By Bill Parry
The Sunnyside branch of Queens Library, at 43-06 Greenpoint Ave., is closed until mid-August while it gets a new roof installed.
Area children, already without their favorite park across the street, have one less place to hang out during the warm summer months.
Corporal Noonan Playground is undergoing a $2 million renovation and will not reopen until next summer.
“We don’t have control over the timing,” library spokeswoman Joanne King said. “It’s the New York City Department of Design and Construction’s call. It’s their project, so the timing is up to them.”
There will be a Mobile Library providing limited service every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the library is closed. The mid-August target is not guaranteed, according to King.
“We’re hoping for the best-case scenario,” she said.
There is another library branch within walking distance, at 54-22 Skillman Ave. in Woodside, and the Court Square branch is a short ride on the No. 7 subway, at 25-01 Jackson Ave.
There is also concern about senior citizens who use the library as a cooling center during heat waves.
“Seniors should call 311 for the locations of alternative cooling centers in the area,” King said.
The Sunnyside branch was last closed for nine months in 2009 as it underwent a $2.3 million makeover.
“That was a renovation of the interior,” King said. “Roofs are done on a separate schedule. It’s proper maintenance to change the roof periodically so you don’t develop leaks.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538,
