Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Linda Lee Announce Over $9 Million in Funding for the Renovation of the Queens Village Public Library
Queens Village, NY_On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Linda Lee announced that Queens Village Public Library, located at 94-11 217th Street, will receive $9,587,000 million for capital renovations in the Fiscal Year 2023 NYC Budget. In attendance were Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, Assembly Member David Weprin, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, and various community leaders and residents.
“I am proud to join Speaker Adrienne Adams to allocate these funds to give the Queens Village Public Library a much-needed overhaul and provide the community a modern and accessible facility,” said Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions. “Libraries are more than just a place to read your favorite book; they serve as community centers for residents to socialize and engage with one another and access the internet and essential services. Residents deserve to feel a sense of pride in their neighborhood, and this investment will make an impact on young people and seniors throughout Queens Village. I thank Speaker Adrienne Adams for her leadership and for supporting this initiative that will benefit the residents of Eastern and Southeastern Queens.”
"Libraries are vital community centers and hubs of opportunity that serve all New Yorkers, regardless of age or background,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Working together with Council Member Lee and the Women’s Caucus, the City Council has invested more than $9 million in the city budget to renovate the Queens Village Library. This funding allocation will have an immense impact on this neighborhood and all users of this library branch. I commend Council Member Lee for her advocacy and leadership on behalf of District 23, and I look forward to seeing the completion of this critical project.”
"This allocation will ensure the transformation of the Queens Village branch into a modern, vibrant and accessible space that meets the changing needs of the community," said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. "We are grateful to NYC City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Linda Lee, the New York City Council Women’s Caucus, and its co-chairs, Council Members Amanda Farías and Farah Louis, for their financial support as we work to provide educational resources and opportunity to all."
NYS Senator Leroy Comrie said, “From family storytime and game days, to painting, summer readings, and access to tablets, WiFi, and hotspots, our public libraries play a critical role as educators and community builders. That’s why I’m so pleased to join in celebrating this $9 million investment in the Queens Village Public Library. Thanks to Speaker Adams, Council Member Lee, and the Women’s Caucus for their continued leadership in ensuring our community institutions have the funding they need.”
"We are excited about the investment in our library. With the improvements, the library will continue its vital service to the entire Queens Village community," said Assembly Member Clyde Vanel.
"I applaud this crucial funding allocation for the Queens Village Public Library, which will provide much-needed improvements to the building,” said Assemblyman David Weprin. “Our public libraries have been fantastic partners and are important places to promote lifelong learning and provide community services. I’m so pleased that this historic investment will yield an improved, accessible building for current and future generations to enjoy."
"I am glad to share the neighborhood of Queens Village with Council Member Lee,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. “Although the public library is geographically in her district, many of my constituents frequent the location because of its proximity to my district. The library is going to greatly benefit from this investment. I am excited to see the upcoming renovations and to have a state-of-the-art facility that Queens Village residents can enjoy. I want to thank Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Linda Lee for securing the funding for this project."
“This is a very happy day for me and the residents of Queens Village,” said Mo Ishamel, President of the Queens Village Civic Association. “Firstly, I want to thank our Council Member Linda Lee and Speaker Adrienne Adams for spearheading the approval of this budget item! Our new CM Lee and our new Speaker Adams, you guys have really hit the ground running! Renovating and upgrading the Queens Village Library is long overdue. The residents and especially the children will really appreciate an upgraded facility.”
The Queens Village branch of Queens Public Library was built in 1952 and has not received major renovation since its construction. The funds, totaling $9,587,000, will provide for a full renovation of the library, including interior and exterior improvements, as well as HVAC installation, and roof repairs.
Additional pictures available below:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VvJLdq_LbXh8S1hvi2xX9zSh5lzNbZNX?usp=sharing
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Contact: Walter Chi, WChi@council.nyc.gov, 646-901-7409 (Speaker Adams)
Daniel Sparrow, DSparrow@council.nyc.gov (Council Member Lee)