The new Far Rockaway Library. Image Credit: DDC.
On July 30, 2024, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, and other critical stakeholders celebrated the grand opening of the new Far Rockaway Library. The new library is located at the intersection of Central and Mott Avenues. This project was designed by architectural firm Snohetta. This project cost $39 million to be designed and constructed.
The first floor of the library consists of a teen room, computer area, library offices, a book sorting area, and a staff lounge and lockers. The second floor consists of separate adult and children reading areas, a dividable meeting room, and is accessible by an elevator. Both floors are equipped with restrooms and there is a rear yard accessible to the public.
The corner of a tall transparent glass pyramid serves as a main entrance to the new two-story library. The exterior of the building bears a glass facade of colored glass. The interior railing is made of glass that changes colors under different lighting conditions and viewing angles. This dichroic glass creates a kaleidoscopic effect around the central atrium space which provides patrons views of the sky from the inside and while letting in natural lighting.
The 18,000-square-foot building meets LEED Gold standards for environmental efficiency. The library has the following energy efficient features 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; and the glass facade’s glazing reduces heat generated by the sun and lets in ample natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The library’s hours are as follows:
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
Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott said, “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. 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.”
Mayor Eric Adams said, “Libraries create spaces that inspire learning, spark curiosity, and foster lifelong connections among New Yorkers of all ages. 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.”
Department of Design and Construction Commissioner (DDC) Thomas Foley said, “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. 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.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)