You are reading

More Queens Library Branches to Open for Browsing, Computer Use Next Week

The Sunnyside library, along with 11 other QPL branches, will open for in-person browsing and computer use starting next week (GMaps)

May 14, 2021 By Allie Griffin

A dozen Queens Public Library (QPL) branches throughout the borough will open for in-person browsing and computer use next week.

The 12 locations will reopen on Monday, May 24. They will be in addition to the 14 branches that opened for in-person use on Monday, May 10.

The branches to reopen for browsing and computer use on May 24 include: Briarwood, Fresh Meadows, Jackson Heights, Laurelton, Lefrak City, Maspeth, Mitchell-Linden, Rego Park, South Ozone Park, St. Albans, Sunnyside, and Whitestone.

The library system had only been allowing “to-go” service in which patrons ordered books online and picked them up in a designated area at the branch location. That changed last week with the reopening of the first 14 locations.

At these newly reopened “in-person” branches, visitors can peruse materials, place requests for other items, pick up books and media they requested, get help from reference services and use the computer and printers. Bathrooms will also be open to patrons.

Library officials said customers should limit visits to 30 minutes or less, and the number of patrons allowed in each branch at a given time will be limited. Seating will only be available at stations with public computers.

Visitors are required to wear face masks inside the libraries and stay at least six feet away from other patrons.

“Our goal is to provide a safe environment for our staff and customers as we continue to expand our services to the public, and help the city recover from one of the most challenging periods in its history,” Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott said in a statement.

Queens Public Library expects to gradually reopen other branches for “in-person” service in the coming months. The system has 66 branches, with 39 now having been reopened for either “in person” or “to-go” service.

QPL and the city’s two other library systems – The New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library – plan to reopen all branches throughout the city by mid-July, with the exception of locations undergoing renovation or being used by the city for other purposes.

Queens Public Library had closed its physical locations on March 16, 2020 to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and gradually reopened branches for to-go service, in July.

At libraries open for to-go pick ups, patrons can request items online, through the QPL app or by phone and then pick up the books and media in a designated area of each branch. Those returning items can drop them off at machines located on the exterior of the buildings.

More information about the Queens Public Library’s reopening plan is available on its website.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Shots fired as NYPD confronts suspected car theft crew at Flushing auto shop Friday morning

The NYPD opened fire on a car theft crew who were caught in the act of stealing vehicles in Flushing on Friday morning.

Police from the 109th Precinct responded to a 911 call of a burglary in progress at around 5:30 a.m. at the Express Auto Repair shop at 134-02 33rd Ave. Officers encountered a group of ten men who were in possession of firearms in a parking area near the intersection of Prince Street and 33rd Avenue. As the officers approached on foot, the gunmen jumped into several vehicles and attempted to flee at a high rate of speed toward the officers, an NYPD spokesman said. One officer discharged his service weapon as the vehicles fled northbound on Miller Street toward 32nd Avenue.

Queens voters to decide key Civil Court races in 2025 primary and general elections

Jun. 6, 2025 By Athena Dawson & Czarinna Andres

Queens voters will head to the polls this year to decide a mix of contested and uncontested Civil Court races, including three competitive Democratic primaries and multiple general election matchups. The contests span countywide vacancies and judicial seats in four Municipal Court Districts. The primary election will take place on Tuesday, June 24, with the general election set for Tuesday, November 4.

Gotti grandsons charged in Howard Beach assault after home burglary by Gambino associate: NYPD

Two grandsons of the late Gambino mob boss John Gotti were arrested Monday for dishing out some street justice against an associate who allegedly robbed the Howard Beach home of the don’s namesake on Saturday.

Reputed Gambino associate Gino Gabrielli, 31, was arrested on Sunday, a day after he allegedly broke into the residence of 31-year-old John Gotti, at 94-19 157th Ave. in Howard Beach on the afternoon of Sunday, June 1, and stealing $3,500 in cash, a luxury wristwatch, a pair of earrings, a wallet and a jewelry box, according to the criminal complaint.