like the ones provided by the libraries, help children learn in a fun way during the summer months,” said Heather Nesle, President of the New York Life Foundation.
It is estimated that summer vacation causes the average student to lose up to two months of instruction per year and has a disproportionate effect on students from low-income families. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that home libraries and access to books from a young age contribute significantly to better educational outcomes for children. When children have books in their homes and are read to by parents and caregivers, they are not only more likely to do well in school, but also develop a greater awareness of the diverse experiences and perspectives of others.
To combat learning loss, the New York Life Foundation has partnered with New York City’s libraries for the past six summers in support of summer programming and book giveaways for students.
In addition to the book giveaways, the libraries will offer hundreds of activities planned throughout the summer including author talks, storytimes, reading challenges, writing contests, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, performances and more. Those 13 and up can explore expanded teen centers throughout the city and the whole family can checkout exhibitions and more through the Library’s Culture Pass program, providing free museum passes. Highlights from each system are highlighted below. Families and students can also learn more about events in their neighborhood at https://summerreading.org/.
Below are details about the book giveaway and summer programming at each of the three systems:
Brooklyn Public Library
12 noon to 3 p.m.
Thursday, June 6
New Lots Library. 655 New Lots Avenue
Friday, June 7
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton Rd
Saturday, June 8
Sunset Park Library, 5108 Fourth Ave
In addition to the book giveaways, Brooklyn Public Library will offer a wide range of programs and resources for young people including performances, art programs, dance parties, author talks, and more. Highlights include:
- Reading with a Therapy Dog (Borough Park Library)
- Family Summer Concert Series (Park Slope Library) and
- BPL’s annual By Teens For Teens Summer Fair (Central Library), and
- Browse the Branches: Pick up a booklet at any Brooklyn Public Library location. Visit a branch, collect its special sticker and place it in the corresponding entry of your Browse the Branches booklet. Win special prizes when you visit half or all the 62 branches.
To find out about dates and locations, check the calendar.This summer Brooklyn Public Library is also celebrating the tenth anniversary of Book Match. Get a customized list of books to read just for you, selected by a librarian, and stay tuned throughout the summer for more about this special program.
Queens Public Library
Book giveaways will be held at the following branches:
- Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard), Thursday, June 6, 12 pm
- Corona (38-23 104 Street), Thursday, June 6, 12 pm
- Arverne (312 Beach 54 Street), Thursday, June 6, 12 pm
- Flushing (41-17 Main Street), Friday, June 7, 2 pm
In addition to the book giveaways, Queens Public Library will offer a series of engaging programs and resources for children and teens, including summer clubs focused on topics such as podcasting, architecture, robotics, manga, drones and 3-D modeling, as well as art workshops, reading challenges, dance classes, and more. Highlights include:
- Physical Storytelling: Telling Stories Without Words! (Woodhaven Library, Wednesday, June 5, 4 pm)
- International Animals Dance Party, a Singalong in Spanish and English (Glendale Library, Wednesday, June 12, 3 pm and Sunnyside Library, Friday, June 28, 2 pm)
- From the Statue of Liberty to the Barrio, A Musical Tour of NYC (Ozone Park Library, Friday, June 21, 11 am)
- Haitian Folkloric Dance For Kids (Lefferts Library, Friday, June 21, 4 pm)
- Fantastic Flowers with Queens Botanical Garden (Rego Park Library, Wednesday, June 26, 3:30 pm)
To check the full array of the QPL’s summer programming, go here.
The New York Public Library
Book giveaways will be held at the following branches on June 8:
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (455 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan)
- St. George Library Center (5 Central Avenue, Staten Island)
- Bronx Library Center (310 E Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx)
In addition to the book giveaway, NYPL will offer a series of engaging programs for children and teens at neighborhood branches throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. A full list of programs available at branches system-wide is available here. Students attending today’s event were able to:
- Write poems at a poetry-writing station,
- Plant seeds at Bronx Library Center’s greenhouse,
- Create their own self-portrait to add to the branch’s community collage
- Take a selfie at the branch’s photo booth.
