After an almost year-long delay due to budget cuts, officials said the Queens Public Library’s renovated Broadway branch in Astoria will reopen Monday.
Located at 40-20 Brdwy., the two-story building’s previously underutilized cellar got a $4.6 million renovation, expanding the space available for public use. Visitors can expect a new computer center with 30 computers, a lounge area and a new HVAC system. There are also new ADA-compliant public restrooms and a renovated meeting space with a stage and a classroom.
“We’re excited for the community because they’re going to have space they probably never dreamed of — space that was inaccessible before, that was in the basement,” QPL President Dennis Walcott told Gothamist in an interview on Sunday. “I’ve been down there and it’s lovely, it is a gorgeous and relaxing space. I think people will respond with their feet and we’ll see people there on a regular basis.”
The library first closed for renovations in March 2022 with plans to reopen in fall 2023. But Walcott said pandemic-related issues and citywide budget cuts to libraries delayed the original timeline. Last month, city officials restored $58 million for libraries in the budget — including $16 million for QPL — getting the Broadway Library back on track for reopening.
“We were not able to hire the necessary personnel to make sure that we were fully staffed at not just Broadway, but other libraries. And as a result of the restoration of $58 million to the three systems in New York City, we have been able to hire staff and make sure that we’re opening our buildings to serve the public’s needs,” he said.
The Hillcrest Library is expected to reopen soon with a new roof and HVAC system, and the Bay Terrace Library is set to reopen in the fall with a new teen room, a new multipurpose community room, and an accessible entrance at the side of the building.
“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. “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.”
The Broadway Library’s hours are listed below:
Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.