The Ridgewood Branch of the Queens Public Library is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year. Since opening its doors on Oct. 15, 1929, the library at 20-12 Madison St. has been a cornerstone for learning and community engagement in Ridgewood.
The Ridgewood Library holds a special place in Queens’ history as the first library in the borough to be built by the city rather than through the generous funding of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie’s donations to the Queens Public Library funded the construction of seven libraries in the borough between 1904 and 1924
In 1937, the branch underwent significant renovations, expanding its space and services to meet the growing needs of the local community. Since then, it has evolved to become more than just a repository of books, offering a wide range of programs and resources to its patrons.
As the library hits this major milestone exactly 95 years to this day, it remains at the heart of Ridgewood’s vibrant community. Today, visitors can access much more than books; the branch provides free Wi-Fi, computer workstations, educational classes, and programs for all ages. Remote printing services are available, and extended Wi-Fi coverage enables visitors to connect to the library’s network from up to 450 feet away, even when the building is closed.
The Friends of Ridgewood Library will host a special social event on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the library’s 95th birthday. The gathering offers an opportunity for community members to connect with each other and learn more about the Friends group, which supports the library’s programs and initiatives. Attendees will have the chance to meet fellow Ridgewood residents and library supporters while honoring nearly a century of service at the Ridgewood Branch.
The library is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. The branch is wheelchair accessible, and there is a 24/7 drop-off service for materials.
For more information, visit the Ridgewood Library during its hours of operation or visit queenslibrary.org.