Over the past year, the Library has opened over 20 new or enhanced teen centers, which will also host unique and dedicated programs for young adults this summer. The teen centers are part of Teens 360º, a Library initiative and Tisch Youth Education Program led by the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education. These dedicated centers focus on interest-driven learning and innovative programs informed by teens themselves to support digital literacy and technology skills, teen empowerment and civic engagement, the exploration of teen voice and social identity, mental wellness, and mentoring opportunities. More information about the initiative and the programs and services created for teens is available here.
Adults can also enjoy the summer reading challenges available at libraries, including a special reading challenge for adults (with a grand prize), sponsored by the National Book Foundation. Exciting events for adults happening at NYPL branches throughout the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island – from book discussions and author talks to theater performances and birding workshops, there’s something for everyone this summer at the Library!
Lead support for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2024 program is provided by the National Grid Foundation.
The program is supported by Con Edison. CBS2/WLNY is the official media partner for Brooklyn Public Library's Summer Reading 2024.
Support for The New York Public Library is provided by Jane Lauder; The Rona Jaffe Foundation; New York Yankees Foundation; Montblanc; anonymous donors; and the continuing major support of the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.
These programs and initiatives are part of the Library’s overall commitment to our branch patrons and education programs, led by the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education. Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.
About 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 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives millions of visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.
About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology center located in the nation’s largest public housing complex, and a community learning center at another public housing complex, the Ravenswood Houses. It also has five teen centers, two bookmobiles, and two book bicycles.
Contacts: BPL – Fritzi Bodenheimer, 929.276.4232
NYPL – Amy Geduldig | amygeduldig@nypl.org | 212-592-7177
QPL – Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org, 917 702 0016
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Join us in June as we celebrate this annual Day of Jubilee, all month long!
Check out our reading lists and resources and enjoy our in-person and virtual programs in honor of this important day in U.S. history.
All Queens Public Library locations will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Books: Adult Fiction
Juneteenth Books: Adult Nonfiction
Juneteenth Books: Young Adult Fiction
Juneteenth Books: Young Adult Nonfiction
Juneteenth Books: Children's Fiction
Juneteenth Books: Children's Nonfiction
Juneteenth Programs
Join us for QPL’s Juneteenth programs for all ages, including arts and crafts, concerts, conversations, storytimes, and much more!
Juneteenth Booklists
Adult Fiction
Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison
Book | Audiobook
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Book | eBook | Audiobook | Graphic Novel | Graphic Novel (eBook)
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehesi Coates
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Black Cloud Rising by David Wright Faladé
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge
Book | eBook
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Iola Leroy, or Shadows Uplifted by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Book | eBook
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott
Book | eBook | Audiobook
River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Deep by by Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathan Snipes
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Jubilee by Margaret Walker
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Adult Nonfiction
Juneteenth Texas: Essays in African-American Folklore by Francis E. Abernethy, Patrick B. Mullen, and Alan B. Govenar
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Remembering Slavery by Ira Berlin
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Juneteenth: The Story Behind the Celebration by Edward Cotham
Book | eBook
The War Before the War by Andrew Delbanco
Black Reconstruction in America by W. E. B. Du Bois
Book | eBook
She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Forever Free: The Story of Emancipation and Reconstruction by Eric Foner
Book | eBook
The Second Founding by Eric Foner
Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow
by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Book | eBook | Audiobook
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
Book | Audiobook
Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston
Book | eBook | Audiobook
To Raise Up a Nation by William S. King
Book | eBook
American Inheritance by Edward J. Larson
Book | eBook
The Failed Promise by Robert S. Levine
Book | eBook
Black Ghost of Empire by Kris Manjapra
Book | eBook
Sleeping with the Ancestors by Joseph McGill Jr. and Herb Frazier
Book | eBook
All That She Carried by Tiya Miles
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Last Slave Ship by Ben Raines
Book | eBook | Audiobook
