Queens Library’s Astoria’s branch gets $3.25M
BY ALEJANDRA O’CONNELLDOMENECH
A staple in the Astoria community
will now receive the
renovations it deserves.
City Councilman Costa Constantinides
announced Dec. 14
that he secured $3.25 million in
additional funds for the renovation
of Queens Library’s Astoria
branch from City Council
Speaker Corey Johnson.
This is a third wave of funding
secured by the Constantinides,
who allocated $300,000
from the Participatory Budget
in April for a new children’s
reading room. In 2017, he secured
$3.25 million in funds to
renovate the library from then-
Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
In 2014, the city committed $1
million toward library renovations
as part of the Astoria Cove
plan, totalling over $7 million in
overall funds to the library.
“Libraries are a beacon of
learning, whether you’re 5 or
95, which is why keeping them
up to date is so crucial,” said
Constantinides. “Making the
Astoria Library better than it
has ever been will encapsulate
Queens Library President & CEO Dennis Walcott and Branch Manager Gus Tsekenis joined City
Councilman Costa Constantinides in announcing the Astsoria Branch on Hallets Cove Penninsula’s full
renovation. Courtesy of Constantinides’ offi ce
the broader investment we’ve
made into the Hallets Cove
Peninsula.”
Once the library is fully
renovated, it will include a new
children’s reading area, a new
entrance, elevators, electronic
drop-off equipment and “other
modern-day technology,” according
to a press release from
Constantinides’ office.
The branch will also become
ADA-compliant throughout
its basement, ground and mezzanine
levels. According to a
representative from the Queens
Library, the Astoria branch will
also receive new flooring, ceiling,
lighting, furniture, paint
and equipment.
Politicians and community
members alike want to utilize
the funds to reinvent the branch
into a up-to-date facility that
will exemplify the crucial role
that libraries play in building
communities.
Not only do libraries provide
opportunities for learning and
advancement out side of schools,
“they serve as community spaces
where neighborhoods can
come together,” according to
Johnson.
At 11 years old, Elena Maria
Bauer, a lifelong Astoria resident,
started going to the libraries,
particularly the Steinway
branch, to read and escape the
bullying she endured from classmates.
Gradually, the library
transformed from a hideout to a
hangout as she made friend after
friend who also enjoyed mystery
books, video games and art.
“The value and effect it had
on my life is incredible,” said
Bauer, who remains friends
with many of the children she
snuck onto unlocked computers
and exchanged comic books
with to this day.
“They aren’t just book warehouses,
they are safe hubs,”
Bauer added.
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TIMESLEDGER, D 6 EC. 21-27, 2018 TIMESLEDGER.COM