Elmhurst Celebrates Major Library Renovation The Elmhurst branch of the Queens Library reopened its doors in December after a massive three-year, $32.4 million renovation. The four-story, 32,000 square foot building, located at the corner of 86th Street and Broadway, now includes a 24-hour book return service, dozens of computers, and tens of thousands of books, magazines and multimedia items for adults, children and teens. “This will be the most-visited library in our system and one of the busiest in the United States,” said Dennis Walcott, Queens Library president and CEO. “It is a direct response to the changing needs and demographics of a vibrant, diverse neighborhood.” “It was our determination that led us to opening this beautiful library today,” Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said at the ceremony. “This means that taxes are working for the well-being of the people, and this facility will serve the future of our children and of society.” Assemblymen Jeff Aubry and Francisco Moya, as well as Congresswoman Grace Meng, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Councilman Daniel Dromm also attended the inauguration and praised the role of the Elmhurst library in the development of the community, the city and the country. Grand opening ribbon cutting PHOTO BY JAVIER CASTAÑO/QUEENS LATINO “Libraries are vital to our communities, as we can find books to read there, use computers, attend classes and participate in society. It is a safe place where people, particularly immigrants, can feel at home,” Dromm added. Library Manager Yasha Hu said, “This is a great opportunity to continue 4 APRIL, 2017 | WWW.QNS.COM | LEFRAK CITY COURIER serving our community with more space, more equipment, more staff and more services that go beyond book lending.” In addition to the library’s many new amenities, the renovation includes some unique use of existing space and innovative improvements. The old building’s chimney, for example, dates back to 1906 and is now part of the children’s room, and two new rooftop terraces provide 13,000 square feet of open air space. Marpillero Pollak Architects designed the project. “We planned it so that Broadway would be visible from the inside, for its interior to be transparent and to create integration,” lead architect Linda Pollak said, and artist Allan McCollum designed a wall installation on the second floor to reflect “the individuality and diversity of this neighborhood.” New York City Department of Design and Construction (DCC) Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora said, “I arrived here from the Dominican Republic as an immigrant, and libraries offered me resources to learn English and adapt. This library continues offering those resources to the new generations.” The Queens Library system was founded in 1896 and currently has 62 branches, attracting more than 11 million visitors each year. The Elmhurst branch is open on Mondays from 9am-6pm; Tuesdays from 1pm- 6pm; Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-6pm; Thursdays from noon- 8pm; and Saturdays from 10am-5pm. Elmhurst Library’s new Media Room PHOTO BY JAVIER CASTAÑO/QUEENS LATINO
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