How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Watermelon & Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations by Nicole A. Taylor
Book | eBook
Freedom's Children by Velma Maia Thomas
Lest We Forget (eBook) by Velma Maia Thomas
Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Young Adult Fiction
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party
by M. T. Anderson
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Crossing Ebenezer Creek by Tonya Bolden
Book | eBook
Inventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden
Book | eBook
Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper
Book | eBook
Dream Country by Shannon Gibney
Book | eBook | Audiobook
This Is My America by Kim Johnson
Book | eBook
Riot by Walter Dean Myers
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi
Book | eBook
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Book | Audiobook
A Sitting in St. James by Rita Williams-Garcia
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Young Adult Nonfiction
Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandy Colbert
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Passenger on the Pearl by Winifred Conkling
Book | eBook
In The Shadow of Liberty by Kenneth C. Davis
Book | Audiobook
Unequal: A Story of America by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau
Book | eBook | Audiobook
This Book Is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
Book | eBook
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Children's Fiction
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens and Monica Mikai
Book | eBook
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Annie and Juneteenth by Aletta Seales and Artkina Celestin
Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett and Daniel J. O'Brien
Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford and Yvonne Buchanan
Book | eBook
Children's Nonfiction
The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate
by Alliah L. Agostini, Taffy Elrod, and Sawyer Cloud
Juneteenth by R.J. Bailey
Book | eBook
The American Civil War in Texas by Johanna Burke
Let's Celebrate Emancipation Day & Juneteenth by Barbara deRubertis
Book | eBook
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
by Alice Faye Duncan and Keturah A. Bobo
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Hidden Black History: From Juneteenth to Redlining by Amanda Jackson Green
Book | eBook
What Is Juneteenth? by Kirsti Jewel
Book | eBook | Audiobook
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis
Traditional African American Arts & Activities by Sonya Kimble-Ellis
Juneteenth by Julie Murray
Book | eBook
Juneteenth by Lynn Peppas
Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Real History of Juneteenth by Elliott Smith
Book | eBook
African-American Holidays by Faith Winchester
Juneteenth (Racial Justice in America: Histories) by Kevin P. Winn and Kelisa Wing
Book | eBook
Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom by Sharon Dennis Wyeth and Kim Holt
Book | eBook | Audiobook
This image appeared on an 1865 recruitment poster encouraging African American men to join the Union Army’s United States Colored Troops. During the Civil War, the United States Colored Troops made up more than 10% of the Union Army, despite being prohibited from joining until July 1862, 15 months after the war began. (Source: African American Civil War Memorial Museum)
Juneteenth Resources
Learn About Juneteenth: A Day of Jubilee! (Virtual Brochure from QPL, Langston Hughes Library, and Queens Memory)
Juneteenth: The Legacy of Black Greek Organizations (QPL/YouTube, 2022)
Juneteenth - All About the Holidays (PBS Kids/YouTube)
Juneteenth Storytime: "Opal Lee And What It Means To Be Free" (Alice Faye Duncan Books/YouTube)
Opal Lee: Meet the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” (Biography.com)
The history behind the Juneteenth flag (WCNC Charlotte/YouTube)
Juneteenth Digital Toolkit (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
What Is Juneteenth? (HISTORY)
Celebrating Juneteenth, the Day Slavery Ended (The New York Times)
What is Juneteenth? (CBS News)
Juneteenth: The History of a Holiday (The New York Times)
The History Of Juneteenth (NPR Fresh Air)
Galveston, Texas, is the birthplace of the Juneteenth holiday (NPR)
United States Colored Troops History (African American Civil War Memorial Museum)
Fighting for Their Freedom: Historian Steward Henderson Talks about the United States Colored Troops (Emerging Civil War/YouTube)
How Black families, torn apart during slavery, worked to find one another again (NBC News)
DIY Confetti Poppers for Juneteenth (Crafting a Fun Life)
4 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth with Your Kids 2022 (Indy's Child Magazine)
5 Juneteenth Celebration Ideas for the Entire Family (Verywell Family)
Great Ideas for Celebrating Juneteenth (HGTV)
Here are 50 Quotes to Better Understand Juneteenth (Parade Magazine)
How to Celebrate Juneteenth This Year (PureWow)
Juneteenth Printables (Primary Treasure Chest Resources)
25 Ideas to Help You Celebrate Juneteenth (The Cubicle Chick by Danyelle Little)
8 Ways to Teach Your Kids About the Importance of Juneteenth (PopSugar Family)
Queens Public Library embraces the theme “Pride, Not Prejudice’’ as we celebrate the vibrant spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community.
Join us this Pride Month for an empowering lineup of events, including author talks, films, Pride crafts, and inclusive storytimes for families.
At QPL, we believe in the power of diversity and acceptance, providing a welcoming space where everyone can find connection and community.
