City Opens New Library in Far Rockaway

City Opens New Library in Far Rockaway

Designed by the international architecture firm Snøhetta, the new library serves as a center of community and a testament to the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway.

Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, [email protected], 917-702-0016
Ian Michaels, [email protected], 646-939-6514

(Far Rockaway, NY - July 30, 2024) Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Representative Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens District Attorney and former Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, New York City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, members of the public, QPL staff and volunteers, and community leaders today celebrated the grand opening of the new Far Rockaway Library.

Located at the busy intersection of Central and Mott Avenues and designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, the library is as much the centerpiece of the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway as it is an inspiring space for learning, discovery, growth, and community connection.

The new structure is the third library building at 1637 Central Avenue, a site deeded to the City for educational purposes by local philanthropist Benjamin Mott. The original Far Rockaway Library opened almost exactly 120 years ago, on August 18, 1904, and was the first library in Queens built with money donated by the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

The building was destroyed by fire in 1962, and replaced six years later with a 9,000-square-foot, single-story building that served the community until its closure in 2018, when it was razed to make room for the new structure.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the branch became a lifeline for many local residents, providing disaster relief and serving as a food and supply distribution hub.

The new, two-story structure is twice the size of the prior building and cost $39 million to design and construct. It features a unique glass façade and central atrium space designed to let natural light penetrate deep into the building while giving customers views of the sky from within the building.

A tall transparent glass pyramidal opening at the corner serves as the library's main entry. The building's interior spaces are arranged around the atrium, which serves as a meeting place, a point of orientation, and the focus of the branch's activities. The façade is comprised of colored glass, with its colors gradually fading into one another, balancing transparency and translucency. The interior railing is made of dichroic glass, creating a kaleidoscopic effect in the atrium.

The 18,000-square-foot building meets LEED Gold standards for environmental efficiency. The glass façade's glazing reduces heat generated by the sun and lets in ample natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Other energy efficient features include daylighting and occupancy sensors that work with automated building management systems and an underfloor heating distribution system. The structure also has a blue roof that releases storm water from the site at a slow speed.

A teen room and computer area are located on the first floor, along with library offices, a book sorting area and a staff lounge and lockers. There is also a rear yard accessible to the public. The second floor, accessible by an elevator, has separate adult and children reading areas, and a dividable meeting room. Restrooms are available on both floors.

Snøhetta's design of the new Far Rockaway Library received an Excellence in Design Award from the Public Design Commission under DDC's Design and Construction Excellence 2.0 program, which pre-selects and pre-qualifies design firms that DDC works with on projects with construction budgets of up to $50 million. The program is designed to decrease the amount of time required for DDC to procure design services, while ensuring the highest levels of quality and professionalism in construction projects managed by the agency.

Snøhetta - which in the past worked on several high-profile projects, including the Alexandria Library in Egypt and the National September 11 Memorial Museum and Pavilion - collaborated with Brooklyn-based contemporary artist José Parlá to co-design the mural wrapping the façade of the library. Called "Style Writing," the artwork consists of continuous written forms that reflect the vibrancy of daily life in New York City.

Inside the library, as part of the Department of Cultural Affairs' Percent for Art Program, Mexican artist Pablo Helguera created the "Feynman Code," a tribute to the Nobel Prize-winner and theoretical physicist Richard Feynman (1918-1988), who grew up in the neighborhood and attended Far Rockaway High School. One of his contributions to physics are the so-called Feynman diagrams, pictorial representations of the mathematical expressions describing the behavior of subatomic particles. For the Far Rockaway Library, Helguera created an alphabet where every letter is replaced by a Feynman diagram, and reproduced two phrases using this coding system: one by the 19th century American poet Emily Dickinson, "the brain is wider than the sky," and one by Feynman himself: "I, a universe of atoms, an atom in the universe." The project received an Excellence in Design Award from the Public Design Commission in 2019.

"The opening of this spectacular library marks an important moment in Queens Public Library's 120-year relationship with the neighborhood and in the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway," said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. "This dynamic building is a work of art designed to welcome, inspire, and connect everyone who comes through its doors. There are many individuals and organizations to thank for bringing this space to life, including our elected officials, government and community partners, as well as the dedicated members of the QPL team who have worked tirelessly to ensure the new library provides invaluable resources, services and opportunity for all. We are immensely grateful to the people of Far Rockaway for their trust and support and look forward to continuing to serve them for generations to come."

"The new Far Rockaway Library is an extraordinary upgrade for a community that's enjoyed public library service for 120 years, and we're very excited to unveil the new building to the public," said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner (DDC) Thomas Foley. "Through our Design and Construction Excellence Program we engage some of the world's most prominent design firms to create the City's public buildings, and now we bring that same level of world-class architecture to downtown Far Rockaway, where DDC recently completed extensive street and infrastructure upgrades. Thank you to the Queens Public Library, the local community, our design firm Snohetta, and the DDC project team for bringing this beautiful library to Far Rockaway."

"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 brand-new Far Rockaway 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."

