By Nathan Duke
The Ridgewood branch of the Queens Library will close for seven weeks to allow for the construction of an area for teens as well as a new cyber workstation.
The library, at 20-12 Madison St. in Ridgewood, shut down April 26 and will remain closed through the middle of June, a library spokeswoman said.
Renovations to the library will include new decor as well as an 18-workstation cyber center and a separate area for teenagers. The library will also get a new self-service checkout and provide full access to the mezzanine area for the mobility impaired.
The children’s room on the library’s lower level, which was renovated in 2005, will remain intact as the building’s upper floor is upgraded. The original structure was opened in 1928.
The project will cost a total of $2.8 million.
Public service will resume in a temporary space in the library’s lower level in June. But the main part of the building will be under construction through the end of 2011.
Library customers will be able to use any of the borough’s other libraries, including branches at 72-13 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village or 78-60 73rd Place in Glendale.
Books and videos can be renewed by phone at 718-990-8508 or online at the library’s Web site.
Funding for the construction project was allocated by City Councilwomen Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) and Diana Reyna (D-Brooklyn) as well as state Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Ridgewood), while state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) provided furniture and equipment.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
