QPL Announces Status Update on Reopening of Three Branches Following Last Week’s Restoration of City Funding
Service at Bay Terrace, Broadway and Hillcrest Libraries Set To Resume Upon Completion of Preparations and Inspections
QUEENS, NY _ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott announced today the status of Bay Terrace, Broadway, and Hillcrest libraries, the three libraries whose reopenings – due to the proposed reduction of City funding in the new fiscal year – were at risk of being delayed following the completion of construction projects.
The recently adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2025 restores $58.3 million to the city’s library systems, including $16.6 million for QPL alone. As a result, QPL, along with Brooklyn and the New York public library systems, will be able to begin reinstating seven-day service starting Sunday, July 14, at libraries – including Central and Flushing libraries – that previously offered it, continue to operate six days a week, and reopen libraries that had been closed for construction.
“The public has been patiently waiting for Bay Terrace, Broadway and Hillcrest to resume service, and we are very pleased that we will finally be able to reopen these branches,” said President Walcott. “Now that our funding has been restored, we are working as quickly as possible to fill the positions needed for the three locations. Each branch will require different levels of preparation before they can open their doors again, and our staff are eager to ready them for the public.”
Updates on the status of Bay Terrace, Broadway and Hillcrest libraries follow.
Broadway Library
The project includes improvements on the lower level – a new computer center, new public restrooms, updated meeting rooms, and new décor. Construction is complete, and once staff are in the building, QPL will need approximately two weeks to prepare the branch. Assuming this goes smoothly, we anticipate reopening Broadway in early August.
Hillcrest Library
The branch will have a new roof and HVAC system. The building is currently awaiting final inspections, after which it will take approximately two weeks for us to reopen Hillcrest.
Bay Terrace Library
Renovations include the addition of a new teen room, a new multipurpose community room with audiovisual equipment, and an accessible entrance at the side of the building. The building is currently awaiting final inspections, after which preparation for reopening would take approximately two months. We hope to be able to reopen Bay Terrace in the fall.
###