"It's been a long time in coming, but the new Far Rockaway Library is a spectacular facility that will prove to be well worth the wait," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Countless Far Rockaway families now have access to the first-class center of learning, culture, imagination, and community engagement that they have long deserved. This $39 million investment is one of the highlights of my career, and I couldn't be prouder to have delivered - along with my colleagues -this stunning new library and all its resources to this community."

"The Far Rockaway community has long deserved a state-of-the-art library," said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. "I recognized this need as Borough President and, through my office, we allocated more than $20 million in funding to create a world-class branch of the Queens Public Library. This new facility will serve as a vital hub of learning and enrichment for young people, families and seniors. I encourage all area residents to make the most of the extensive resources and services in this state-of-the art location. Congratulations to Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and all the city and elected officials who made the new Far Rockaway Library a reality."

"Today, we celebrate the grand opening of the long awaited, newly renovated Far Rockaway Library, a beacon of hope and opportunity for our community," said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "This beautiful, modern facility stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of investing in historically overlooked neighborhoods. As someone who once relied on my local library for job searches and vital resources - and frequented our local branch for story time with my then infant daughter - I know firsthand how transformative libraries can be. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the array of programs and services this library offers as we continue to fight for the resources our community deserves."

"FINALLY," said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. "When I was growing up in Far Rockaway this library was always there when I needed it. It is such a comfort to know that it continues to be a staple of the community and resource for everyone. The amazing beautification and modernization of our Far Rockaway Library is a welcomed addition to the community. I want to thank the Queens Public Library, and everyone involved who made this a reality."

"I am elated to join the grand opening of the Far Rockaway Queens Public Library branch, which offers our neighborhood a brand new two-story structure with updated ADA-compliant infrastructure and amenities like Children's Area, Teen Room, and a Cyber Center. It will offer a seven-day service," says Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson. "The Rockaway Library has served the Rockaways with a storied history since 1904. Its importance was well-demonstrated in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when the previous facility was used to provide disaster relief to residents. This library is the core of the community-a cooling center, a safe space for our youth, a bridge addressing the digital divide, and a learning and technological hub. The new building will live up to that community legacy, flourishing as a civic center masterpiece."

"I am excited to announce the opening of the Queens Public Library's new state-of-the-art facility in Far Rockaway," said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). "Libraries are important pillars of knowledge and cultural enrichment where people of all ages can access resources and engage in lifelong learning. The NYC Department of Design and Construction has designed this beautiful new space for our community, and I look forward to visiting it soon."

"A key component of the Downtown Far Rockaway Roadway for Action plan, the Queens Public Library will serve as an education resource and bring expand cultural programming to the community," said New York City Economic Development Corporation CEO & President Andrew Kimball. "NYCEDC looks forward to continuing working alongside our partners in the public and private sector to re-establish Downtown Far Rockaway as a true mixed-use and residential community - bringing needed jobs, housing, and much more."

"Libraries are the palaces of the people, and we are so excited to unveil this amazing public artwork for the new Far Rockaway Library by Pablo Helguera," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. "Commissioned through our Percent for Art program in partnership with Queens Public Library, city partners, and the local community, Helguera's "Feynman Code" pays tribute to the Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist and Far Rockaway resident Richard Feynman and explores the idea of the whole world as a written book. When you pay a visit to this extraordinary gem of a new building, designed by Snohetta and built by DDC, make sure to explore this remarkable new public artwork."

"Libraries are community hubs," said Felicia Johnson, District Manager of Community Board 14. "They connect people to information and connect people to people. They are safe havens for kids, and a sanctuary for seniors. This new Far Rockaway Library has been a long time in the making. It has been uniquely designed to serve a unique and diverse community. As District Manager, I am excited to see where the minds of the residents of this community will go, with the tools this building will provide. Libraries have the power to change lives for the better, so let the change begin!"

"Our design for the new Far Rockaway library is focused on connecting the diverse communities in the area through an architecture supporting joy and learning. The vibrant colors and daylit interiors are inspired by the many groups that call the area their home," said Snøhetta founder Craig Dykers. "Together with New York based Cuban-American artist, José Parlá, the building pays homage to the spirit of creativity in the Rockaways and in many of the culturally distinct neighborhoods across the city."

The new library offers 32 public computers, 32 public laptops, and a collection of nearly 30,000 books, periodicals and other materials in several languages, including items in Spanish and Russian, as well as books about the Black experience and Jewish interest materials for children and adults.

The branch, one of the three QPL locations providing seven-day service, will serve the neighborhood with numerous educational and cultural programs for people of all ages, such as hip hop, STEM and job readiness workshops, story times, yoga and computer classes, after-school study hours, as well as various community events.

The project was funded through capital investments from Queens Borough President Richards, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, NYS Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, the NYC Economic Development Corporation, the NYS Education Department, and the NYC Council Queens Delegation.

During the construction period, a temporary library operated nearby at 1003 Beach 20th Street.

The general contractor was E.W. Howell Co. LLC of Plainview, NY.

Additional images of the library are available here (credit: Matthew Lapiska/DDC) and videos are available here and here.

Far Rockaway Library Hours:

Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursdays: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Fridays: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sundays: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Phone number: 718-327-2549

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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