QPL To Celebrate Expansion of Mitchell-Linden Library and Addition of New Computer Center
FLUSHING, NY_ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott will welcome elected officials and community members to a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the expansion of Mitchell-Linden Library, located at 31-32 Union Street, and the addition of a new computer center to the branch on Friday, May 31 at 11 AM.
The center added approximately 700 square feet to the branch, occupying the ground floor of a residential condominium since 2013, and expanding it to about 8,400 square feet.
The newly added area offers access to nine computers, including one dedicated ADA station, and two printers. An ADA-compliant single-user bathroom has also been added.
In addition, the space boasts an adult reading area with lounge seating as well as three tables with 12 seats and power outlets.
A new portal entry from the main library space was built into the new computer center and new furniture and lighting have been installed.
WHAT: Mitchell-Linden Library Expansion and Computer Center Opening
WHERE: 31-32 Union Street
WHEN: Friday, May 31 at 11 AM
WHO: QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott
Elected Officials
Library Staff
Community Members
QPL Cuts the Ribbon on Its Transformed Elmhurst Library Garden
National Grid Grant Supports Beautification of Elmhurst and Five Other Library Gardens
ELMHURST, NY _ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott was joined today by National Grid representatives and community members at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the beautification of Elmhurst Library’s garden (86-07 Broadway) with shrubs, plants and flowers, providing a habitat for butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. In addition, significant improvements have been recently completed at five other library gardens - at the Windsor Park, Langston Hughes, Ridgewood, East Elmhurst and Glendale branches.
The upgrades were funded through a $140,000 grant from National Grid’s Project C, the company’s program designed to inspire and strengthen local communities, making a difference for years to come. The Queens Public Library Foundation (QPLF) was awarded a Project C clean energy and sustainability grant two years ago. Each of these gardens is now open to the public.
“Our revitalized gardens are truly precious spaces where people can enjoy our resources and the outdoors at the same time,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are grateful to National Grid for their partnership and generous support to help us develop and maintain these oases that are open and accessible to all.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Queens Public Library to help preserve and sustain these beautiful gardens,” said Eileen Cifone, Director of Stakeholder Engagement for National Grid. “This initiative not only enhances the library grounds but also provides invaluable spaces for Elmhurst community members to connect, learn, and enjoy nature. Supporting projects like these aligns with our continuing commitment, through Project C, to fostering sustainable and vibrant communities.”
Left to right: Juan Santiago, National Grid External Affairs Manager and QPLF Board Secretary, Eileen Cifone, National Grid Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Wanda Chin, President of the QPLF Board of Directors, Dennis M. Walcott, QPL President and CEO, Richard Mezic, National Grid Lead Engineer and Susan Latham, QPLF Executive Director
The 1,800-square-foot Elmhurst Library garden, located in the rear of the branch, used to consist primarily of a dry, weedy lawn. With support from National Grid, a butterfly garden was planted behind the Library, with a new garden planted along the side of the library to beautify its street presence. In addition, two smaller gardens were situated immediately outside the rear entrance of the Library. An irrigation system was also installed, a new vermin-proof garden shed replaced the old wooden shed, and new trash receptacles replaced broken ones.
Thanks to the grant, the overgrown shrubs and weedy lawn at Windsor Park Library, at 79-50 Bell Blvd., in Hollis Hills, were removed to open up the space in the garden, located between the library building and a bus stop. A meadow of native shrubs and perennials was planted, creating a healthy environment for butterflies and other insects. An irrigation system was also installed to preserve the plants.
The funding also paid for the makeover of the exterior courtyard at the Langston Hughes Library and Cultural Center at 100-01 Northern Blvd., in Corona, which is heavily used for events and programs. The once barren and paved courtyard with only a few planters, now features a container garden along the back wall, filled with an assortment of native perennials to provide color and flowers from spring through fall. The back retaining wall of the courtyard was repainted and a new drip irrigation system was installed to conserve water. New trash containers were purchased, and the shrubs and trees in the front of the library were pruned, fertilized and mulched.
In addition, National Grid’s grant has helped install irrigation systems at the Ridgewood and East Elmhurst libraries, located at 20-12 Madison St. and 95-06 Astoria Blvd. respectively. Both of these library gardens were upgraded last year thanks to a grant from the Revson Foundation, and the installation of irrigation systems will sustain the new plantings.
