Oct. 8, 2015 By Michael Florio
The Queens Library will be extending its hours so that every branch will be open at least one weekend day beginning on November 15th.
Currently, just 20 of the 63 Queens Library branches open on weekends.
Several branches in western Queens are currently open one weekend day. The Broadway, Jackson Heights, Long Island City (37-44 21st Street), Sunnyside and the Steinway branches are open Saturdays.
However, the Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst and Woodside branches are part of the 43 branches that operate just Monday-Friday. Those branches will now be open Saturdays. They will reopen on Saturday, November 21, and will operate from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Court Square branch will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays since it is located inside the Citibank building, which is shut on weekends. However, library users will be able to go to the existing mobile branch at Gantry Plaza State Park that is open Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm.
The library is able to offer the extended hours after the City budget included additional operating expenses of $43 million citywide, with $12 million going to Queens.
”Six day library service is back in Queens!” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer in a statement. “If budgets are a reflection of our values, then truly this budget shows that we, as a City, value the life changing services of our City’s libraries.”
The extended hours will give library users increased access to computers, free books and help with school work, according to the organization.
The funding also went toward hiring approximately 100 new employees.
“The wide array of resources the Queens Library offers children, seniors, immigrants and professionals is invaluable and a democratizing force in our borough,” said Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland in a statement.
“To have our libraries open on the weekends and provide greater access to them is a great victory for us all.”
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5 Comments
Library books are covered in fecal matter because most people read on the toilet.
stay classy, Sunnyside
Restoring what was cut when according to Comptroller Scott Stringer, Bridget Quinn-Carey and Tom Galante started looting the place. How come they never repaid the money the Comptroller says they stole? The crime here is all the years there was no Saturday service while, as reported by the City Comptroller, Quinn-Carey and Galante give themselves exhorbitant raises and embezzled Library money.
Thanks for the restoration, but truly, go after the criminals.
If I steal from the city by parking somewhere they say I can’t and I don’t pay my ticket, the city comes after me. Go after the big fish, too.
Thanks JVB. Good luck finding a place to park on Saturdays now.