With the final piece added to its steel structure, the Queens Library at Elmhurst is one step closer to serving the community.
Borough President Helen Marshall, local elected officials, Queens Library officials, construction company representatives and community leaders gathered on Tuesday, April 29 for the hoisting of the ceremonial beam to “top out” the new library.
“Our community is excited to welcome to the neighborhood a state-of-the-art library so that people can take advantage of all of its wonderful services,” said Councilmember Daniel Dromm. “For communities as diverse as Elmhurst, libraries represent so much more than just books.”
Attendees got to add their signatures to the beam before it went up.
The library is expected to open next year and will be double the size of the former facility. Its four levels will feature elevator access for all, a 32-computer center, a new adult learner center, an interior reading atrium, community gardens and separate areas for adults, children and teens.
Marshall, Dromm and Mayor Michael Bloomberg raised funds for the new library. The general contractor of the new building is Stalco Construction, Inc. and the architect is Marpillero Pollak Architects.
“The new design by award-winning Marpillero Pollak Architects will combine all the library features the community deserves while paying homage to the library’s legacy in Elmhurst,” said Thomas W. Galante, president and CEO of Queens Library.
During construction, a temporary building is offering library services at 85-08 51st Avenue.
