NYC Council and Queens Public Library Celebrate Major Allocation for Central Library Auditorium Redevelopment
Jamaica, NY - Council Member Nantasha Williams, Speaker Adrienne Adams, the Queens Delegation and Queens Public Library (QPL) President Dennis M. Walcott hosted a check presentation ceremony in the auditorium of the Queens Central Library to commemorate securing $11 million for the redevelopment of the beloved community space. The funding includes a $5 million allocation from the NYC Council’s Queens Delegation and $6 million from Mayor Eric Adams, ensuring the auditorium’s transformation after decades of service to the community.
The Central Library, located in Jamaica, is the heart of Queens Public Library’s network, welcoming over 675,000 visitors annually and hosting nearly 160,000 program attendees in Fiscal Year 2024. The facility serves as a vital hub for resources, technology, and programs, offering services to one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse populations in the nation. The 1,800-square-foot auditorium, which accommodates up to 200 people, has hosted countless cultural events, educational programs, and community celebrations since the library was built in 1966.
“Today marks a transformative milestone for the Queens Central Library and our community,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams, Co-Chair of the Queens Delegation. “This investment ensures the Central Library Auditorium will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive space for education, culture, and creativity. As a gathering place for residents across the borough, this renovation reflects our commitment to improving resources that enrich lives.”
“Libraries are pillars of our neighborhoods, serving as community centers and resource hubs that support New Yorkers of all ages,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “In addition to securing funding to restore full library service, the Council’s Queens Delegation is proud to invest $5 million for the renovation of Queens Central Library’s auditorium. This essential, widely-used space hosts events, programs, and meetings for the entire community. I thank the entire Queens Delegation, led by Council Members Williams and Lee, and Queens Public Library for their work to secure this important investment for the future of Queens.”
“Central Library’s auditorium has served as an essential gathering place and a cultural hub for the community for the past 58 years, and we are very much looking forward to bringing it up to 21st century standards,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “The public deserves a modern, vibrant and welcoming venue for the performing arts, films, author talks and more. We are incredibly grateful to New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Nantasha Williams and the Council’s Queens delegation for their work with Mayor Eric Adams to secure the funding needed to renovate this important space.”
“I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of the Queens Delegation, and thanks to Speaker Adams and Co-Chair Williams, we secured $5 million to redevelop the Queens Central Library’s auditorium for families to enjoy. Thank you to QPL President & CEO Dennis Walcott for your ongoing leadership and advocacy. Libraries are pillars of our communities that provide residents of all ages with the tools, services, and programs they need to be successful,” said Council Member Linda Lee, Co-Chair of the Queens Delegation.
“I’m proud to support this allocation of $5 million from the Queens Delegation for the redevelopment of the auditorium at the Queens Central Library. Libraries are so essential to our communities for the fostering of the cultural arts. Thank you to our Queens Library President and CEO, Dennis Walcott for his continued partnership. These allocations would not be possible without the partnership of Mr. Walcott,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino.
“Growing up in a working class family, the Queens Library system was my primary source for learning, reading for enjoyment, and pursuing my education. Joining in the presentation of a $5 million check to the Queens Library is my ability to give back to the institution that helped shape my career, and this funding will now help others in their journey,” said Council Member Lynn Schlman
"Libraries are essential resources, offering access to knowledge and information crucial for personal growth and societal advancement. I have had the privilege of allocating over 1.5 million dollars of funding to libraries in District 21, and I am proud to work with my fellow Queens Council Members to contribute another $5 million to update the auditorium in Queen Central Library" said Council Member Francisco P. Moya.
"Queens Public Library has long been a cornerstone of our community, providing critical resources, education, and a welcoming space for all," said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "The $5 million allocation by the Queens Delegation to redevelop the auditorium at Queens Central Library is a testament to our commitment to enhancing these vital public institutions. This investment will ensure that the library continues to serve as a hub for cultural and educational programming for generations to come. I am proud to join my colleagues and President Dennis Walcott in celebrating this milestone."
“Our public libraries are centerpieces of our communities. That is why I was proud to support the Queens Delegation’s $5 million allocation to Queens Public Library to renovate the auditorium at Queens Central Library. This funding will support vibrant educational programming for children and families for years to come,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan.
The comprehensive renovation will include ADA-accessible seating and ramps, updated finishes, advanced audiovisual technology, a hearing loop system, acoustical panels, and a new stage with dedicated features for performers. Outside the auditorium, flexible multipurpose rooms and an upgraded reception area will enhance the visitor experience. Once complete, the auditorium will also support live streaming of select events, expanding access to QPL’s programming.
The Central Library Auditorium is not only a resource for Council District 27 but also serves residents across neighboring districts. It hosts events for elected officials, government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations at no cost, in keeping with QPL’s mission to provide free, high-quality, and reliable services to all.
The ceremony featured an oversized check presentation for the Council portion of these funds, symbolizing the partnership and shared commitment to advancing the educational and cultural resources of the borough.