Mayor Eric Adams and city officials broke ground Thursday on a $7.4 million renovation of the Queens Public Library (QPL) at Hollis.
Mayor Adams, QPL President Dennis M. Walcott, New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar and New York City Council Member Linda Lee gathered on Thursday, Oct. 17, for the ceremonial groundbreaking.
The library, located at 202-05 Hillside Ave., is expected to transform its interior completely, creating modern reading rooms, increasing computer space and enhancing accessibility for the community as part of the city’s $900 million investment in libraries.
“I am proud to be here to break ground on this major renovation of the Hollis Library,” Mayor Adams said. “This $7 million project will improve the library experience for this entire community. Public libraries are more than just places to check out books — they are community hubs, offering access to resources, job opportunities and spaces to cool off during a heatwave.”
The renovation is part of the Adams administration’s broader commitment to investing in New York City’s library system. Over the past three fiscal years, the administration has allocated more than $300 million to libraries, with nearly $900 million earmarked for the Fiscal Year 2025 to 2028 capital plan.
Improvements to the Hollis Library QPL branch, funded in part by Borough President Richards and Council Member Lee, will include new insulated walls, new flooring and ceilings and sleek, embedded light fixtures. The library’s entrance will be upgraded with a new reception area, and the façade will feature large perimeter windows to bring in extra natural light. The renovation will create three distinct reading rooms — a main reading room with a dedicated teen space, a children’s area and a multi-purpose room equipped with audio-visual technology. The design also allows for more computer space, accommodating 16 workstations, with wireless internet available throughout the building. All interior upgrades will comply with ADA standards, including revamped restrooms.
The project will also include replacing and upgrading all mechanical systems, such as electric, fire alarm and plumbing, while ensuring the building’s lighting and mechanical systems meet the New York City Energy Conservation Code. Once completed, the library, built in 1973, is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification for energy efficiency. The renovation is slated for completion in spring 2026.
“This DDC-designed renovation will deliver a modern, spacious and environmentally efficient library,” said Commissioner Foley. “Once our construction reform bill is signed into law, we’ll be able to complete projects like this even faster, bringing more state-of-the-art facilities to communities across the city.”
Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott underscored the importance of the project. “The upcoming transformation of Hollis Library reflects our commitment to providing modern, inviting spaces that inspire people to learn, grow and succeed,” Walcott said. “I want to thank Mayor Adams and our local leaders for their continued support.”
Borough President Richards, who allocated $1 million to the project, emphasized the positive impact on the community. “Hollis families deserve a state-of-the-art library to call their own, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering here today,” Richards said. “Libraries are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, and it’s critical that we ensure every branch receives the investment it needs to best serve our families.”
Council Member Lee echoed these sentiments, highlighting the library’s role as a vital community hub. “Residents deserve to feel a sense of pride in their neighborhood,” Lee said. “This investment to upgrade our community library will serve as another reason to be proud to call Hollis home.”
The announcement of the Hollis Library renovation builds on recent DDC projects across the Queens Public Library system. Last week, DDC completed a $1.8 million roof renovation at the Laurelton Library, adding a multi-layer insulation system and restoring the façade. Additionally, DDC finished a $2.2 million renovation of the Hillcrest Library, which included a new roof and upgraded HVAC systems.
“We’re ensuring that New Yorkers in every neighborhood have access to world-class libraries,” said the Mayor. “Our public libraries are essential to our communities, and we will continue to invest in their future.”
In the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget, the city invested an additional $58.3 million in operating funds for the city’s three public library systems, allowing for the return of Sunday service in branches that previously offered it. Mayor Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams also announced a $42.8 million baseline in future budgets to prevent service disruptions.
