QPL’s Broadway Library in Astoria Reopens Following City’s Expansion and Renovation

QPL's Broadway Library in Astoria Reopens Following City's Expansion and Renovation

Major upgrades were made to the lower level, including the addition of a spacious lobby area, computer center, classrooms, and other enhancements

DDC: Denisse Moreno, 718-391-1854, [email protected]
QPL: Elisabeth de Bourbon, 917-499-0867, [email protected]

(Queens, NY - August 12, 2024) Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley today marked the reopening of Broadway Library in Astoria with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the $4.6 million transformation of the two-story building's cellar, creating more space for public use.

"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 renovated Broadway 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."

"We know how much people depended on this library before it closed for construction, and we are thrilled to welcome the community back to an expanded, modern, and inviting space," said Queens Public President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. "We are grateful to the Department of Design and Construction for this terrific renovation and to our local representatives for their support throughout the project, with special thanks to Mayor Adams, Borough President Donovan Richards and the City Council for their financial support."

"The renovations at the Broadway Branch has given visitors and staff a whole new level with room for multiple computer stations as well as a classroom, meeting room and stage area," said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. "Projects like these would benefit greatly from a contracting method called Construction Manager-Build (CM-Build). We have a bill in Albany that has been passed by the legislature which will give us the right to use CM-Build for projects involving libraries and cultural institutions. We need to get that bill signed so that the City can bring these important facilities to New Yorkers both faster and cheaper."

Located at 40-20 Broadway, the library's underutilized, 6,120-square-foot basement storage area was redesigned and expanded to create a large lobby with a spacious front desk and other amenities, including a new computer center, multiple charging outlets, and tables for reading and laptop use. Other improvements include updates to an existing classroom and meeting room with a stage area, including new flooring, repainting and the installation of a foldable partition that can combine or separate both rooms.

Modern lighting fixtures and new ceiling and flooring finishes are among the other enhancements. Since the library is located on top of a subway station, the rumbling of trains had caused cracks in the floor over the years, requiring the addition of a new vibration-proof layer built into the floor to protect the new finishes. To do this, the concrete was removed, a one-inch layer of bond breaker was poured and then a brand new concrete slab was poured on top. After this layer of protection, the final finishing layer of terrazzo flooring was installed.

A new, dedicated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and multiple ADA-compliant restrooms and a staff room were also installed.

Construction began in January 2022 and concluded October 2023. The opening of the library was delayed after construction conclusion because of budget issues regarding City public libraries, which have since been resolved.

"Public libraries are anchors in their communities, offering free access to cultural, educational, and civic resources to all who enter their doors," said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. "I thank the Queens Public Library and Department of Design and Construction for their efforts to bring the people of Astoria a new state-of-the-art computer center, classroom, and stage areas at the Broadway Branch."

"I'm thrilled to see the Queens Public Library Broadway Branch in Astoria has completed its much-needed renovations, just in time for the start of the school year," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Now, our Astoria community will benefit from a computer center with classroom and stage areas, on top of the free resources the Queens Public Library already offers. Investments like these make a world of a difference."

"Public libraries are vital to the well-being of our communities in New York City," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. "I'm excited to celebrate these new renovations, which will ensure the Queens Public Library at Broadway is more accessible and has the space and up-to-date computers to meet the needs of library patrons. I want to thank the Queens Public Library and everyone who worked to make this vision a reality."

"Libraries are an important community asset, and I'm excited to see a previously underutilized space be upgraded to something that will significantly benefit the community," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "The Broadway Branch Library in Astoria already plays a critical role in the neighborhood, and this multi-million-dollar investment will help more people be able to enjoy this space."

"Libraries are magical places where we can connect, learn, and find comfort in community," said Councilmember Tiffany Cabán. "They are life-affirming institutions that make our community safer by providing critical services. Public libraries must be protected and expanded, not cut. We fought hard to restore funding to the Broadway Branch Library, and I am so delighted that it has been renovated and is re-opening to serve our district."

"After more than a year of construction, I'm excited to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Broadway Library. Our neighbors will now have access to a brand-new computer center and classroom areas and the return of regular library services," said Councilmember Julie Won. "Public libraries are invaluable resources for New Yorkers. I advocated to secure $58.3 million in public library restorations in the city budget, guaranteeing that funding for Queens Public Library stays safe in FY '25 and future fiscal years."

"I am ecstatic that the Broadway library is reopening. Our libraries are critical to our wellbeing -- they allow us to connect with community, access the internet, cool from the heat and better our lives, whether that's taking an ESL course, getting a free meal, or finding a book that opens a new world," said Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. "I am grateful for all the work it has taken to not only renovate this branch to offer updated services like accessible public restrooms and a new computer center, but also for all those who made their voice clear in demanding that we restore library funding and get our library reopened!"

"Every week, my children and I would visit the Broadway library, and it sparked their imaginations, curiosity, and lifelong love of reading," said Evie Hantzopoulos, Chairperson of Community Board 1. "This branch is a treasured community resource - as are all public libraries - and we are thrilled to see it finally reopen after being beautifully renovated to meet our community's needs."

The Broadway Branch hours are:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 am - 6 pm

Tuesday, 1 pm - 6 pm

Thursday, 12 pm - 8 pm

Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm

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 $33 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.

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