By Phil Corso
The Bayside branch of the Queens Library will close its doors by the end of this month for extensive renovations scheduled for completion this summer, the library said.
According to Joanne King, director of communications for the Queens Library, the Queens Library at Bayside, at 214-20 Northern Blvd., will shut down Dec. 29 to make way for massive construction projects at the facility. The library will remain closed until its expected reopening this summer, King said.
Through the first half of 2013, the library will receive a complete interior makeover, King said, equipped with a new self-service check-out and 24/7 check-in of materials, King said. The library will also receive new separate areas for teens, adults and children with a bright new decor and full handicap accessibility.
A mobile library will also provide limited service several days a week, King said.
The entire project will cost $1.3 million to renovate the 10,300-square-foot building originally constructed in 1965, which King said was one of the more heavily used libraries in the borough.
“Thank you, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall, the Queens delegation to the New York state Senate and Assembly and the Queens delegation to the New York City Council for funding the renovation of Queens Library at Bayside,” King said.
Throughout the several months of construction, the library said customers may access a mobile library, which will park in front of the library. Beyond Bayside, the closest Queens Library locations can be found at East Flushing, 196-36 Northern Blvd., and at Douglaston/Little Neck, 249-01 Northern Blvd. A more extensive list of Queens Library branches can also be found at queenslibrary.org.
Until the branch closes its doors Dec. 29, it will operate under its regular schedule with its full programming lineup, King said, with hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. The library will also be closed Christmas Day.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
