Mayor Adams Breaks Ground on Major Renovation of Queens Public Library’s Hollis Library

Watch the video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl18RN5AxLE

Library’s Interior to be Transformed with New Reading and Multi-Purpose Rooms, Redesigned Entrance, and More

Administration Has Invested More Than $300 Million in City’s Libraries in Three Fiscal Years; Nearly $900 Million Committed in FY 2025 – FY 2028 Capital Plan

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Public Library (QPL) President Dennis M. Walcott, and New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley today broke ground on a $7.4 million project that will completely modernize the interior of the Hollis Library QPL branch with new reading rooms, more space for computers, and additional features for visitors and staff. Mayor Adams also celebrated three years of significant investments in the city’s libraries, with total investment in the city’s libraries approaching $900 million in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to FY 2028 capital plan.

“I am proud to be here to break ground on this major renovation of the Hollis Library, a $7 million project that will improve the library experience for this entire community,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City’s libraries are so much more than just a place to check out a book, particularly for low-income New Yorkers. From looking for a job, to staying cool in a heat wave, to getting online, our public libraries are the hearts of our communities. That is why our administration has invested more than $300 million in the city’s libraries over three fiscal years, with nearly $900 million committed in the 2025-2028 Capital Plan.”

“Our administration is focused on providing world-class libraries citywide, ensuring no neighborhood is left behind,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “The renovations to the Hollis Library will provide the neighborhood with the state-of-the-art features that New Yorkers deserve. This is just one great example of how our library systems, with this fiscal year’s investments, are providing New Yorkers with access to knowledge and resources.” 

“As we break ground on the major renovation of Hollis Library, we are reminded of all the ways that New Yorkers use their libraries in the internet age — not just for quiet study but for play, for caretaking, accessing social services, and so much more,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Our hardworking team at DDC is up to the task of delivering public spaces that meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers. CM-Build, which the governor has on her desk to sign into law, will help us renovate our aging civic buildings like libraries more quickly and affordably.”

“This DDC in-house design will completely overhaul the current interior into an environmentally-efficient, modern, and spacious library with more natural lighting, several reading areas, a multi-purpose room, more space for computers, and ADA-compliant restrooms,” said DDC Commissioner Foley. “In the future, we hope we can use a faster method of construction management for library renovation projects called CM-Build, which provides a lot more flexibility for dealing with issues that arise in the field after we start work. Once our construction reform bill, which was passed by the state Legislature, is signed in Albany, we’ll be able to complete projects like these even faster and more efficiently.”

“The upcoming transformation of Hollis Library represents our commitment to providing modern, inviting spaces that inspire people to learn, grow, and find success,” said Dennis M. Walcott, president and CEO, Queens Public Library. “I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and Councilmember Linda Lee for their substantial investment and for their constant support of our libraries.”

Improvements to the Hollis Library QPL branch, funded in part by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and New York City Councilmember Linda Lee, will include new insulated walls, new flooring and ceilings, and sleek, embedded light fixtures. The library’s entrance will be upgraded with a new reception area, and the façade will include large perimeter windows for extra lighting. The renovation will create three reading rooms — a main reading room with an area for teenagers, a children’s area, and a multi-purpose room with a visual and audio system. The design also allows for more computer space, with a capacity for 16 workstations. Wireless internet will also be available throughout the building. The interior renovation will follow the latest ADA-accessible standards, including upgraded restrooms.

The project will also replace and upgrade all building mechanical systems, including electric, fire-alarm, and plumbing. Additionally, the library’s interior and exterior lighting and mechanical systems will be made compliant with the New York City Energy Conservation Code. After the renovation, it is expected that the 1973-built library will be certified as LEED Silver for efficiency. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

This announcement builds on recent work that DDC has done across the QPL system to upgrade and renovate buildings. Last week, DDC finished a $1.8 million roof renovation for QPL’s Laurelton Library branch. The library now has a multi-layer roof system for insulation and water protection for the next 15 years. The building’s façade was also restored with brick and marble replacements for a fresher look. The project was done nearly 10 percent under budget, saving taxpayers $160,000. DDC also recently completed a $2.2 million renovation of QPL’s Hillcrest Library. The project replaced the library’s roof and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.