The doors of the Queens Library in Ridgewood will be closed beginning November 16 for the start of a full makeover of the first floor and mezzanine.
A temporary space on the lower level will be open to the public at the end of January while the main part of the library is under construction.
Queens Library Associate Director of Communications, Joanna King, said that they are “reconfiguring the area so when it opens there will be much more useable room.”
The library is expected to reopen for public service near the end of 2011 with a whole new décor. There will be a new color scheme, an 18-workstation cyber center with banks of computers that will have Internet capability and have all the library’s resources, RFID self-service check out, a new, separate teen area, adult reading areas and full access to the mezzanine area for the mobility impaired.
The renovations will cost about $2.8 million. Construction funds were allocated by City Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley; state grant funds were allocated by New York State Assemblymember Catherine Nolan and Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. provided needed funding for furniture and equipment.
Senator Addabbo, who has raised around $100,000 for library improvements, had only good things to say about the project. “I think when we look at our capital budget, any capital dollars invested on libraries is a good investment.” He added that as for the cosmetics aspect of the renovations, if the library looks good it creates a more pleasant atmosphere for those who use it.
People are invited to use any other Queens Library; the closest is in Middle Village and Glendale. For more information about programs, services, locations, events and news, visit the Queens Library Web site at www.queenslibrary.org or call 718-990-0700.