New plants and shrubs were also planted at Glendale Library at 78-60 73rd Pl., with planting and maintenance provided by volunteers from National Grid.
The gardens at Elmhurst and East Elmhurst are being maintained by corporate volunteer groups from Bloomberg and Bank of America.
Contact: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
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NYC Libraries Rally to Restore $58.3M As Library Services Dwindle
Most Libraries Will Lose A Full Day Of Service If Cuts Go Through — In Addition to Continued Elimination of Seven-Day Service
Visuals available here
May 21, 2024 – The presidents of the city’s three public library systems will testify at the New York City Council Tuesday about the harmful impacts the $58.3M in proposed budget cuts would have on libraries. If enacted, these cuts would severely limit library service, with the vast majority of branches in all five boroughs being only open for five days a week. Currently, all NYC libraries are open for six days a week, a standard of service New Yorkers have enjoyed since a successful campaign in 2015. This is on top of the continued elimination of seven-day service, which was suspended in November following mid-year cuts.
Specifically, the cuts would mean -
- More than half of BPL branches dropping down to five-day a week service
- Close to 60% of NYPL branches will drop down to five-day service
- QPL will end Saturday service at all locations except Central and Flushing libraries
Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson, New York Public Library President and CEO Anthony W. Marx, and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott will also call for an end to the so-called “budget dance,” which has led to staffing shortages, unplanned closures, deferred maintenance, canceled storytimes and additional harmful impacts. The testimony follows a 9 AM rally on the steps of City Hall with Library supporters.
Four times in the past four years (FY21 to now) libraries have been hit with damaging mid-year budget cuts. And last year, NYC libraries were spared from proposed budget cuts in June, only to be hit with significant mid-year budget cuts four months later, leading to the immediate elimination of seven-day service. On Tuesday, the presidents will testify that the continuous uncertainty surrounding library funding is making it virtually impossible to engage in long-term planning, including hiring and program planning – all of which harms New Yorkers who need the free services libraries provide the most.
Copies of their prepared remarks are available at InvestInLibraries.org.
If the proposed budget cuts go through, the majority of NYC public libraries will lose one full day of service, leaving most libraries open for just five days a week. All NYC public libraries have been open six days a week since 2015. The library presidents will also testify that they expect branches will be subject to frequent unplanned closures and reduced operating hours due to staffing shortages brought on by budget cuts and the fiscal uncertainty that has prevented hiring. This is all in addition to the continued elimination of most Sunday service from the earlier cuts.
At the City Hall rally prior to the joint hearing of the Council’s Finance Committee and Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations Committee, Library leadership, staff, allies, union leaders, elected officials and supporters from throughout the five boroughs called for full restoration of library funding, citing the crucial role libraries play in every corner of the city.
The $58.3M in proposed cuts for FY25, if enacted, would have a lasting negative impact on library services and resources, in addition to the loss of universal six-day service and continued elimination of all seven-day service, including –
- Indefinitely delayed reopenings of renovated branches, many in historically marginalized communities. The cuts and proposed funding reductions mean we cannot afford to staff these branches.
- Further reducing spending on library materials, programming, and building maintenance and repairs
Additionally, the City has cut $125M from the capital budgets for libraries, the first cut to library capital funding in 16 years. With over $1.125B in priority capital needs at public libraries, the City should be adding funding to the capital plan for libraries, not reducing them.
New Yorkers can send an online letter in support of New York City libraries to their elected officials through BPL, NYPL and QPL’s campaign page at InvestinLibraries.org. Already, 100,000 New Yorkers have sent online letters to City Hall.
“It’s clear that New Yorkers love and need their libraries. Yet here we are once again, tin cups in hand outside City Hall, pleading to have our funding restored. This budget dance is exhausting, and horrifically unfair to the patrons who rely on the vital services we provide in every corner of this city. Enough with the games – our funding should be restored and baselined,” said Anthony W. Marx, President of The New York Public Library.
“From increased visits to new card applications, demand for library service continues to grow. We should be delighted, but instead we may be forced to further reduce hours and programming, potentially losing yet another day of service just when our patrons need us most. Our City leaders know how much New Yorkers depend on their libraries, and we are hopeful that together, they will come to our aid and fully restore library funding,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public.
