Four libraries closing for renovations

Four community libraries in Queens will be getting an upgrade this month.
Branches in Douglaston-Little Neck, Rosedale, Baisley Park and Middle Village will be closed in August for approximately 3 to 4 weeks to allow for renovations funded by Borough President Helen Marshall.
According to Joanne King, Associate Director of Communications of Queens Library, this is part of the plan to renovate all Queens libraries with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) equipment, while making them more attractive and addressing specific needs of each library.
“All Queens libraries will be renovated within the next couple of years,” King said. “A third of the libraries in Queens have had this facelift already.”
She sighted Queens libraries at Sunnyside, Rego Park, and LeFrak City as recent examples of those that have gone under renovation.
According to her, some community members get irritated over the momentary loss of services during renovations, but they are rewarded for their wait with a more attractive and advanced library.
After renovation, these four libraries will see improved customer service features including fast, RFID self-check out for customers, more computers, new paint, new décor items, plasma screens for scheduling and community information, some new shelving and furniture.
Douglaston-Little Neck library is scheduled to be closed starting Friday, August 7 for renovation, Rosedale library on Thursday, August 13, Baisley Park on Friday, August 14, and Middle Village on Monday, August 17. They are expected to re-open early September.
While these libraries are closed, the customers may renew borrowed books and DVDs online at www.queenslibrary.org. They can also renew via phone at 718-990-8508.
Fines that would normally come from not returning items on time to these libraries will be waved while they are renovating.