QPL’s Bay Terrace Library Reopens Following Top-To-Bottom Renovation and Modernization
$6.1 Million Overhaul Added a New Multipurpose Room and a Designated Teen Area
BAYSIDE, N.Y. _ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, State Senators Toby Ann Stavisky and John Liu, Assembly Member Edward Braunstein, Council Member Vickie Paladino, community leaders and library staff today marked the reopening of Bay Terrace Library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, following a $6.1 million transformation of the building.
The one-story 7,500-square-foot building has served as a library since 1981. Work on the project began in April 2022 and involved a full interior renovation, the expansion of the main entrance at 18-36 Bell Blvd. and the addition of a designated teen area, as well as a new state-of-the art multi-purpose community room with audiovisual equipment, and a new, ADA compliant entrance at the 23rd Avenue side entrance to facilitate off-hours programming.
The renovation also includes updated furniture, shelving and millwork, as well as a new roof, floors, walls, ceilings, and technology. The fire alarm, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems were also upgraded.
“Bay Terrace Library is an essential part of this community, and we know how much people have missed it,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are thrilled to welcome them back to a modern, inspiring space that is accessible to all. This fantastic renovation project would not have been possible without the strong support of our current and former elected leaders and the commitment of the QPL team who worked very hard to ensure that this branch can continue to serve the public for generations to come.”
“I regret that I cannot join you all today to celebrate this exciting milestone. This remarkable renovation exemplifies what can be achieved when people come together for the greater good. Kudos to Queens Public Library and the Bay Terrace community!,” said Congressman Thomas Suozzi (NY-03). “More than just an upgrade, this renovation of the Bay Terrace library will foster access to vital information, enhance educational support, and promote literacy, making it a true community hub that connects people with knowledge and with one another. As Albert Einstein famously said, 'The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.' That's easy; it's located on Bell Boulevard, right in the heart of Bay Terrace.”
“Today, we celebrate not only the reopening of the Bay Terrace Library, but also a major investment for this community. This renovation helps ensure that New Yorkers have access to the resources, technology, and educational opportunities they deserve,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “With new spaces for learning, creativity, and connection, Bay Terrace Library will continue to serve as a vital hub for residents of all ages. I am proud that through collaboration and commitment, this space has been transformed into a modern, accessible, and welcoming resource.”
“Our libraries are the lifeblood of our communities, and the Bay Terrace community is full of life today as we reopen its newly renovated, state-of-the-art library," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I'm proud to have allocated $424,000 toward this necessary renovation, because these upgrades will make a world of a difference for our families and community members who will make use of this library every day.”
“We are excited that the renovation of the Bay Terrace library branch is complete and once again there is a safe place for everyone in the community to gather,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “Libraries are anchors in our communities, keeping their doors open six days a week for toddlers, parents, retirees, students, jobseekers and others to find safe harbor and support. As Borough President, I recognized the need for a state-of-the-art facility and allocated funding for this project. Congratulations to Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and everyone involved in this project for making it a reality.”
“Back in the late 1970’s I advocated for the construction of the Bay Terrace Library when my husband, Leonard, was a member of the Assembly and represented Bay Terrace,” said State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Together with two community leaders, Leah Gruber and Anita Blank, we won the fight, arguing that the Bay Terrace community would have a population surge. The newly improved Bay Terrace Library provides critical access to modern technology, eases entry for those living with disabilities and opens attractive new communal space including a room exclusively for teens. I am thrilled for this reopening, and I want to thank QPL President and CEO Dennis Walcott for his hard work and vision on this project.”
“The newly renovated Bay Terrace Library shows how public investment can transform community spaces into modern hubs of learning, creativity, and connection,” said State Senator John Liu. “For decades, this library has been a trusted resource for northeast Queens, and with these improvements, we are ensuring this cornerstone of Bay Terrace is best equipped to serve the ever-growing needs of our families, businesses, and community at large for generations to come.”
“I am thrilled to celebrate the long-anticipated reopening of the Bay Terrace Library,” Assembly Member Edward Braunstein. “Queens’ public libraries serve as the beating heart of our local communities, and with these state-of-the-art improvements, children and families will be able to enjoy a wide variety of programs and resources in a modernized space for generations to come. I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure state funding to help fund this project. This renovation was also made possible by late Council Member Paul Vallone, who worked persistently to make this project a reality. Bay Terrace is my home library and I look forward to enjoying the new space with my children soon.”
“When I took office, the Bay Terrace Library was under construction and the community had long suffered without their beloved library,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino. “I made it a top priority in my office to ensure construction met the timelines set and the library was delivered to the community as soon as possible. The President and CEO of Queens Public Library, Dennis Walcott, was a huge help in getting this project done. We had in person meetings and phone calls where I was able to express my concerns for the delay in completion, and he listened to every concern. Thank you to everyone at Queens Public Library, and especially Dennis for your continued support of our libraries in District 19 and your special attention to this project. Congratulations to Bay Terrace on your brand new, fully renovated library!”
During the event, attendees paid tribute to the late Council Member Paul Vallone who passed away unexpectedly in January 2024. During his time in the City Council, Vallone tirelessly advocated for the renovation of Bay Terrace Library and was a steadfast supporter of the entire QPL system. Several of his family members participated in the library reopening.
After officials cut the ribbon, the library hosted an afternoon of family arts and crafts, a musical performance, face painting and manga drawing for teens.
Financial support for this project was provided by the Office of Mayor Eric Adams, the Office of City Council Member Vickie Paladino, the New York City Council, the Office of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., the Office of State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, the Office of State Senator John Liu and the Office of Assembly Member Edward Braunstein.
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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