"This is the greatest city in the world, and New Yorkers should have the greatest public libraries, with weekend service, diverse programs, and robust access to books and other resources. Through the City Council’s tremendous advocacy, our ongoing partnership with the Administration, and the outpouring of support from the public, we remain hopeful we can find a way to fully fund libraries and prevent the dire consequences of the cuts from becoming a reality,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott.
“Libraries are important institutions that provide language classes, theater and music performances, access to technology, career and financial services, and countless other opportunities, all for free. The doors of the library are open to everyone, but with further cuts being proposed by the administration, those doors could be open only 5 days a week. Data demonstrates library usage has been rising and the City Council is firmly committed to restoring the funding to ensure these vital spaces have the resources they need to serve communities across the city,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.
"Libraries offer critical services to our communities, our young people, and the most vulnerable among us. The $58.3 million in proposed budget cuts pose a detriment to our library systems on top of existing reductions to their operating hours, programming, and maintenance. New Yorkers need fully funded libraries to keep our city strong," said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37.
"Like so many New Yorkers, libraries have played a huge role in my life. I spent all of high school working at my local NYPL and getting to know all of the people that went to the library for books, computer access, community programs, and so much more. Debilitating cuts to libraries rob all of us of the resources that help us grow and bring us together. The Council will not turn the page on budget negotiations without a full restoration to library funding. It's what New Yorkers want, and it's what we deserve," said Council Member Shaun Abreu.
“Libraries are the beloved pillars of our communities, providing not just education and youth services, but forming the community foundations for public health and safety. Our libraries serve as sites of after school programming, hubs of community-based organizations, cooling centers in the summer, warming centers in the winter, and many other functions. The Mayor’s mid-year budget cuts have already severely limited the services that libraries can provide. Now, the Mayor's proposed FY25 cuts would seek to end universal six-day service for Queens Public Library. The Mayor’s decision to gut libraries is shameful; Mayor Adams is playing politics with our community’s well-being. I am calling on the Mayor to reverse the November PEG so that residents in Western Queens, and across the city, can once again access the knowledge, resources, and welcoming spaces that they deserve,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán.
“As a staunch advocate for education and community resources, I stand firmly with our public libraries in opposing the proposed budget cuts. Libraries are vital hubs of knowledge, support, and opportunity for all New Yorkers. These cuts threaten to undermine the essential services libraries provide, from job-search assistance and ESOL classes to safe spaces for children and teens. We must prioritize the funding necessary to keep our libraries open and fully functional. Together, we must ensure that every New Yorker has access to the invaluable resources our libraries offer,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse.
“Public libraries are among New York’s most important institutions. It is hard to imagine how they would have been developed from scratch today, but we are blessed to have inherited them from previous generations. We are obligated to help them survive and thrive, to the benefit of all New Yorkers. We must recognize the unparalleled contributions to education, public safety, and community-building that our libraries provide and commit to full investment in them – and absolutely never any cuts,” said Council Member Chi Ossé.
“Our public libraries are vital community hubs that provide essential services that New Yorkers depend on. The Mayor has already cut service to six days per week and has proposed closing all weekend library operations. This City Council will keep fighting to ensure our libraries secure the funding they deserve,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler.
“As a mother, I remember the very first time I brought my daughters to our local library – the joy and excitement in their eyes and their eagerness to explore all of the literature that the Brooklyn Public Library had to offer. Every child deserves to have access to the incredible resources our libraries provide, but the proposed cuts to our libraries will only hinder this. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in saying: No cuts to our libraries!” said City Council Member Susan Zhuang.
About the Campaign
The #InvestInLibraries campaign is a partnership between the city’s three public library systems—Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library—and other library supporters across the city. Since the campaign launched in 2015, the City has allocated additional funding for programming as well as critical capital dollars to help address the over $1 billion in needs facing the city’s aging library infrastructure. Despite this important support, libraries confront rising costs and increased demand for more services and programs (from New Yorkers and the City). The campaign urges the City to restore and increase funding to meet rising needs, demands, and costs
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Contacts:
BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org, 929-276-4232; NYPL: Amy Geduldig, amygeduldig@nypl.org, 212-592-7177; QPL: Elisabeth de Bourbon, edebourbon@queenslibrary.org, 917-650-3815